. good morning, america. breaking overnight, christmas storm. >> wow. >> a wall of tornados slams the south. one twister shredding a strip mall and a day care filled with children. at least four people dead, and severe weather makes travel treacherous for millions on the holiday. and former president george h.w. bush raced to the hospital after shortness of breath, kept overnight. new details about his condition. the show will go on. sony flip-flops on the interview, revealing it will be screened on christmas day. showings already sold out. will north korea retaliate? what can they do?

and "gma" is home for the holidays. we have seen the incredible reunions this week. now we've saved best for last. this mom about to get the christmas surprise of a lifetime as "gma" says -- >> ho ho ho! it's christmas eve! and good morning, america. we are not going to keep santa for long. he has a lot of work to do this morning. and thank you for joining us this christmas eve. it is a busy one. >> busy day. all the latest on president bush in a moment. first, this from columbia, mississippi, a ambulance overturned. >> and this after a storm swept

through the area. we want to get to matt gutman in columbia, mississippi, with the very latest. good morning, matt. >> good morning, lara. even in the darkness, you can get a sense of the scale of the devastation. this was the interior of a tire shop. the whole store was pushed back into the woods. guts of the shop were flung right up into the woods right there. it came so quickly, it didn't give some people time to seek shelter. >> wow. >> reporter: a series of tornados slashing into mississippi's pine belt late tuesday, leaving four people dead in the mounds of debris, dozens reported hurt. >> we were trying to outrun this monster storm. it shook us like a rag doll. >> reporter: in marion county, mississippi, a tornado shredding this strip mall. inside her nail salon, young mother amber was killed. and at this walmart, last minute

holiday shoppers scrambling when the roof blew off, trapping people inside, and the cars in the parking lot sent flying. this sledgehammer turning this body shop into a lump of twisted siding. this is what it looked like yesterday. tornados so powerful they flipped cars, even this ambulance. ripping the roof off a day care, all the children accounted for. raining on roads, severing power lines and causing epic traffic jams. causing the governor to declais claire a state of emergency in two counties. >> looked out in the yard, things were flying everywhere. shingles flying off the house. >> reporter: and tornados in louisiana and georgia. in louisiana, nearly two dozen homes damaged. these trailers flattened like card board boxes. >> it really came so thatfast.

that's the big surprise. how quick it hit. >> reporter: and pummelled by golf ball size hail. and flash flooding in tallahassee, 7 inches of rain piling up, making it the wettest day on record. fire fighters forced to rescue this stranded driver from a sinking car. now you mentioned, lara, that ambulance at the start of the piece. we found it and asked authorities how it got here. they said they didn't know. already we have been hearing the sound of buzz saws cutting through trees. linesmen are out and about trying to restore power. but clearly because of this destruction it's going to take a long time to clean this place up. the good news, however, is that the worst of this weather has passed. lara, george. >> and that is great news. all right, matt. and right to rob marciano for more on the severe storms. >> good morning. yesterday, clearly a volatile and dangerous day. 11 reports of tornados, most aren't the cell in mississippi.

all in all, 57 reports of wind, hail and tornados across the deep south. and pushing to the east, a tornado watch out for northern florida, southern georgia and into the carolinas. that's in effect until 2:00 p.m. eastern. and the threat through the carolinas, and ohio. a very large storm encompassing the states east of the mississippi. we push the rain and the wind to the northeast. it's heavy at times. a difficult travel day, no doubt. and the backside will bring in colder air that will bring in snow. a couple of inches from chicago in through lower michigan. we'll talk about who's going to see a white christmas later on. >> tough timing. >> a lot of activity. and now move to the breaking news on former president george h.w. bush in the hospital this morning. taken there overnight after experiencing shortness of breath. ryan owens is outside houston methodist hospital with the latest. good morning, ryan. >> reporter: good morning, george. the bush family is insisting this trip to the hospital, just

a precaution. but the former president was rushed here late last night. and let us not forget, he is 90 years old. former president george h.w. bush was experiencing shortness of breath when he was rushed to houston methodist late tuesday night. at the time his wife was reading twaz the night before christmas with j.j. watt at a public event. she left immediately after and told people only that her husband was at home. this is hardly the 41st president's first trip to the hospital. almost two years ago to the day president bush was admitted for a bronchitis-related cough. he spent christmas 2012 here and almost two months, including time in the icu. he has had a series of health issues since his presidency. he was diagnosed with graves disease in 1991, a condition

that causes an irregular heart beat. confined to a wheelchair for two years. he was last seen publicly in a golf cart at a houston texans game a month ago. and caught with barbara on the kiss cam. weeks before that, his son, president george w. bush paid tribute to his father at his presidential library at texas a&m university. >> his great contribution to my presidency was the comfort he provided. >> reporter: bush 41 has seemed to defy his age for years. he spent his 90 td birthday in june sky diving in maine. he celebrated his 75th, 80th, and 85th birthdays exactly the same way. he's quite something. the current president on vacation in hawaii has been briefed on the former president's condition. he and the first lady michelle obama send their best wishes to

the bush family for the holidays. george. >> we share in that. thanks very much. and the latest on the movie that set off a cyber war with north korea. sony will now show the movie in select theaters on christmas day. and a new trailer was released overnight. bazi kanani has the story. >> hello, north korea. >> this is not the christmas president kim jong you think wanted. but the spoof will appear tomorrow after all. >> it's my opportunity to fight terrorism on christmas day. >> reporter: hundreds of theaters deciding to show the film. many christmas day viewings sold out in hours. those threats by hackers to carry out a 9/11-style attack on the theaters don't seem to be keeping anyone away. >> i have little concern about an attack. but i don't think we're going to be stupid about it. >> reporter: and james franco writing on instagram, victory.

and seth rogan on twitter, freedom has revailed. >> take him out. >> reporter: president obama who said this about the decision to pull the movie last week -- >> i think this is a mistake. >> reporter: is applauding sony. and allows people to make their own choices about the film and we welcome that outcome. the internet and the hermit kingdom has gone dark at times. this morning the obama administration will not say if the outages are a cyber counterstrike. either way, the question remains, will north korea retaliate now that the movie will be seen. >> we got the interview. >> reporter: the fbi is encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. some lawmakers are asking for special congressional screenings of the film. sony is working to release the video on demand. so most people should be able to see it right at home. >> thanks.

more from our security analyst, matthew olson. thanks for joining us. we saw the fbi warning. presumably president obama wouldn't be saying this should be run if he thought the threat was credible. >> there's no indication this is a credible threat. the white house and national security staff is working with the fbi and the department of homeland security to assess the throat a threat and look at suspicious activity. any indication was this was just bluster from north korea. and the hackers. but not a credible threat of a physical attack on any movie goers. >> but what can they do in cyber space now? we have seen the north korean internet go down a couple times. the white house not saying the u.s. is behind it. can north korea retaliate in that space? >> they have capabilities, yes is the short answer. they could retaliate. and serve sony needs to be

prepared for additional attacks. but sony's not alone. they are no different than many companies in being unprepared for this type of attack. this is a wakeup call for companies to try to improve their defenses against this type of destructive attack. >> 90% of the american companies are vulnerable in this way. thanks very much. and turn now to tributes for the two new york city police officers shot and killed over the weekend. mayor bill de blasio joined the city in a moment of silence. a moment of unity for a city divided in recent weeks. and abc's david wright has the story. >> reporter: overnight anti-police protesters took to the streets despite pleas from new york's mayor bill de blasio to hold off until the two officers could be laid to rest. he's under fire himself for criticizing police tactics in the past. hours earlier, he made it clear

he's now in lock step with the ranks. >> officer ramos and officer liu believed in something. they believed in making this world better. they believed in making this city better. >> reporter: the mayor's message of unity accompanied by a city-wide moment of silence for the fallen officers. in brooklyn, the sea of flaof f and candles continues to grow. >> the police are the first and last line of defense. >> reporter: police departments share in the grief and the worry. >> when a guy in new york is murdered in cold blood, we feel it deep in our heart here. it opens our kwlies. >> reporter: the nypd is investigating at least a dozen possible copy cats. but many officers find themselves many dedicated to protecting and serving. especially during the holidays. >> did you say your granddaughter wanted that? >> reporter: these florida police officers granting christmas wishes with operation santa stop. and in kentucky, instead of

traffic tickets, police are doling out $100 bills. >> inside the warning is a little something. maybe you could spoil your grand kid, or maybe you yourself. >> my goodness. >> reporter: for "good morning america," david wright, abc news, new york. and now to paula faris with the other top stories. >> good morning. we begin with breaking news out of missouri where police shot and killed a teenager overnight. an angry crowd gathering at that scene, clashing with dozens of officers. police opened fire after an 18-year-old pointed a gun at an officer. it happened in berkeley, just a few miles from ferguson where michael brown was killed. and now a fightening moment for some holiday travelers. two 737 jets colliding, sheering one of the wings. it happened at one of the

busiest airports, laguardia here in new york. the american airlines flight had come from dallas, and the southwest flight was about to depart. wall street is on a roll. the dow closed above 18,000 for the first time ever. it's gained almost a thousand points in just five days. and an amazing rescue overnight in northern california to show you after a couple's boat got stuck on a small dam. fire fighters could not reach the man and woman. so a highway patrol helicopter came in, plucking them to safety. neither person was hurt. and in hawaii, lava flow threatening to wipe out a shopping center has stalled for now. officials fear that the lava would hit pahoa marketplace on christmas day. but the lava's edge stopped about 700 yards from the shopping center. and speaking of hawaii, president obama is getting lots of fresh air and exercise on his hawaiian vacation. that looks lovely, doesn't it?

he have went ton a scenic hike with malia and bunch of friends. sporting shorts and sneakers. he also squeezed in a round of golf. and finally a 13-year-old stealing the show at a college basketball game. she had to make four shots in 35 seconds. she makes the layup, hits the free throw, and then the three-pointer. she didn't take any time there. and finally the half court shot. nothing but net. here it comes. veronica, how about that? she had them dancing in the aisles. she won a free car for everyone. just kidding. she won free pizza. four pretty good shots in 30 seconds. >> pretty good? >> made a half court shot? >> that's all she got was pizza? >> i thought you were going to say a college scholarship -- >> i'm sure college basketball coaches are scouting her.

>> good point. we have news for the last minute christmas shoppers. linzie janis is here with tips on where you can get the best deals. >> reporter: good morning, george. believe it or not, the store behind me has been open for 24 hours since december 17 president. but toys"r"us stores will not close until 9:00 p.m. tonight. and the longer hours with deep discounts seem to be doing the trick for retailers. this holiday shopping season already shaping up to be better than last year. >> christmas is almost here. >> reporter: this morning, the final countdown for present procrastinators. and the christmas clock is ticking. less than 15 hours at target, 14 at toys 'r us. 13 at walmart. and 11 at macys and kohl's where doors have been open for 100 hours straight when they both close at 6:00 p.m. tonight. as for online shopping, amazon offering free same-day delivery

in some cities. but place the order by 10:00 a.m. less than three hours left. another option? >> more and more people are buying items online and picking them up in the store. and the stores are encouraging that trend too. >> reporter: buy online at toys"r"us, pick it up in an hour. best buy.com, 4:00 p.m., pick it up by 6:00. but don't expect to get your pick of the litter. especially when it comes to the season's hottest toys. >> this year there are a few toys that are especially popular. there's a toy called puppy surprise. it's a retro toy. >> reporter: some parents so desperate to get their hands on the "frozen" ice palace play set, paying double on e bay. money ticking up while the clock ticks down. now retail experts tell us today is not the day for browsing. if you have to go to the stores, do your research online first to get in and out quickly.

george. >> nothing relaxing about that at all. >> i'm glad they reminded us. today is not the day to browse. >> it's go time, people. go. elbow pads. >> isn't that every >> snow pretty scarce. we had to do that digging to check out this video. driving through yesterday just a couple inches and that's been the theme the past couple months. it's been a mild degrees. snow cover for this december. 28 percent coverage. not even chicago, not even massachusetts. this time a month ago we were at 50 percent and this time of year we're closer to 40 percent so feels like it's a brown christmas you're accurate there. go to the mountains that's where you'll see most of the snow. over a foot in spots. chicago through parts of lower michigan you might see snow piling up today but i think maybe just a dusting and light stuff east of the mississippi a lot of rain. your local forecast coming up in just 30 seconds. first here are your mild cities brought to you by walgreens. >> ♪

christmas. seconds. >> good morning, i'm meteorologist karen rogers with your accuweather update. storm tracker 6 live double scan showing some heavy rain in spots, kind of breaking up to the north and west but this rain is sticking with us all day and night. let's take you outside and show you what it looks like. fog is an issue especially as we look at atlantic city. let's take a look at your exclusive accuweather 7-day forecast. a mild high of 63. rainy, foggy, mild today. it ends overnight into tomorrow morning. tomorrow gusty winds and you're dry for christmas day we.

another reason to get in and out. get your shopping done. >> christmas eve, let's take a look at the santa tracker. or the armored truck mystery. bizarre twist on that case. more coming up. also ahead, an incredible discovery just in time for the holidays as a ground breaking secret unearthed in ancient ruins? we'll have that story for you coming up. sorry.

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hello! i think you have the wrong day. well, i heard you had dunkin' k-cup packs. pick up dunkin' k-cup packs for anyone who might drop by. get two boxes for $15.99. america runs on dunkin'. >> good morning, i'm tamala edwards. 7:26 on this wednesday, december 24th, christmas eve. matt pelman doesn't have a gift when it comes to what's going on on the vine. a major traffic headache. >> that's right a-big lump of coal for you and all the drivers trying to get across town. a truck flipped over a little after 5::this morning.

there's the wreckage of that truck. not only is that ramp closed but the whole vine, 676 westbound is blocked here by the schuylkill expressway. all westbound traffic being forced off at the ben franklin parkway. if you're trying to get to westbound 76 you can take the parkway out to the river drives. trying get to the eastbound side use the city streets and then maybe enter at 30th street or south street or just use 95 which looks pretty good this morning. septa's media elwyn regional rail line semi running between elwyn and secane. limited service between secane and center city. >> let's go to sky 6 hd with a live look at philadelphia international airport. messy day out there. arriving flights are already delayed by at least an hour because of the rain and the fog across the area. let's get more from accuweather and head to karen rogers much good morning. >> good morning, i'm standing outside in this steady rain right now. storm tracker 6 live double scan showing some pockets very heavy rain especially south and east of city. heavy rain especially south

break up near dover and out to our west. i think we might get in a little bit of a lull and pick up in intensity in another hour. raining on and off all day all night not finishing until the overnight hours. rainy and mild, 63 december for your high. fog is not as bad as yesterday. tomorrow gusty winds, dry for christmas day, a high of 53 and some sunshine. nice and sunny finally by friday, tam. >> okay, thank you karen. could a synagogue have been discovered where jesus preached? "gma" has that. we'll see you in 30. >> ♪

♪ ♪ better watch out ♪ you better not cry ♪ you better not pout i'm telling you why ♪ ♪ cause santa claus is coming to town ♪ michael buble keeping the spirit going. santa claus is coming to town. he's here, stopped by for a visit before heading out to drop off all those gifts. >> he has a big day ahead. so do we. who's done shopping? who's wrapped? >> not wrapped. hidden, though. >> that's the bags, tissue paper. it's done. >> no time like the present. chop, chop. and a remarkable discovery just in time for christmas. a ground breaking new find about

jesus unearthed in ancient ruins. and move over owen wilson and vince vaughn, the real life wedding crashers. and kevin making a speech. and wait until you see what happened on the dance floor. i'm anxious for that story. >> that one coming up. thank you. and start out with the armored truck mystery out of texas. the truck was found, driver on the loose, he and his father are charged in connection with the crime mara schiavocampo has the story. this was a big haul. >> reporter: it's hundreds of thousands of dollars. when he first turned up missing, police thought he was a victim, but now he's a suspect. his family reacting to the accusation. missing person turned wanted man. looking for 24-year-old trent michael cook for first degree felony theft of goods valued at more than $200,000.

they say he could be armed and dangerous. he hasn't been seen since monday, the same day police found the armored truck abandoned in a vacant lot after disappearing for 20 minutes. engines running, everything inside stolen. no sign of a struggle or forced entry. >> the armored truck was here. >> reporter: at first officials worried that cook may have been harm pfrmgtsd the first concern is the welfare of the driver. we're looking into that immediately. >> reporter: but tuesday they issued a warrant for cook's arrest. saying investigators have information that the suspect had discussed how a theft like this would be committed. they say his father was in on it top too. he's arrested for tampering with or changing evidence. we talked to his mother and stepfather on tuesday. they were convinced of his innocence. >> none of us believe trent has

anything to do with this. >> reporter: now shocked, they are standing by him. >> this is completely out of character for trent. he's, you know, and this is not something that he -- he would do. >> reporter: pleading directly with cook to turn himself in. >> i really want you to just come home and be safe and sound. no matter what happens. >> reporter: as for what was stolen from the truck, police won't say exactly what was inside. just one more part of a mystery that's still unfolding. cook's family also told us he loved his job. and if he was involved, they believe it was against his with will. the armored car company has no comment. thank you. and now a remarkable discovery just in time for christmas. in israel, excavating ruins, they believe this is the place where jesus christ taught and preached. lama hasan has more in london.

>> reporter: good morning. yes, just in time for christmas. archaeologists are calling the discove discovery a miracle. an extraordinary holy site straight from the gospel. given the age and the history, they believe it was likely jesus was teaching there. this morning in the ancient town of magela, what could be a ground-breaking and historic secret finally unearthed. the catholic organization which owns the site now claiming jesus himself may have preached in this first century synagogue, teaching his devoted disciples, including mary magdalene. this was her home town, it is believed, and it's believed jesus was in this area for three quarters of his life. >> jesus was traveling many times with the boat, with the fishermen. if for sure i think he taught in the synagogue.

>> reporter: it was first discovered in 2009 when crews began excavating the site with plans to build a hotel. five years and a treasure-trove of discoveries later, they're convinced that jesus taught here. among those historic treasures, a main hall with an elaborate mosaic floor. this limestone block carved with a menorah, the oldest ever found on stoeb. some of the art facts taken to the pope to see. >> we can see jesus seated on the edges of synagogue, reading the torah. >> reporter: and the work is only just beginning. they have a sprawling 12 acres of the ancient city left to excava excavate. there may be a treasure-trove of historical art facts and relics discovered at the holy site which they hope will unlock a few secrets and give us a better

understanding of the many packages in the gospels. >> fascinating. >> thank you so much. >> on the lot of rain on the east coast. start you off with what's happening across had a a this is yesterday where even currently there are flash flood warnings -- watches posted for maui honolulu and the big island a record 2-inches of rainfall. also a record in honolulu. it's going to be a light christmas on the big island. blizzard warrants with winds gusting to 90 miles an hour above 90,000 feet. meanwhile maybe the only state today lower 48 is going to be at or below average temperature-wise is texas, 51 degrees. midland 51 in dallas and drying out behind the storm system across parts of the midwest and in the heartland but east of the mississippi it will be wet from across the i-95 corridor with a high temperature in the northeast in the 50's maybe even 60's. that's a quick check of your national outlook. here's what's shaking locally. >> thanks rob.

i'm meteorologist karen rogers with your accuweather update. still some steady rain right now. 63 degrees for your high. rainy and mild with areas of fog. it's going to rain on and off through the day into the night. tomorrow we're dry with gusty winds it. if you want a white christmas, head to hawaii. climb the volcanos. >> that's random. and coming up, surprising shopping clues you could be missing. secrets to finding the prices at your favorite stores. and from ugly doggy sweats with up photos. why people are all about their pets this christmas. hey rich, what's that in your hand? my at&t cell phone bill. verizon bill? ye-aaah. that's cool. noooo... how much are you spending per month? $110 bucks $120 bucks $330 yeee-ah... what if sprint could cut your rate plan in half? and give you unlimited talk and text in the u.s., and match your data. goodbye verizon. i am done with at&t.

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and we're back now at 7:41 with "gma" investigators. the secrets to finding the best prices at your favorite stores. and our cecilia vega has the story. ♪ >> this is a good deal. >> reporter: this is a secret hidden in plain sight. a shopping code cracked for "gma" investigators right there embedded in price tags at some of the nation's most popular retailers. shopping guru kyle james. he's the brains behind rather be shopping.com. a website devoted to online coupons.

he says there are pricing patterns at 14 national chains and counting. to help consumers know how to spot a good deal. using hidden cameras, we are with kyle, to spot savings in places you'd never think to look. right on the price tag. first up, home depot, sometimes the secret codes are color-coded. >> clearance product. >> reporter: he says the key to savings is found in the last two digits of the price. at home depot, prices ending in 06 mean six weeks until the next mark down. 03, three weeks until mark down. the chain's best deal. james turned to his secret code-cracking weapon for confirmation, the store employees. >> it's insider stuff. you're not supposed to know that. >> reporter: this employee

agreed to share in silhouette another store secret from home depot, sometimes the price is adjustable if there's an issue. >> they are up to a $50 adjustment if it's warrants. >> reporter: next up, target. james says prices ending in 98, 88, 04 and 24 indicate clearance items. but to know how much you're really saving, you may need a magnifying glass. >> this number on the right-hand corner. that's the percentage off the original price. >> reporter: 70% off. and the good news is if target has a lot of product inventory, chances are prices will drop more. how long should you wait? >> employees mark them down every ten to 14 days. >> reporter: one possible reason for such pricing codes? >> a lot of stores do this so it makes it easier for employees when they're stocking shelves, even for management. >> reporter: at costco, on the hunt for flat screen tvs.

james says item ending in 99, full price. 97, it's a mark down. 97 with an asterisk, jackpot. james says it's a clearance item. >> so ends in 97, and downing. it's an asterisk. >> reporter: i bought this at costco, flofs asterisk. armed with knowledge and your credit card, just a few ways to shop like an insider. for "good morning america," cecilia vega, abc news, phoenix. >> jotting this stuff down. those are really great -- >> we can get you a copy of the piece if you want. >> you can. yes. i'll carry it. no, those are great tips. and coming up, we have even more. it's a must-watch for anybody who may have, and i'm not saying that anybody here has, anybody that's waited a little too long to start christmas shopping. how to pick out the perfect last

minute gift from convenient places. and don't leave out the family pet. we'll show you how far some dog owners are going this holiday. ♪ the world is your snowball see how it grows. ♪ ♪ that's how it goes whenever it snows. ♪ ♪ the world is your snowball just for a song. ♪ ♪ get out and move it along. ♪

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oh, look at that little sweater right there. i can't get daisy to wear a sweater. family pets are not being left out this christmas. we're spending more than ever on the gifts. and brandi hitt shows how far some pet lovers will go.

>> reporter: move over, kids, christmas is going to the dogs. and even the pigs. this holiday season the american pet products association predicts people will shell out more money than ever before on their four-legged and feathered friends. >> feathered thing for the cat and squeaker toys for the dog. >> reporter: with the average shopper expected to spend $30 on pet gifts. up 14% over last year. compare that to $459, the anticipate ed budget up for family. up just 6.5%. >> more and more, they're treating animals like children. >> reporter: just step into this los angeles pet boutique, sales jumped 20% during the holidays. one of the hottest items, eye-catching christmas sweaters. do you really like the sweater? there are pet toys, specialty treats, spa treatments, and canine and kitty couture.

>> 2 to $3,000. >> reporter: $3,000 a bed? >> uh-huh. >> reporter: and santa will narrow who's been naughty or nice. brandi hitt, abc news, los angeles. >> i have to make a confession. i might have treated my youngest puppy to a new coat. that's cocoa. that's her new winter jacket. i had to try it on. their memories are short. i'll put it in her stocking. >> she'll be happy again. >> my dogs are getting prime rib tomorrow. >> wow. >> carve that roast beast. >> they won't wear clothes. you tried it? >> they won't do it no no way. and coming up, kevin hart takes over a set. wait until you see what happened next. dear willy,

thanks for protecting us from trash cans & chair legs, and helping us appreciate your enthusiasm.

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hello! i think you have the wrong day. well, i heard you had dunkin' k-cup packs. pick up dunkin' k-cup packs for anyone who might drop by. get two boxes for $15.99. america runs on dunkin'. ahead on "gma," you have seen incredible reunions this week. we have saved the best for last. a mom about to get the christmas surprise of a lifetime.

>> ♪ >> good morning. the action cam is just back from montgomery avenue near ithan avenue and rosemont. rain has caused minor road ponding. screws are working to get sewer drains unclogged in that area, good morning, i'm tamala edwards. christmas eve it's a mess on the vine street expressway been that way most of the morning. matt what does it look like now? >> i wanted to give a pleasant ride as my holiday gift to you guys. no such luck. vine street expressway westbound still closed, tam, at the ben franklin parkway. all traffic being forced off because of an overturned truck that flipped over a little after 5::this morning. heavy duty tow truck is here on the ramp but the truck is still not out of there. so all the westbound traffic

being forced off. it's parked coming away from 95 out to the ben franklin parkway. if you're trying to get west on the schuylkill, exit at the parkway, take that to the river drive. now there's ooh crash on the kelly drive at fountain green. if you're trying to get east on the schuylkill work your way through the city to the entrances after 30th street or south street or use 95 and septa's media elwyn line still not running between elwyn and secane because of wire problems. tam. >> thank you matt. sky 6 hd is looking out over philadelphia international airport. rainy weather is causing some troubles there. we've been dealing with traffic troubles and the rain is not going anywhere, karen rogers. >> that's right, the fog at least is better than yesterday. 5-mile visibility at philadelphia international airport. but raining steadily. let's take a look at storm tracker 6 live double scan. still some pockets of very heavy rain south and east of the city. another wave coming in from the southwest. it is going to rain all day, night into the overnight hours. so, rainy and mild. the wettest time period the first half of the day. the evening hours going to be

more hit and miss but ending not until the overnight hours. tomorrow gusty winds help dry out these roads for chrisy christmas day. 53 for your high. nice and sunny on friday, tam. >> thank you karen. coming up on "gma" if you station here's some help.

good morning, america. it's 8:00 a.m. and christmas 911. you won't believe how convenient it is to find those last minute gifts. and we brought you epic holiday reunions this week. but this morning get ready for the best one yet. this military family has no idea they're about to get the surprise of their lives. and it's all happening live. and only here this morning -- >> okay, so i got to -- >> oprah and the director of selma, what they are revealing to robin. >> let me give a speech. and kevin hart and josh, i love it so much. crashed a wedding. gave a toast. and wait until you see what they did on the dance floor. and stopping by before he heads around the world. it's santa live as we say -- >> good morning, america.

the christmas eve reading from santa. there he is in times square. he has the hottest gift of the year, his selfie stick. using it to take pictures of everyone out there in the crowd this morning. that was just a quick stop. santa's got a big day ahead. >> he has to test out the toys. >> safety precautions. >> exactly. nicely done, santa. and also the boys of the st. paul's choir sharing the joy of the season with their rendition of jingle bells. all in grades four through eight. what incredible voice and more from them this morning. >> santa is here delivering gifts. he's going to let us know. what would the viewers say? who's been naughty and nice on

the set? he's here for us. >> santa's here. >> how's the list? >> good morning, santa. >> i like that. >> t.j., lara -- >> i made it. >> we're good. all the other anchors. let's see what we have for you. >> this is the good stuff. >> special for christmas eve, footy pajamas. with hoods and -- >> how did you know t.j. loves those? his size too. >> let's see what we have? >> footy pajamas for george. >> wow, thank you. >> what's it? is that footy pajamas too? >> of course. >> all got them. >> very special. >> i just want a kiss, santa. >> oh, no, you get a present. i want you all to wear these on christmas eve. >> santa, thank you. >> you have a lot to do. good luck. >> you're busy. thanks, santa.

>> he's the best. >> what does he give people on the naughty list if this is the good stuff? >> i think you know, t.j. >> look at this. >> who doesn't want footy pa ja mas? >> that was exciting. >> that was exciting. >> fold it up. >> you want me to throw it on the ground? >> you have work to do. >> i do. good morning, george. and we begin this morning with the storms in the deep south that have been turning deadly. at least four people were killed after what may have been a tornado slammed through southeast mississippi. dozens injured and thousands are waking up this morning without power. the severe storm also flipped over cars and even an ambulance. also breaking this morning, former president george h.w. bush, 41, waking up in a houston hospital. he was rushed to the hospital by ambulance last night after experiencing shortness of breath. his spokesperson said it's a precaution. two years ago he spent nearly

two months in the hospital for bronchitis. and breaking overseas, islamic state militants have captured a jordanian pilot who's plane crashed in syria. he's the first pilot caught by isis. they say they shot it down with a heat-seeking missile. isis saying the safety of the pilot will be decided by the group. and the navy s.e.a.l. who claims to have killed osama bin laden is under investigation. robert o'neill talked about his role in the raid last month on national television. trying to determine if he revealed classified information. and after more than 30 years, the fda is easing restrictions of blood donations from gay men. it was the fear and paranoia surrounding the early days of the aids crisis. it could start next year. how about a dress that's not only stylish, but keeps you safe. it's the robotic spider dress.

lara, wear this. if someone approaches too quickly or aggressively, the tentacles spring into action and when the wearer is scared. it was created by a dutch artist with a 3-d printer. it can beckon someone closer. the eyes can glow. can it sling weapons spider-man style? >> it's compressive as is. >> weirdly pretty, too. >> it is. >> there's nothing sexy about it. thank you. >> it's hot. okay, "pop news" and weather coming up. t.j. is in the social square. time to look ahead. we have real life wedding crashers. this is kevin hart and josh gad. good speech and a good song. procrastinato procrastinators, how to pick out a great last minute gift at some very convenient places. you're going to love this. plus, we have shown you

great reunions for the holidays. we have saved the best one for last. all that. and i have to have a discussion with this guy. santa, i want to talk to you about something that happened when i was 7. i still didn't get a gift. >> you might have been naughty. ♪ the world is your snowball see how it grows. ♪ ♪ that's how it goes whenever it snows. ♪ ♪ the world is your snowball just for a song. ♪ ♪ get out and move it along. ♪

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selfie. >> let's have that one. >> how about that? >> yeah. very nice. >> we're right back. a little hug from santa? little hug. she does, she does. and did you know that it turns handwriting into text? dad into mustache dad... and it even helps you find costumes for the party. sorry buddy! wait, i'm not doing that! yeah, you are. do you use that thing a lot? oh yeah, all the time. it's like the magic wand. well in that case, abracadabra. do everything faster and easier, with the new more powerful s-pen only on the galaxy note 4. the next big thing is here. you've been part of this family for as long as i can remember. and you just mean so much to all of us. the holidays wouldn't be the same without your crescent rolls. we got you a little something. we got you jeans. it's about time. pipin' hot pillsbury crescent rolls. make your holidays pop!

hey mom, can i have a hot chocolate? ho ho ho... we'll all have hot cocoa! ma'am, need a strong pot of joe. the all new keurig 2.0. wait for me! there it is. ah! hurry up. you're heavy. are you sure these letters will get to santa? yes, of course. hold still. almost there.

a little bit higher. i can't hold you up much longer. ah! whoa! [ all giggle ] ♪ hi, fellas. hi, virginia. why are you on the floor? [ female announcer ] bring your letter to santa into macy's and we'll donate to the make-a-wish® foundation. together, we'll collect a million reasons to believe. here we go, yeah. >> we are in times square. there he is handing out candy canes to everyone who stopped by. >> because he's organized. >> he's very organized. got it all under control. he's going to make it around the world, don't worry about it. >> yep. we have "pop news" coming. >> kids are looking at that, santa. >> he's got it. the elves are helping. >> he's got it under control. we love the movie wedding crashers, owen wilson, vince vaughn. new wedding crashers. get them out of the way. celebrity wedding crashers.

kevin hart and josh gad. they have a new movie, the wedding ringer. you're being sceptical here? let met get through this here. they were at the photo shoot for the movie. next door, a wedding, they decide to crash the wedding. they are suited and booted. they were ready for the wedding. the couple were loving this. now kevin made a speech. josh gave them a song. ♪ and shining on yeah ♪ the two of you are gonna make beautiful babies ♪ and then they get the dance party started. it was a little bit too convenient. maybe promotion. >> doesn't hurt. they have a movie coming out about weddings. that was awesome. made their night. looked like a great party. >> not going to forget that.

show you some video that's got 3 million views online and still counting. look at this little guy. he's got skills. he better have skills. he's lebron james jr. that's brony, is the name. he's a hit out there. now the backyard sessions paying off. this is another example. kids, coaches, they're gym rats. this kid can't help but be good. his dad tweeted out, proud of you, son. >> wow. >> the great job in houston. won a tournament there. imagine the expectations on that kid? >> he's named him so far. >> big shoes to fill, though. >> george. that's the. last thing about you -- i want you to meet raggle. this is the ultimate christmas card star. show you the first picture. cute little guy. now let me show you what the

owner has been doing for 20 years. creating holiday cards with his pets. raggle as a congressy. we have him again as a penguin. we have raggle, you'll love this one, as scrooge. and then -- >> you said he's been doing it for 20 years? how old is he? >> different pets. >> reporting skills -- >> raggle is ancient. >> he's had other pets. >> i knew that, i just thought it was funny. >> people do that with their pets. you don't go to that extreme. >> not that i would tell you. >> but your dog -- >> that's the little fur thing. there she is, there's cocoa. cocoa and raggle should get together. cocoa is not 20. >> do you put the dog in the family christmas card? >> yes, of course. >> do you? >> we did not this year. >> all three make it.

>> they're getting prime rib. or is it filet? >> no, prime rib. >> thank you for a stellar edition. >> you make me nervous. >> you're the best. so is rob marciano, he's outside. let's get a check of the weathe >> what do you have for christmas. >> abraham lincoln at home. that's his name. >> is that a gift for christmas? >> a stuffed toy. >> what's better than a stuffed toy? prime rib not bad. live shot of the capital. temperatures today are going to be warm. it's going to be windy. high wind watches and warnings in some spots. strong storms across the south. going to be mild not own today but the backside of this is not all that cold either but hold onto your hat. that is a quick check of the national outlook. here's what's happening locally. >> thanks rob. i'm meteorologist karen rogers. raining steady out here. grab the umbrella you'll need it all day. 48 degrees right now, headed

up to 63. rainy. it's going rain all day and night into the overnight hours. the wettest time period, the heaviest rain the first half of the day. tomorrow we have gusty winds to help dry out the roads for christmas day. 53 degrees for your high with some sunshine mixing in with the clouds. friday's nice and sunny for the start of kwan kwanzaa and 50. 54 on saturday for christmas? >> i don't know. i got my truck levelled. that's pretty good. >> maybe some bacon and eggs. no, don't do that. george, back to you. thank you, rob. and the heat index. help for you who have not finished your christmas list. becky worley takes us to surprising places to find perfect last minute gifts. >> reporter: the holidays are here. ah. oh, no, i forgot to get a present for uncle bob.

no worries. it's not too late. many starbucks, open christmas morning. cups, cards, coffee makers. tea infuser plus chai blend. dude, these are some of oprah's favorite things. how can i go wrong? next, gas station gift baskets? yes, you can. scratch off lottery tickets, tun glasses, tropical benches, co a coconut candy bar, and a cute message. remember the pharmacy chains. many are open on christmas eve, and quite a few on christmas. this place is loaded. start with the virtual and the visual. tickets to a hoops game and a ball. internet gift card printed at home and a physical item that represents it. finally, the totally desperate last minute gift for your sweetie, a box of fortune cookie dates. hit the local chinese place, takeout boxes and fortune cookies. print out date ideas in the form

of fortunes. you will have dinner with a beautiful woman. it's okay to exaggerate. wrap the cookies in a paper towel, microwave them, insert the new, and fold. it's personal. it can make any gift meaningful. the last gift idea, called the candy card. a sweet way to show someone you care. for "good morning america," becky worley, abc news, oakland, california. >> i want a candy card. >> you don't want the fortune cookie date? >> that was a good idea. >> after the microwave, making it personal. >> i like the candy and the tickets. you are the best. and next up, we told you about a special military family, the heartmans. they're in the studio. before we talk to them, let's take a look at their story. meet julie hartman, mother to

four boys, two in service. she has one wish for christmas, to have her band of brothers home in connecticut. >> especially at the holidays, that's the hardest. >> reporter: dominique and zach are with her. but nicolas and his wife cannot afford the trip from his california base. >> he's the one that's so family-oriented and so important for him to be all together. and the one person that can't be here is -- that's tough. right. >> reporter: in fact nicolas hasn't been able to see his brother michael in three years because of deployments. michael forced to miss nicolas' wedding last year. >> for the wedding, we thought he was going to be able to go. >> they changed the date four times. >> it was so perfect at one point where he was going to be deploying to afghanistan, michael, but he was going to be just in time to be nick's best man at the wedding. >> reporter: but michael's deployment date was moved up at the last minute, forcing him to

leave the date of the wedding. michael sending an emotional video toast in his absence. >> the army has seen fit for me to do the nation's business. raise a glass to the happy couple, and best wishes on the special day. >> he surprised me on that one. it was pretty sad. >> reporter: and now right after christmas, michael will be again deployed. this time to germany. >> so by the time that they see each other again, it's going to be seven years. >> reporter: making this christmas apart especially trying. >> during the holidays she calls me a thousand times. she has so much love for us. and us not being there are for the holidays is a heartbreaker for her. >> reporter: like so many military families, the families stays strong by focusing on the good times. >> watching them walk away is the hardest damn thing you can ever do. but saying hello is probably the sweetest thing that anybody

could ever imagine. >> i'm joined now by julie and her two sons, army specialist michael and zachary. welcome to "good morning america." >> thank you. >> julie, i saw you crying already. it is a difficult time of year for a mom not to be with her whole family. >> it is. it's really hard. i'm so proud of them and honored for what they do. but it is hard. i miss them a lot. but more devastating for michael and zachary and dominick, they're not going to see each other for a very long time. >> they're not going to see each other, but you can hear each other. we have nicolas and his wife victoria on the phone right now. can you hear us, nicolas. >> hello, mom. >> hi, sweetie. >> can you hear us? >> yes, ma'am, i can hear you. >> terrific. mom, what would you like to say to your son? >> i love you so much. i'm sorry you can't be home. but we're thinking of you and

tory. i hope you like the presents i sent you. >> where did you send them? can you hear us? >> maybe i should just come in. >> come on in. >> what? what? >> i hope you didn't send those presents too far, mom. because here's your other boy. ♪ ♪ this is gonna be the best day of my life ♪ ♪ my life >> oh, my god, thank you. thank you. >> how does that feel to see three of your four boys? and you have another son who is at home in connecticut with dad getting all the last minute prep. so you're going to have all four boys. get over here. >> the first time -- >> all of your boys. hi, great to see you, nicolas. great to see you. come on over. get close to mom, everybody. a mom needs her boys. >> oh, you have no idea. i can't believe this. it's been so long. it's been so long.

it's almost, what? four years almost. >> and how is it for you, nicolas, to feel your mom, to feel her love and to be with your other brothers also in the service? >> it's the most amazing thing. >> and i want to ask you, michael. you did a very good job keeping this secret. >> you knew? are you kidding me? are you kidding? >> i got a -- yeah. >> uh-oh. he's not in trouble. >> i can't believe it. it's the best christmas present anyone can ever give me. thank you so much, everyone. >> and we want to tell you, we have been honoring the military and the sacrifices they make. and we did need to get some helpers. so thank you. >> you too. >> thank you. and i'm sorry, but you're -- >> i have such a big mouth. >> your husband and your other son, they're too busy getting ready. so you're going to be with

everybody on this christmas. >> let's cook lasagne. >> merry christmas. >> thank you so much. >> and over to paula. where are you, paula? >> congratulations mom and all her boys. as a mom there's nothing more that you want than to have your family. forget the prengts, it's about having everybody together. and next up, a hot new dining trend. chefs turning their own homes into restaurants. offering home cooked meals for anyone who wants to dig in. juju chang has the details. >> reporter: hunting for the best shellfish at the famous fisherman's war of. today, only the best will do. in 12 hours eight strangers will show up and they'll be hungry. >> load them up. get out of here. >> reporter: but this isn't a restaurant, and don is not a professional chef. he's among the hundreds of home chefs across the country selling seats at their own dinner

tables. all part of a growing dining trend that's being called the air bnb of food. apps like feastly, cookapp and eat wn with connect passionate chefs with adventurous eaters. paying less than restaurant prices. >> this is not something you learned in a class. >> i have no professional experience. >> he's offering clam chowder, sour dough bread, and local dungeness crab. and dessert. >> the main course is a half a crab steamed. >> reporter: it's $55 for a gourmet meal and a wine pairing. there are some catches, in many cities home-based restaurants are not eligible for food service permits and run the risk of being shut down. yet the reviews are pouring in. on a scale of one to five?

what would you give it? >> seven. glr a >> reporter: and that seven is even better with the unexpected side of good company. juju chang, abc news, san francisco. >> cool idea. >> very good idea. >> you have to know how to cook. there's that. well, coming up, oprah winfrey and director ava duvernay opening up about their gripping new movie. and a big night for this guy, santa. those selfies with santa coming in right now.

>> ♪ >> good morning. you're taking a live look here at philadelphia international airport. the mad dash to get home in time for christmas is stalled a little bit for some people. we've had soaking rain and that's caused arriving flights to be delayed about an hour or more. your best bet is to call ahead and see if your departing flight as well has been delayed. 8:27 on this wednesday, december 24th. it's christmas eve. i'm tamala edwards. matt pelman are things looking better on the vine? i think that says no. >> no. mad dash has stalled here as well leaving people mad. road still closed because of the overturned truck at the ramp at the schuylkill causing a huge backlog coming off 95 west through the ben franklin parkway where everything is being forced off. head through the city.

if you're trying to get to the eastbound side of 76 and then enter at 30th street or south, if you're trying to get to the westbound side of 76 take the parkway to the river drives although on the kelly drive at fountain green by the grant statue there's a crash and traffic lights are out in southwest philadelphia at island and bartram leaving problems for people trying to get to the airport as well. kind of a mess, tam. >> it is a mess and let's go outside to karen rogers 'cause it sounds like it's not going to really clear up any time soon, karen. >> nope, its going rain all dane night at varying degrees. right now it's light and steady. storm tracker 6 live double scan showing some of the heavier rain is especially south and east of the city but we see another wave of heavy rain coming up from baltimore so it's going the rain all day and night. the wettest time period, the first half of the day. later on this evening and tonight it will be kind of hit or miss. so rainy today, mild, 63 but a little deceiving. that 63 we don't hit that until late tonight. tomorrow gusty winds help dry us out. we're dry, 53 with some sunshine by day's end and by friday nice and sunny, tam. >> thank you, karen. and this will brighten you

up some christmas caroling on "gma." we'll see you back here in 30. >> ♪

♪ oh, look at that moment. got to share it one more time. julie hartman being surprised by her sons. all four home, zachary, michael, nicolas and dominick. serving their country so well, apart for so many years. and loved the look on her face and the love in her voice. >> she apologized for crying. no, let the tears flow. that was wonderful to share with them. and santa about to take off. moments away from jumping in his sleigh right after the show ends. he was organized with and be spent time with kids in the "gma" social square. thanks for being with us, santa. >> he is fuelled and ready to go. and one on one with james cordon. what he's saying about his role

in into the woods and working with meryl streep. right now, selma. telling the story of martin luther king jr. it was brought to the screen by oprah winfrey and director ava duvernay. they talked about the experience with robin. >> he's got supporters. large scale arrests and sympathy marchers. >> i know that. i know he's non-violent. what i need to know right now, what's martin luther king about to do next? >> ava duvernay is a director and executive producer of selma about the 1965 selma to montgomery marches led by dr. martin luther king jr. for african-american voting rights. >> we will not wait any longer. give us the vote. that's right. no more. we're not asking, we're demanding. give us the vote. >> give us the vote. >> it's the first feature film

to center around dr. king and has already earned four golden globe nominations including one for best director. everyone wants to put the emphasis on the first black woman director to get this nomination. and you are very quick to point to others who paved the way. >> it's bittersweet. lovely for me and my mother is very happy. but i'm not the first black woman deserving of this. there have been women of color making beautiful things for a long time. >> it's the first time a film centered around dr. king. but it was a band of brothers. >> it was. it was called "selma," not king for a reason. it was about a community that came together. it speaks to the cultural movement we're in, a people-led movement as opposed to a person-led movement. >> it shines the spotlight on the women of the movement, including corret that scott king and the struggles she faced. >> how are they going to kill my

children? what they'll do to you and how they'll do it. how many years have i had to listen to this? the filth, deranged and twisted. and just ignorant enough to be serious. >> we heard from the women from that era, the wives, the mothers, the sisters. who so delicately address dr. king's infidelity through coretta scott king, through that perspective. >> my approach to the infidelities, or those reports, is to do it in the context of the marriage. what is she thinking? how does he face her? >> she is joined by fellow producer oprah winfrey who co-stars adds activist annie lee cooper. >> knock it off. >> oprah, you have worked with

many directors. what is it about here that stood out with you? >> i think the thing that ava has is the quality that everybody looks for in their friends. you hope that you can get it in a boss, in other relationships. she is a great vallhave aly day. everybody is looking to know that they matter. what she is able to do is make every person, regardless of if they're the star, david oyelowo, or whether you're an extra who's never been on a movie set before, feel like you are special. that you are valued. and that your being here really matters to this film. >> okay, now rise behind him. you got to look for him. >> a funny story. we're out with the extras and doing the scene with the ra racists. and they're lovely people. white people who have come, dressed in the period stuff. and a woman comes up to ava, now, do you want me to say the

n-word or do you want me to say the actual word? >> i said, no, ma'am, i want you to say the n-word. >> so when she comes at me, do i say n-word, or do i just say the real word? >> no, ma'am, the real n-word. >> oh, you want me to say the word. >> the real word. you need to do it. >> yes. >> but they weren't comfortable because that's not where they were at that time. and it was just important to make them understand we need you to do this to tell the story. >> we are three in essence southernwomen. i was born in alabama, raised in mississippi. you, mississippi roots, teenager in alabama. did you bring that perspective to it also? the fact that your father was raised in alabama? >> the man i love the most in the world, who made me who i am is from that place. i felt like that was my entry point. i know alabama. >> i heard you say that your hope is this will help in the conversation that we're having as a nation about race.

>> yes. it is just jaw-dropping it's coming out in this time. so robust with the energy of change. nothing we could have predicted or asked for. there's a beauty and symmetry. i hope this film adds to the energy. and the conversation. >> join us, join our march against injustice and inhumanity. we need you to stand with us. >> "selma" opens in select cities >> it is christmastime in the city and the kids are ready for santa tonight no doubt about that. cindy are you from. >> juneau alaska. >> it gets cold up there, doesn't. >> oh it's in the 20's right now. >> ever been to the north pole. >> yes, i have. >> finally some street cred. >> look at these graphics at the "gma" and weather department put together here. christmas florida 78 degrees. rudolph wisconsin 34. santa idaho 32 and here comes the santa train oh, yeah.

we'll see some snow in some spots mostly in the mountains but rain exiting the northeast tomorrow. that's a quick check on your national forecast. here's what's happening locally on this christmas eve. >> hey, rob i'm meteorologist karen rogers. just a little light rain out here right now. breezy, too. let's take a look at this forecast. it's 48 degrees headed up to 63. very mild today. rainy all through the morning. afternoon, night into the overnight hours but tomorrow we're dry. snowiest christmas in chicago in over 20 years. not snowing here. is that disappointing? >> yes -- >> no. >> look at the artwork, george. back into lara. and we have been celebrating macy's believe campaign. for every letter dropped off at a mailbox, they donate a dollar. helping to help kids with life

threatening conditions. we are going to reveal how much money was raised. but first a look back at what we have accomplished. hard to believe, it's been nearly 2 months since we kicked off the belief campaign. we have watched kids write letters. and big brothers express some extremely touching wishes. thfrmgts christmas i wish that my sister gets all better. i wish that because she is sick. >> we witnessed this breaking of a world record for the longest wish list. >> macy's has set a new guinness world records record for the longest wish list to santa claus. >> glr and the journal of gadget. stopping by on the way to the north pole, which he reached just this week. above all, we saw wishes fulfilled. thanks to all of those letters dropped off in macy's boxes. and submitted online. every letter counting for a dollar towards make-a-wish. we watched as the funding

financed a flute for elizabeth. and the meeting of a lifetime for alfredo with wwe superstar john cena. >> the champ is officially here. >> reporter: to all of you who contributed time, well wishes and letters, we say thank you. and elizabeth and alfredo say thank you too. >> thank you, make-a-wish, macy's. >> thank you to make-a-wish and thank you to "gma" and macy's. thank you. thank you. >> thank you. such dooshl children. and we have the president and ceo of make-a-wish. and it is the big moment. mar let's show everybody how much was raised. >> so happy. help me. >> do it. >> so happy to say that macy's has raised $2 million for the make-a-wish foundation. >> $2 million. what does that mean for the

children of make-a-wish? >> it means we will be able to help hundreds of more children this year in terms of receiving their wishes. but the thing that i think is amazing is to think about the number of children who wrote these letters in -- in a way to be able to help other kids. and i think we've created millions of little philanthropists out there that are doing something for kids that are having serious illnesses. >> yeah. because remember for every letter, it's a dollar donatdona. this is a lot of letters. and i think they understand this is life-changing for the children living with life-threatening diseases. what does it mean to be a part of the believe campaign? >> this is our seventh year of doing this. and each year, we have to do more. so this year, we have given $2 million because on national believe day we raised 500,000 letters in one day and doubled the donation. you and i were together that

morning. that makes us so happy. it's our customers and employees that make this program so incredibly wonderful. and it helps us to grant so many more wishes. and we granted the longest wish and sent gadget to the north pole with the longest wish. we just had so much fun. our customers and employees did. the make-a-wish foundation. >> we did. >> thank you. >> and looking forward to hearing about the wishes you make come true. thank you to everybody at macy's. and coming up, we have a very special interview. don't go anywhere.

fairy tail musical into the woods opens on christmas day. nominated for three golden globes, including best picture. amy spoke with jaime james cordon who is the baker longing for a child. >> you've got the cape. >> what have you done with the cow? >> she ran away. never reached home, i have been looking for her all night. >> how could you? >> she might have run away from you. >> but she didn't. >> but she might have done. >> but she didn't. >> who cares? cow's gone. get it back. >> james cordon joins us now. had to be so much fun to film. >> yeah, the whole thing was great to be part of. to be in a cast like that in a film directed by rob marshall,

you know. it's a little too much for my tiny brain to take in sometimes. it really is. >> you were fantastic as the baker. and he does stand out as the fairy tail characters into the woods. what about him makes him so unique and likable? >> essentially the film incorporates all of the brother's grimm fairy tails. and in the center is my character and emily blunt's character. representing the audience. >> intimidating to play opposite meryl streep? >> how could it not be? you're always aware of the fact -- at least the first day. it's meryl streep. trying to be very, very cool. like i am now. like i'm really pretending this is the most ordinary thing in the world to be on "good morning america." i'm styling out, but inside, oh,

moi god, i'm on goom "gma." just put a rug here. this is weird rug placement. just isn't it? in a sense of surrounding the rug with nothing. >> a little bit of home here. a little bit of home. >> i feel like we're sort of refugees fleeing the country. and these are the last chairs we can ever find to be here. there's really nothing else here. it's an amazing feat of design. >> i'm getting why you're getting a few jobs we're going to list here. you're going to be on the late, late show on cbs. you do broadway, films, television. what is your dream job? >> i'm a jack of all trades and a maester of none. my dream job? like sleeping. probably. that's like -- >> you have a 5-week-old at home and a 3-year-old. >> yeah. my dream job i guess would be -- i can really do nothing for a long time.

i'm talking lying on a sofa staring at the corner of a coffee table. i could lose three hours. three hours. there's no man on the planet who feels -- literally just zoning out. >> thank you for keeping things fun and loving here. >> how could you not in the pa laborial environment. >> on our magic carpet. >> what a funny guy. that was great. into the woods opens tomorrow on christmas day. and coming up, the boys of the st.

♪ ♪ we put all the apps you love inside a car designed to connect you to a world of possibilities. the connected car by volvo. innovating for you. give the gift of volvo this season and we'll give you your first month's payment on us. now get you into the spirit of the holidays, the boys of st. paul's choir school. their debut album, christmas at harvard square is available on itunes. but first you can enjoy them right here. ♪ ♪ angels we have heard on high

♪ sweinging sweetly through the night ♪ ♪ and the mountains in reply ♪ echoing their great delight ♪ gloria ♪ in exelcis deo ♪ gloria ♪ in excelcis deo ♪ still, still, still let all the walls be still ♪ ♪ our many lights have gone to

rest ♪ ♪ sings to him softly heart abreast ♪ ♪ still, still, still ♪ let all the world be still ♪ joy, joy, joy ♪ my heart is filled with joy ♪ the caught up the sled is gone ♪ ♪ make this all and let it go on ♪ ♪ joy, joy, joy ♪ my heart is filled with joy ♪ oh christmas tree ♪ oh christmas tree ♪ thy boughs with brightness shining ♪ ♪ oh christmas tree

♪ oh christmas tree ♪ on christmas day will pining ♪ these summer sun and winter's night ♪ ♪ there is a gleam so pure on sight ♪ ♪ oh christmas tree ♪ oh christmas tree ♪ thy boughs with bright and shining ♪ ♪ take the bells tonight and sing a sleighing song ♪ ♪ too faulty for his feet ♪ and he jumped over and took the lead ♪ ♪ jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way ♪ ♪ oh what fun it is too ride in a one horse open sleigh ♪ ♪ jingle bells, jingle bells,

jingle all the way ♪ ♪ oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh ♪ ♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪ ♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪ ♪ we wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year ♪ hershey's miniatures.

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♪ oh, there's santa and his self yis out there in times square. we had a lot of fun with him this morning. but his work is just beginning today. >> do we have a live picture? one more shot of santa? there's us. there he is. good luck, santa. he's going to his sleigh. parked in an undisclosed location. merry christmas, everybody. >> merry christmas. >> ♪ >> good morning, you're taking a live look here out at philadelphia international airport. it's been raining all morning and that's causing some major traffic troubles for arriving

flights. some of them have been delayed an hour or more. 8:56 on this wednesday, december 24th christmas eve. i'm tamala edwards and an overturned dump truck early this morning has caused the vine street expressway to come to a complete stoppage there. let's go over to matt pelman and it's the problems emanate out from there. >> you've got that right, tam. in this season of hope we're hoping they get to reopen the vine westbound soon but still not yet, almost four hours later and they're still cleaning up this truck accident on the ramp from the vine westbound to the schuylkill eastbound, entire side of westbound 676 remains closed. we're jammed solid across town from 95 out to the ben franklin parkway. you want to stay local to detour but as you do so, watch out for a crash on the kelly drive at fountain green and traffic lights not working by the airport at island and bartram giving us problems there, too. but beyond all that, merry christmas, tam. >> merry christmas to you matt pelman. santa will need a rain slicker maybe an umbrella. let's go outside where karen

rogers is under the umbrella. good morning. >> a little rain is not going to hurt santa no worries but it's hurting me out here. to hurt santa no worries but storm tracker 6 live double scan showing rain throughout the area. we see the areas of yellow, that's the even heavier rain, pockets of this. the rain is going to last all day into the overnight hours. look at the visibility reports. 2.5-mile visibility at philadelphia international airport, so that's why we have continued problems there. rainy and mild, 63 for your high. we'll reach that high pretty late. the rain ends early tomorrow morning. you're dry for christmas day, tam. >> okay, thank you karen. coming up later on "action news at noon the holiday shopping rush is really on. the last minute shoppers are filling up in stores christmas eve. we'll have a live show of all the madness now to "live with kelly and michael." >> ♪

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♪ announcer: don't adjust your tv set. snuggle up and get ready. it's time for " "live! with kelly & michael"'s cozy classic christmas special." today, dwayne johnson drops by for a christmas karaoke. and from disney on ice, our studio transforms into a winter wonderland. and caroline rhea discovers the true meaning of christmas through the eyes of adorable kids. and legendary band, earth, wind and fire rock the house with holiday songs inspired by their greatest hits.