that's why he's having the hip surgery. we love him to pieces. it used to be you were a closet barry manilow fans. now everybody is out of the closet and everybody loves him. >> what's your favorite? >> my favorite barry manilow song and i hope he is recovering and watching us now. i believe it's johnny mercer who passed away. his widow allowed barry to go through his attic and a whole bunch of lyrics. he wrote the music to a lyric johnny had written called "when october goes." let's hear that. ♪ when october goes ♪ the same old dream appears >> i love that one. the whole thing is amazing. >> and this one is going to get your -- >> is that "copacabana?" >> this one is called -- ♪ i can't smile without you >> look at the crew. >> we are in a small little studio, but everybody is doing it. barry makes you happy. he does. i have to say, and i say it every time because you can never stop thanking the people that have been good in your life. barry manilow and dolly parton are the two people in the industry who encouraged me the most in my writing. i would send stuff to barry and he would write back. he's been awesome to me. >> by the way, i saw a trailer for a movie with dolly parton and queen latifa called "joyful noise." >> it's going to be awesome. >> gospel singing, dolly parton, queen latifah. dying for that to come out. >> we need to see barry at radio city. he'll be back here february 10th through the 14th. i think we are in the bahamas. >> we are very busy. here is good news, you guys. there is a 2-year-old british rapper. he's a huge hit on youtube. he's in a onesy, his dad is in a hip-hop artist. his brother learned hip-hop when he was younger. this has more than a half million hits. if you haven't seen it, you're about to see him now. ♪ >> who knows what he's talking about? you know what? it sounds like regular rap. >> i don't understand regular rap anyway. sounds the same to me. >> look how he is so focused. he's got the beat. >> look at him looking at his daddy. he's precious. >> speaking of music, you guys. if you are a fan of "the sing-off" and i know a lot of you are. the winners of season three, penatonix is downstairs. >> i heard them singing and i said, shut up, you guys are geniuses. >> you can't believe that there are no instruments. >> these guys are incredible. three were friends and they picked a couple from youtube. ♪ video killed the radio star >> there is no instrumental background going on there. that is what's so unbelievable. they are all doing it a capella. they are great. we'll hear them at the end of the show today. please stick around. >> there is a new phenomenon sweeping america. >> i've been doing it for a long time. >> it is called tebowing. >> there is a famous quarterback everyone has heard of lately. >> tim tebow plays for the broncos. he is a very religious man. >> i don't think he would say he's rely use. i think he would say he's spiritual. he is a devout christian guy. >> he is a spiritual guy. he leans down before games and he prays. he's a phenom. his team has been winning like crazy. he's not supposedly the most gifted quarterback. what he is doing that a lot of others aren't doing is winning games. people decided it's a great pose. around the country people are tebowing. taking a knee. is that under water? >> yep. >> he's got his flippers on. >> all he is doing is thanking god and referencing the fact every good and perfect gift comes from him. i don't know why there is any controversy about it. >> you know what's funny? i wonder how much controversy there is. you hear there is controversy, but nobody seems to think there is controversy. >> mike lupica wrote in the news about the fact that look at the sandusky thing that's happening today. look at all that's happening in the world of sports that is truly horrible. we find a guy like this who is not perfect, but seems to live way says he believes, we should honor people like that, support them and applaud them. not tear them down. we need more young heroes like this guy for people to look up to. >> he's obviously a great football player. he made it to the pros. when you see people who have been given more physical gifts and this guy has the heart and the soul and he just -- and they believe. >> he is a great leader, apparently. >> there are a lot of good deeds happening around this time. >> you're a good deed, hodi. >> exactly. there were a couple of stories about how people are buying things on lay-away. >> i didn't know was back. it's a good thing. it teaches you patience. >> it's back. people are hoping they can get their christmas gifts by christmas time. they are going in to pay their lay-away bill and come to find out a stranger has paid it for them. it's been happening around the country at k-mart, in california, someone paid $5,000 of lay-away tab. >> i felt i should. i was happy to do it. whoever is doing it, thank you. they're paying it forward, like a person in a toll booth. you get up to pay your toll and they go the guy ahead did. >> i think those random acts of kindness are such great things. >> we don't have enough of them, but apparently we have too many cobblestones in rome. this upsets me. tell them what's happening. >> there are a lot of women tottering around in heels. the mayor was saying sometimes walking along these ancient cobblestone streets, especially for woman in heels can be dangerous. so they decided originally that they were going to try to fix it. you know what i mean? they wanted to fix it. so what happened? >> people are upset because people want to preserve the natural antiquity of this incredible place. it happened in nantucket where we used to have a home. we love the island so much. it's part of the charm of nantucket. one time they paved over the cobblestones, tourism dropped. part of the joy of being there is knowing these stones came over on the whaling ships and all that good stuff, so they are back. they dug up all the asphalt. >> can i tell you i have so much energy these days? >> hodi is taking a wonderful drug. >> i am taking this drug. it is so good. i can't believe no one told me about it. b-12. have you ever tried it? >> don't get all ants in your pants. >> eye dropper under my tongue. i usually want to crash out in the middle of the day. ever since i started taking b-12, which is just two days ago, but i feel so good. it's weird. i have weird stamina. >> you're a party animal any way, hoda. are you having trouble calming down at night? >> by the end of the day it is game over. how about this guy? this guy is ridiculous. there is a man who wanted to get time off work, a 45-year-old man from pennsylvania. >> he's going to get some. >> he decided to fake an obituary of his mother. so he wanted bereavement pay. >> he didn't tell his mother though, unfortunately. he left that detail out. >> so he wanted paid mourning time. or bereavement. >> so he was fired. he's got time now. charged with disorderly conduct. i wonder what he is going to do on mother's day. >> can we just say something we have got to get to today? >> we've been trying to get to it for weeks. >> there is an amazing thing called portraits of love. it is a terrific project. this company donates all its resources to take beautiful family portraits for people who have been in iraq, baghdad, with their families when when they are home or separately. they are beautiful family portraits. this man came home for the holidays and this great group snapped some beautiful pictures. they give them to the families. isn't that great? it's called portraitsoflove.com. it will be on our website. >> how about these freaky things? >> as if you can't get enough? >> there we go. >> was that even worth it? >> those cake pops by starbucks, okay? >> who doesn't want to slobber over that? i want to slobber over the cast, we brought three here. >> one is especially cute. >> sara will branch out as a christmas tree seller on the streets in new york. in the new movie "we bought a zoo" matt damon plays a widowed father who moves in with his new children to a zoo. >> his brother doesn't think it's such a great idea. >> dump the animals, keep kelly. that's true joy. >> it's about rosy, man. she's happy here. >> rosy is 7. make her a nice zoo screen saver and she'll be just as happy. >> i'm trying to give them an authentic american experience. >> and it ends with you authentically living on my velour couch with your two children. >> so funny. >> thomas, colin and maggie are with us today. >> we are a little in love. >> hi, guys. thomas, you didn't think -- if this wasn't a real story, i don't know how you could have invented it. i was surprised to learn it was a true story. >> i think that's part of the magic that is there. you could make it up, but it wouldn't have the emotional authenticity that cameron and alene found. and there you go. >> look at maggie. >> maggie, have you always wanted to be an actress? >> almost. my sister started acting and that's when i wanted to start doing it. >> i heard a rumor about you, on your bed, how many stuffed animals do you keep on your bed? >> 72 and i'm about to win 75 back. >> with christmas around the corner, you may get more. is there room for you to get in it and sleep? >> yes. >> colin, your character is terrific. you play this brooding 13-year-old. you're so believable. when you turn the corner, you really feel it. >> thank you. >> how did you get your start? >> in acting? i was living in atlanta at the time. i was about 5 years old. it's something i always told my parents i wanted to do. there was an open casting call in alabama and i went for it. >> what's interesting is in this movie, you did not want the zoo. maggie, you wanted the zoo. we have a clip of the two of you with matt damon played by your dad. >> this is what you want. it's not what i want. >> what? >> it's a zoo. i'm moving to a zoo. >> we bought a zoo! >> i love it. >> it's a beautiful family film. it does have a lot to it deeper than a g-rating would suggest. >> is it g or pg? >> breaking news, the miami dolphins just this morning announced they fired their head coach. maggie is the new head coach of the miami dolphins. you wouldn't think she is qualified at 8, but apparently the dolphins think differently. let's give a big round of applause. >> was it fun working with the animals? how was that? >> especially the monkey. >> it was so much fun. crystal the monkey. >> you bonded with her. >> we both did. we all did. she was always with somebody. she was always having a great time. >> she'll groom you. >> monkeys will do that. >> that's how you know she likes you. >> she is not gentle, is she? i saw her getting aggressive a few times. >> she is gentle. sometimes she likes to tie your head though. >> were you ever scared of any of the animals? >> no. i was never scared of any of them. >> really, the tiger? thomas was. >> did you know maggie is also the republican front-runner. you guys know that? maggie, maggie, maggie! >> what projects do the three of you have next? what is next, thomas? >> i have this big movie "john carter" coming out. a big science fiction at disney and another thing with matthew mcconaughey which will be out this spring. >> i just finished a film here in new york with -- >> jason bateman. >> that's right. >> and maggie? >> i don't have anything after this except i get to go home for christmas. >> maggie, maggie! >> i've got a feeling we are going to see an awful lot of you in movies in the future. thanks for stopping by. >> it is a great movie. it hits theaters december 23rd. up next, knock on wood, sara tries her look at being a christmas tree seller right after this. ♪ like so many great pioneers before me, guided only by a dream. i'm embarking on a journey of epic proportion. i will travel, from sea to shining sea, through amber waves of grain, and i won't stop until i've helped every driver in america save hundreds on car insurance. well i'm out of the parking lot. that's a good start. geico, fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent, or more on car insurance. with $2 subs -- get the regular 6" cold cut combo or meatball marinara. just $2 each! just 2 bucks! are you kidding me? there's no competition. male announcer ] prices and participation may vary. subway. eat fresh. ♪ ♪ [ male announcer ] everyone deserves the gift of a pain free holiday. ♪ this season, discover aleve. all day pain relief with just two pills. time for another installment of "sara in the city" when our lovely sara takes on some of the odd jobs the city has to offer. >> this week she tackled a very seasonal job. >> starting thanksgiving through christmas eve, christmas tree sellers invade the city, setting up on corners, rain or shine, i decided to see what it takes to be one of the tree people. >> i'm at the rock family christmas tree stand at james street and 8th avenue. i'm going to try my hand at selling christmas trees. i think i might need a little more holiday cheer. let's try this. i was ready to meet the man behind the stand. >> welcome. >> and you are? >> billy rock. welcome to romp family christmas trees. >> how long have you been doing? >> this is our 24th season. once we did it one year, we were hooked. we're lifers now. >> it was time to learn the tree trade. i met billy's second in command, his son henry. how old are you and how long have you been coming here? >> i'm 20 years old and the first year i came here i was 5 months old. i've been coming here all 20 years of my life. >> i heard i'm going to be an elf at the stand today. i might have taken that invite literally. i set to wrapping my first tree. >> lift the tree and stomp it down on the sidewalk. my tree might have bed head. henry walked me through the three different types of trees. >> important things to remember. frasier fir are the best tree. balsam is a bargain, douglas fir has a citrusy scent and is more traditional on the west coast. >> then put me to the test. hi, welcome to our tree stand. >> what kind of tree is this here? >> this is our frasier fir. >> what other varieties do you have? >> the douglas fir and the burrsome. >> balsam. >> the douglas smells good. it's got, tastes like lemonade. you don't eat it, you smell it. frasiers are our go-to. all the cool kids are getting the frasiers this year. deal. after making my sale, it was time to get the tree wrapped and ready for its new home. >> coming through. >> right hand? >> well, i don't saw often. whoa! >> i mastered a few other elf tasks like decorating. stand assembly. >> my flanges are loose, i think. of course, cleanup. >> don't you think the leaves and pine needles are part of the ambiance? >> i got to help with my first delivery. >> wait for me! before heading to the corner to try to bring in new customers. >> merry christmas. >> welcome to the romp's family christmas tree lot. the weather outside is frightful. i think they are scared of me right now, but they are warming up. merry christmas. >> thank you very much. >> then the moment of truth. >> something five feet. henry! the frasiers are the best. >> why? >> because they are full, the needles don't fall. this is a frasier. that's a douglas down there. not quite a sale, but it's really all about connecting with the clientele. merry christmas. >> merry christmas. >> merry christmas. >> wait a minute. you never made a sale? >> i almost did. the guy swore he was coming back. i'm still waiting on the corner of james and 8th. >> good thing you didn't quit your day job. still to come, the right clothes for the holidays. >> sandra lee shows quick and easy, yet decadent desserts for your party. >> winners of "the sing-off" are here. we are back with "today's style" 'tis the season to deck the halls and get decked out. >> looking for something to wear to that family dinner or christmas eve party? look no further. "elle's" creative director is with us. it's not easy to figure out what the right thing to wear is. >> the holiday season is taxing. you have so many things to worry about. you want to get gifts, holiday functions, you have family affairs. at some point you want to dress nice, look good and not break the bank. >> let's start with the holiday dinner, shall we? let's bring out jennifer and see what she is sporting. talk to us about this outfit. >> i love jennifer. this is crystal frazier for lane bryant. it's a color block dress. it's a big friend we saw. it flatters every silhouette and every body type. >> i like it. you said the price point is? >> $89. she is one the designers i worked with on "all on the line." this is a collaboration we did. >> thanks, jennifer. that looks great. let's pretend we are going to, not a holiday dinner, but a holiday party. we have victoria. >> that's beautiful. >> a little michael by michael cors dress and sequin you can wear. >> i see that in the window. i love that dress. >> it's cute. >> what's the jacket? >> it's a men's inspired vest from h&m. this is a great look for d and night if you have an office party. or something that you want to go to. >> myself cors is affordable? >> that is $120 at lord&taylor. >> that is fantastic. >> how about the boots and little splash of color. >> little bag from banana republic. you want a little color when you wear head to toe black. >> isn't that adorable? >> this is very flattering. >> just beautiful. >> love it. >> let's say we want to glam up more. let's pretend it's new year's eve. come on, kay. >> first of all, kay can go anywhere she wants on new year's eve. who is going to stop kai. >> look how beautiful she looks. his own dresses would cost $2,000 and up, this is $99. >> look at that fabric. it's beautiful. >> you rarely see an animal print in color. >> this is what's nice about it. >> very festive. >> how about the bag and shoes? >> we wanted to do a booty because of new year's eve. wanted to be more comfortable, have sturdiness, but still have fun and look glamorous. >> that purse is cute. >> you want a statement bag. make a splash. >> she is a statement. happy holiday. >> so now we finished up with new year's. it's time for the brunch that comes following new year's. we have grace. >> i love it. >> her best hangover accessory, dark glasses. >> you want a little bit of glamour to start the new year. you've got jeans and shirt but throw in the cardigan with the faux fur. >> who does that? >> it's michael by michael cors again. >> i love his stuff. he's fantastic. >> the entire look under $200. >> who does that bag? >> henry bendel. isn't that fun? >> it's got a plastic cover thing. >> so it doesn't rub off on to you. >> the boots? >> aldo. >> you know what? you nailed it, okay? >> great stuff. >> terrific. thank you, hon. let's bring all our models out unless they can't hear us. everyone looked great. >> thank you, joe. >> we wish you a great holiday. guess who is here? sandra lee with easy entertaining tips. right after this. on my journey, i've learned that when you ask someone in texas if they want "big" savings on car insurance, it's a bit like asking if they want a big hat... ...'scuse me... ...or a big steak... ...or big hair... i think we have our answer. geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. we are back with today's holiday kitchen with sweet and affordable treats for easy entertaining. creating elegant parties doesn't take a lot of time and money. >> sandra lee with the new book "easy entertaining." she has a new book each and every week. has delicious and stunning ideas. nice to see you. >> what are we making today? >> in this book, one of the things i wanted to show how you can entertain or gather with friends and family, save money and enjoy yourself. a lot of people sit home and stress out about entertaining. >> go to a restaurant if you're going to do that. >> yeah. just pay. we've got appetizers and sweets. i'm going to make a beautiful tiarmasu cream with espresso. then a beautiful iced chocolate. then white chocolate egg nog. >> look at you teasing us. >> in here is whipped cream. use the stuff from the store or make your own. heavy cream with sugar with it. this is marscapone. two seconds, lock it down. let that spin. powdered sugar, cocoa and espresso. put that together. in there, marsala and vanilla. fork that together. >> fork it? >> mix everything till it blending. >> fork it? >> fork it. it's professional term. >> put this in here? >> yes. wet into the dry, mix that up. you've got to go harder than that. i'll protect you. >> it doesn't matter. >> it's borrowed, no problem. >> dump it in here. there you go. give that a wiz. >> it smells great. >> there we go. there's your cream. this is what it looks like when it's done. >> it looks like maggie's. that little girl. we're in love with her. >> what do you do with these guys? >> i'm sorry, hoda. you would love this. >> premade ladies fingers, or stick it in. a little bit of cocoa powder on the top. >> i'm sorry, this might be one of the best things i've ever tasted. it's not too sweet. >> frozen hot chocolate. >> we are moving on. >> three cups of milk. we'll put in -- what do you think this is? >> water. >> vodka. >> yes. >> is that what it is? >> yes. >> vanilla, vodka. no ice yet. pulse this. that way the actual chocolate milk, that's hot chocolate packet blenlsd together. then you put in your ice. there's no chunky dry chunks. >> are you still talking? >> they told me you better get through this whole dang segment. >> did they use the word "dang?" >> we're drinking this. >> hoda can have this. can you have this, hoda? >> i can't. >> i am begging you. >> it has milk in it. >> she'll pay later. >> it's not supposed to be that icy. >> i'm having a good time today. >> come to the back. >> more for me. >> white chocolate egg nog. >> that's delicious, too. >> egg nog from scratch. nobody makes it from scratch. >> you get it from the carton in the grocery store. >> white rum. >> of course because you're sandra lee. what do you think this is? >> i don't know. >> not butter milk. >> oh. >> gadiva white chunk. >> everybody makes this this at the holiday season. >> hoda, you can't have anything. >> everyone enjoy. i love those glasses. >> wow! >> just a little baby sip. >> are you trying to kill me? >> a christmas gift to santa lee? >> no angel cake for you. >> we have to get involved with that cake. >> i'm dying for this. >> angel food cake. you get the box mix. instead of putting in water, we are going to put in coconut water. which is what's in the middle of the round of the coconut. >> it's supposed to be great for you, too. >> now is the icing. icing is egg whites like a merengue. you have corn syrup in there. marshmallow fluff. she doesn't care. you pick it up. >> you eat it like a donut? you are crazy. >> get in. >> i'm full. >> she deserves it. >> thank you so much. >> cheers. >> you are so right. up next we have the winners of the "sing-off." they are fantastic. >> pentatonix. good morning. tracking our weather out for the rest of the week and right on into the weekend. today's forecast, middle of the week brings all the stormy weather through the center of the country. rain-snow mix possible, even freezing drizzle around the upper midwest. that includes minneapolis. we may pick up light snow back into nebraska and the rain continuing to stretch further to the east. but not into new york city yet. dry across the east coast. most of the stormy weather has within in the west. it's been fairly quiet across the east. you can see the division in temperatures here. 61 in kansas city today. that's why it's an all-rain event for you. 68 in atlanta. the cold air is west of the rockies and that snow has piled up into the four corners. here's where the next storm moves in. more snow showers into the mountains. the first system bricks rain to the ohio valley and back into new york city thursday. still mild for this time in december. 39 in denver for your high on thursday. rain showers stretch through the tennessee valley back into eastern texas as we move through friday, taking all the rain we can get here in the drought stricken southern plains. 49 for new york city and dry there as we head closer to the weekend. on saturday, quiet across much of the country. the only active weather around the mid-atlantic. a few rain showers and more snow moving into parts of new mexico and arizona and the high mountains there. sunday, quiet across the east, east of the mississippi. the rain moves a bit further to the east. notice the pattern here. texas and oklahoma repeated rain events and we're liking that for sure. monday, the rain moves further into the east once again. overall, quiet here. no major blockbuster winter storms in the east. remember "wake up with al" every weekday morning at 6:00 a.m. right here on the weather weekday morning at 6:00 a.m. right here on the weather channel. you want to save money on car insurance? no problem. you want to save money on rv insurance? no problem. you want to save money on motorcycle insurance? no problem. you want to find a place to park all these things? fuggedaboud it. this is new york. hey little guy, wake up! aw, come off it mate! geico. saving people money on more than just car insurance. they can sing, dance, harmonize and put together a respectable arrangement in minutes. pentatonix is from texas. and they took home the gold microphone in season three of nbc's "the sing-off." they are featured on the album "the sing-off of the season." and they are joining us now. would you introduce yourselves? >> scott, kirstie, kevin, avie. >> what do you sing, soprano? >> you three are the original members of the group. how did you track down these two? >> we found kevin on youtube. he has a viral video of him playing cello and v-boxing. >> and avie? >> i met through a mutual friend in an a capella group in college. >> you guys are so terrific. what are you going to sing for us? >> a medley of songs. a justin bieber song and "silent night." >> awesome. >> here they are the pentatonix! ♪ silent night ♪ holy night ♪ all is calm ♪ and all is bright ♪ round yon virgin mother and child ♪ ♪ holy infant so tender and mild ♪ ♪ sleep in heavenly peace ♪ sleep in heavenly peace ♪ oh oh oh yeah ♪ it's the most beautiful time of the year ♪ ♪ lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer ♪ ♪ i should be playing in the winter snow ♪ ♪ i'm going to be under the mistletoe ♪ ♪ i don't want to miss out on the holiday ♪ ♪ but i can't stop from staring at your face ♪ ♪ i should be playing in the winter snow ♪ ♪ i'm going to be under the mistletoe ♪ ♪ you ♪ shining with you ♪ under the mistletoe ♪ everyone is gathering around the fire ♪ ♪ chestnuts roasting like a hot july ♪ i should be he chilling with my folks ♪ ♪ oh no i'm going to be under the mistletoe ♪ ♪ reindeers flying through the skies so high ♪ ♪ i should be making a list i know ♪ ♪ i'm going to be under the mistletoe ♪ ♪ shining with you ♪ with you ♪ shining with you ♪ under the mistletoe ♪ hey low ♪ wise men follow the stars ♪ the way i followed my heart ♪ and led me to a miracle ♪ hey low ♪ don't you buy me much ♪ i am feeling wise ♪ on my lips that's a merry merry christmas ♪ ♪ shining with you ♪ under the mistletoe ♪ bring it down now ♪ it's the most beautiful time of the year ♪ ♪ lights fill the streets ♪ spreading so much cheer ♪ i should be playing in the winter snow ♪ ♪ i'm going to be under the mistletoe ♪ ♪ i don't want to miss out on the holiday ♪ ♪ but i can't stop staring at your face ♪ ♪ i should be playing in the winter snow ♪ ♪ but i'm going to be under the mistletoe ♪ [ applause ] >> oh, my gosh, you guys! what musicianship. that was spectacular. >> sensational. >> i can't wait to see what you all do next. cute choreography there. we'll be back with more of "today" on nbc. there are so many children living in difficult situations this year. some from families who have fallen on hard times, others abused and neglected. >> we feel so privileged and blessed to work on this show and reach so many wonderful viewers who help make the holiday brighter for these children through our annual toy drive. >> karen from hasbro has greater gifts for older kids and teens. >> good morning. >> she has the best job in the world because she is head of the philanthropy division of hasbro. how much fun is that? >> it's pretty great. i'm blessed. >> what are you going to give away? >> creo, our new building block product. the first time kids can build their own transformers. >> kids are going to love that. >> we are giving my beautiful friend here, my little pony, celestial and simon flash and other products. >> so many favorites. >> how many will you guys be giving? >> $150,000 worth of toys, but overall we are helping about 400,000 kids this christmas season. >> that is amazing. >> that is incredible. >> you sleep well at night, don't you? >> i do. we have great employees who care deeply about giving back. obviously, our customers. they buy hasbro brands. we are able to do what we do. >> thank you and many blessings. >> our toy drive continues through december 21st. come down to the plaza and donate in person or go to the website. >> tomorrow, the worried woman's guide to calm. >> the best mail order food for the holidays. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com from "curb your enthusiasm," [ cheers and applause ]