winners. and the fallout comes quick. the pageant's tv partner cutting ties with the organization overnight. all that, plus remembering legendary sportscaster dick enberg. rossen returns the season's toughest to find toys to deserving kids. >> what do you think of this? >> it's awesome. and making spirits bright. ♪ with the "home alone" soundtrack like you've never heard it before, "today" friday, december 22nd, 2017. >> from nbc news, this is "today," live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. ♪ deck the halls with boughs of holly ♪ ♪ fa la la la la la la la la ♪ ♪ 'tis the season to be jolly ♪ ♪ fa la la la la la la la la ♪ ♪ don we now our gay apparel ♪ ♪ fa la la la la la la la la ♪ yuletide carol ♪ ♪ fa la la la la la la la la ♪ >> and good morning, everybody. welcome to "today." great job. we hope that got you in the spirit. we have a bunch of angels on our plaza, as we say good morning. three days till christmas. now, we're in the mood, right? >> you kids were amazing. were you nervous? no. they were terrific. it's fun to be outside at the top of the show. >> we're in the spirit. and everyone is talking about one thing if your traveling, and that's the weather. cross country storms to tell you about. we have our team standing by. we'll start with al. he's in his father man cave over there. good morning. >> thanks very much, guys. we're starting off from texas to lexington. we have flash flood watches for 9 million people. winter weather advisories from michigan to en can see showers and thunderstorms from an angelo moving into memphis. we have snow from chicago to upstate new york and new england. it's a two-prong issue. we have showers to the south, snow developing in the north. i-40, i-20, going to look at problems. dallas-ft. worth and the houston airport, problems, as well. moving into tomorrow, rain, fog, low ceiling for buffalo. i-90 is going to be a mess. and stretching from boston, la guardia all the way down into d.c. and atlanta, along i-85, i-95. wet weather and hazardous travel, as well. rainfall amounts are going to be heavy down south. travel for air and roads is going to be a mess from central arkansas all the way into virginia and west virginia. upwards of six to seven inches of rain possible. and you look into saturday night snowfall amounts. fo t buffalo into new england. and icing is going to be a big problem, as well, especially throughout parts, much of new england, from portland, all the way down into worcester. and we're looking at a quarter of an inch of ice to half an inch in some places. that could bring down power lines and roads will be a mess. let's find out what the airports are looking like. let's go to ron mott at o'hare's international airport. ron, how is it looking? >> reporter: al, good morning to you. it's looking better than here at dallas. at love field, there was an emergency alarm that sounded at that airport. they had to evacuate the terminal. anyone who had been through security will have to go through again. we understand that normal operations are resuming. officials aren't saying if this was a prank or an actual fire event. back here in chicago, they're expecting the busiest travel day in the air here. 225,000 passengers expected to flow through admed at midway another 07,000. 107.3 million americans are expected to travel to see friends or on holiday. orlando, florida, the number one travel destination. most of you are driving. nine out of ten getting on the road. al mentioned the highway conditions out there. 6% or so will fly. the other 3% taking trains and other methods of travel. we always have holiday tips. number one, pack your patience because it is the busy season. pad your schedules, especially if you're flying. we've seen the lines get thick out of the blue here. it is the holiday season. >> good advice, ron. thank you so much. the airport isn't the only place you will find large crowds. stores will be packed, too. jo ling kent last-minute shopping rush. how is it going? >> reporter: it's happening offline at brick and mortar scores and online. this has been the season of online shopping. 60% of all americans say they are done with their holiday shopping. that's according to the national retail federation. that means 40% are out there looking for that perfect gift. where can you find some of the best sales? let's look at target. 50% off christmas trees if you're looking to decorate. 30% off sweaters. at macy's, 50% to 70% off. a lot of the gifts are wrapped. amazon, about 40% off amazon fire hd. 29% off the xbox one. amazon prime delivery happening there. at best buy, $150 off an apple macbook. that's a good discount at this late in the game. and then, headpho headphones. at walmart, $36 off a dream house playset. and $90 off a laptop. we have to look at last-minute shipping, as well. so many of us online shopping. today is the last day for two-day shipping for amazon prime. if you've got that, take advantage of it. prime now members have until midnight on christmas eve, which is the ultimate last-minute play. and then, toys "r" us, you can receive in time for christmas if you order online by noon on christmas eve. and you can get select in-store pickup, which is a good tip there. and best buy, they might ensure delivery for christmas if ordered by noon on christmas eve with same-day delivery. the real trick this holiday season is all about ordering online and picking up in store. before you do that, you want to make sure they've stock. so far this retail season has been a really good one for retailers across the board. back to you guys. >> jo, thank you so much. a little bit of a different holiday rush in washington to tell you about. before heading home, congress passed the temporary spending bill. it keeps the government funded into the new year. but the deal has critics on both sides of the aisle. we go to kristen welker with more on that. >> reporter: good morning to you. president trump is leending the year on a high note. getting his tax bill passed and working with congress to avert a government shutdown. in a few hours, he will take off for mar-a-lago in florida. still, there's a lot of unfinished business when the new year begins. this morning, a christmas crisis averted. >> the motion is agreed to. >> reporter: after the senate voted to keep the government open for four more weeks. it's a political punt, allowing congress to put difficult issues until next month. >> i voted for this to keep the government going. this is not the way to govern. >> reporter: republican senator, ted cruz, whose home state of texas was hit hard by hurricane harvey, expressing his disappointment that lawmakers didn't address the issue of disaster relief funding. >> there's hundreds of thousands of people in texas and in florida and in puerto rico who are still hurting from hurricanes harvey, irma and maria. >> reporter: the house approving their version of the bill earlier in the day, without any democratic votes. >> the motion is adopted without objection. t >> reporter: house democrats say the bill fails to address issues such as d.r.e.a.m.ers and funding for children health care. >> they don't need us to keep the government open. >> reporter: the bill fds government until january 19th. it keeps c.h.i.p. going until march. and gives the defense department $4.7 million in emergency funding. the president visited wounded warriors at walter reed on thursday, ignored shouting questions on his way to the white house. all of it as the vice president made a surprise trip to afghanistan to rally troops ahead of the holiday. >> let me say from the first family, my family, from families all across america, merry christmas. [ applause ] >> reporter: pence's trip comes before president trump has visited an active combat zone and four months after the president announced a surge of several thousand more u.s. troops in afghanistan. >> i believe victory is closer than ever before. >> reporter: a senior administration official tells me it is likely the president will sign his tax bill into law today before he leaves for hold end of the year news conferences. at this point, there's no such event on the president's schedule. reporters will likely rye to ask questions when he leaves the white house in a few hours. >> we know how you do. thank you so much. we're hearing from reality winner, the former nsa contractor jailed, accused of making off with top-secret governme documents from a government facility. she's speaking out in a rare jailhouse interview. kerry sanders has that story. >> reporter: really winner has been held here in this jail for more than six months, as you noted, for taking those demea-- allegedly taking those documents and sharing them. now, for the first time, she's speaking with a reporter. but as you'll see, the government shut down that interview almost as soon as it began. >> reporter: this morning, new details are surfacing about reality winner, the former contractor in jail, awaiting trial for allegedly leaking classified information. winner is accused of stuffing a top secret report about russian election meddling in her pantty hose. >> her family believes she is a patriot. >> reporter: winner's family and friends describe her as intense, focused and concerned about the state of the world. >> they believe that the document that she leaked is one that american voters deserve to see. >> reporter: recently, she was able to talk to winner at georgia's lincoln county detention center. the two separated by glass, speaking on a jail phone. >> she was serious, eager to talk, eager to tell her story. >> reporter: after less than six minutes, a guard realized that she was a reporter and e interview. she never lied about being a reporter. winner listed her as a friend who could visit. and no one asked when they checked her i.d. >> we never got to talk about how she feels about the consequences or her motivations. >> reporter: fluent in several middle eastern languages, winner served as a translater in the air force. she turned 26 just weeks ago. in her room, a pikachu bedspread since her arrest. according to the article, winner referred to donald trump as an orange fascist. and according to court documents three months before she was arrested winner messaged her sister writing, i have to take a polygraph where they're going to ask if i ever platted against the government with the hash tag, gonna fail. her sister said it was a joke. winner's mother says what's happening to her unfair. >> she feels like she's being treated as a political prisoner. she does feel very powerless and hopeless in this. >> reporter: i spoke to reality winner's mother at length last night. she says she and reality's older sister will have a christmas visit with reality at the jail here this weekend. and like that reporter who talked on the phone through the window, every word and everything they say will be recorded by the government. savannah? >> all right, kerry, thank you. now, to a story that's got the attention of millions of iphone users. a apple has been hit with a massive lawsuit days after admitting it slows down older models as they age. here's nbc's gadi schwartz. >> reporter: today in california an iphone bombshell. one man filing a class action complaint, saying that apple slowed down older phones with older of newer, pricier models. >> it's a well thoughtout plan by apple to make sure that the consumers come back and buy the latest and greatest phone. >> reporter: apple acknowledging it did reduce processor speeds of iphone 6 and 7s in updates. users posting results that showed significant performance drop-offs for older phones with previous lithium-ion batteries as soon as the latest ios was installed. apple claims i s it was trying improve customer experience. featuring a prevention of shutdown to prolong the phone's life. but experts say that kind of throttling means the phone might not respond like it used to. >> complicated apps like games or photos and you're deep with work in the phone, they will see the phone is limited because >> reporter: a new iphone battery costs $80, cheaper than the new iphone that runs $1,000. but replacing the battery involves bringing it into the store. apple says they have pushed updates that were never asked for and reduced the speed and the value of their phones. >> when you have to save and struggle to buy a piece of equipment, then you only learn that the folks who sold you that equipment are downgrading it on you, it's betrayal. >> reporter: for "today," gadi schwartz, nbc news, los angeles. now, to sad news. dick enberg whose hall of fame career spans 60 years has died. miguel almaguer looks back at his remarkable life. >> it was believed that dick enberg died at home. he covered so many sports from wimbledon to the super bowl to the as a mplay-by-play man, he provided fans a front row seat to some of the biggest moments in history. this morning family, friends and fans are mourning the loss of an american broadcasti ining icon,k enberg. a fixture in the southern california landscape through the 1960s and '70s. enberg broke on to the national scene as a game show host. later joining nbc, where he became the network's lead play-by-play voice for the nfl and major league baseball. >> fumbled the ball. and denver has recovered. oh, my. >> reporter: enberg was known for his enthusiastic signature call, oh, my, when describing big plays. he was incredibly versatile, covering a wide array of sports for decades. enberg called 28 wimbledon tournaments, 8 ncaa basketball title games, multiple a 1982 world series, big golf and boxing events, too. he also spent 42 seasons in the booth, calling nfl games, including eight super bowls for nbc. enberg, sharing memories with "today" back in 1996. >> i was at the practice session for the bears, watching and trying to get notes. as i was standing, someone snuck up behind me and lifted me off of my feet. there was a loud pop. i looked back and saw walter payton. he said, i got you back in place. i said, no, you just broke my glasses. >> reporter: during the sk'60s, enberg was the voice of the bruins dynasty when the team won games under john wooden. and in 1968, when houston snapped the bruins' winning streak. overnight, condolences pouring in over social john ireland the radio voice of the lakers tweeting, if there was a mt. rushmore of l.a. sports announcers, dick enberg is on it. definition of a gentleman. a gentleman and a giant in broadcasting. enberg's golden voice now silent, but will never be forgotten. at his very first job, a custodian at the michigan radio station, enberg earned $1 an hour. he managed to double his salary when he started working on-air as the weekend sports guy. he retired two years ago calling games for the san diego padres when he was 80 years old. back to you guys. >> what a career. >> classic. >> what a voice. what a voice. >> nice man. >> he'll be missed. mr. roker, you want to take a look at the weather. we have snow through the pacific northwest and sunshine into the gulf and southeast. we'll get to your local forecast in the next 30 seconds. # . good morning. temperatures are in the 30s for the area this morning. 39 degrees washington. 34 lorton. 34 degrees in gaithersburg. as we go through the day though, look at this snow to the north. it's going to stay to the north f you're traveling, keep that in mind. we'll be dry locally. built as we go through the day to day, cloudy skies, showers don't get here until later on. temperatures will be in the 50s th look at your extended forecast. >> coming up, we're going to take a look at christmas day. >> we need that. >> it will be kind of interesting. >> that's al speak for snow. al, thank you. coming up the alleged sexist and vulgar e-mails that has miss america's ceo under fire. plus, a holy undertaking. with christmas just three days away, we'll take you inside the largest search of its kind for evidence supporting the bible. first, this is "today" on nbc. ♪ ♪ it feels good to be back. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ still ahead, he's back at it armed with the season's hottest toys. pulling off more christmas surprises for deserving kids. why oprah ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ make the holidays a treat with kellogg's rice krispies. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ good morning. it is 7:26 on this friday, december 22 nlnd and i'm chris lawrence. >> good news for government workers in our area. congress avoided another shutdown. this provides less than a movement the deal will keep the government open through january 19th. it may be the most wonderful time of the year. one thing that isn't so wonderful, sitting in holiday traffic or waiting in lines at the airport. take a look at these lines. out at reagan national, if you're flying out today, make sure you arrive at least two hours early for your flight. >> well, let's take you to east of nutley street. it's a crash on the right side. good news is, take a look at cameras, rescue is packing up. they're about to reopen all lanes. there is your traffic jam right there, eastbound on 66 heading to 495. also a structure fire in vienna at nutley. only one left lane was getting by. that's the very latest from the wtop traffic center. back to you. >> a check of your forecast is next. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ it all starts with a wish. the final days of wish list are here. hurry in and sign and drive off in a new lincoln with zero down and a complimentary first month's payment. i want the warm coat again this morning. the clouds are around. they'll be with us today. we do stay dry until tonight. most of the area about the mid to upper 30s this morning. later this afternoon, mid 50s. rain doesn't get here until tonight and tomorrow. especially in the afternoon. then by sunday, we are cooler. colder on monday. there is a chance we could some overnight rain-snow mix. very briefly gone by monday. >> thank you. we have another local news upcoming up in 25 minutes. ♪ pretty, pretty, pretty. back now, 7:30, friday morning, three days till christmas. we are in the spirit. >> that happens to be our top story, too. there's a travel rush going on. and some of the rough weather may slow you down. >> winter storm warning. as a record number of americans are hitting the roads, rails and sky today, more than 50 million people are under weather advisories. cross-country storms bringing snow, flash floods and fog. >> the snow is moving in. great for the skiers but horrible for your travel on this friday. christmas crisis averted. congress passes a spending bill, funding the government for now but putting off decisions until next year. >> i voted for this. this is not the way to govern. papa gone. the founder of the pizza chain papa john's steps down as ceo, less than two months after his controversial remarks about national anthem protests by players. caught on camera. cameras capture the moment when people ram a sports store in california and take off with motorcycles. undercover wetting. a couple goes under the seas to say i do. the bride with a wedding dress, bouquet and scuba mask. you don't have to worry about your hair when you go right into the water. >> nothings a all. >> i love it. we're moving to a stunning report, accusing the ceo of the miss america orgiz name-calling and fat-shaming pageant winners. his harsh words found in leaked e-mails. >> reporter: overnight, dick clark productions which produces the pageant's telecast cut ties with the organization over that explosive series of internal e-mails. miss america or mistreated? this morning, some not-so-cro not-so-crowning moments from the ceo, sam haskell. a trove of e-mails obtained revealed haskell made remarks about former winners. in one exchange of august 2014, haskell e-mailed the lead writer to inform of a change saying, in part, when referring to a woman who was once miss america, we're no longer going to call them forever miss americas. they are former miss americas. the writer said he changed forevers to an for the female body part. to which haskell replied, perfect. a spokesman told "the huffington post," the organization decided to fire friedman after an internal investigation. after winning the miss america pageant in 2013, mallory hagen became close with haskell and his wife. but haskell seemed to fixate on hagen. omg, she is huge and gross. she believes that haskell played a role in ending her career as a pageant coach. >> when i first read the e-mails in the article, i wasn't shocked. but i was validated. i mean, for the longest time i tried to explain to people around me this is happening or these and to have the ability to then look on paper and say, see? i told you. >> miss north carolina. >> reporter: in other e-mails, haskell seemed to target kate shindle, miss america in 1998, after she had the board pay him a $5,000 consulting fee. in 2014, friedman sent haskell an e-mail, offing his condole e condolences on the death of miss america. offering the line, it should have been kate. haskell replayed, thanks so much, coach. you make me laugh. >> everyone who participated in that conversation needs to go. they don't get it. they don't get miss america is or what it can be. >> reporter: former fox news host and miss america 1989, gretchen carlson. she released a statement to nbc news that reads in part, harassment and shaming of women is never acceptable and every board member who engaged in the crude behavior should resign immediately. nbc news reached out to the miss america organization and sam haskell for comment. but so far, no response. guys? >> sheinelle jones, thank you so much. we go back to al because the holiday weekend forecast is so important. got to know. >> let's start off with christmas eve. we start off christmas eve travel, sunday, during the day. snow around st. lo we get into this evening and we see cleveland involved. i-70 has know. pennsylvania up into new york. i-95 from jersey south looks good. early morning travel disruptions. a lot of folks traveling on christmas day. snow for boston. winds at jfk. snow travel will increase during the afternoon hours. that is good news. rest of the country, we're looking at elevated fire danger today out west. snow back through the rockies. a flood threat through the lower mississippi and ohio river valley much that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. good friday morning. temperatures are in the 30s. warm coat as you head outside. you'll notice clouds around today. they're not going to be bringing rain until late tonight. there is that snow up in new england. maybe some issues with travel there later on this afternoon as well. rain down around texas. that's going to move into our area as we go through tonight. rain chances increase tonight and into your saturday. expect scattered showers tomorrow especially in the afternoon. then we dry out. chance for a mix overnight sunday into early monday. then we're dry and cold. >> this "sunday night football" weather is brought to you by verizon. the best network pand the best >> watch primetime cams on verizon. >> this game is so good, it ain't going to be on sunday. we're doing it saturday. that's right. the packers and the vikings. the vikings coming into the frozen tundra of lambeau field. and it's going to be frozen. that's right. we're not talking elsa. let it go, baby. bitterly cold in green bay, 10 degrees, a windchill of 2 below. saturday night, sunday night, it's a whole weekend here on nbc. coverage begins at 7:00, 6:00 central, "football night in america." >> that is so good. >> it's "sunday night football" on saturday. >> yes. >> love it. still ahead this morning, choir of one. wait until you see what a youtube star did with just his voice to the "home alone" soundtrack. and then, cue the smiles and the tears. our "rossen reports" toys. and still speaking of ideas, the last-minute deals you can have delivered before monday. we go to jerusalem and take a look at the search under way for evidence backing the bible, what are you asking santa for? i want a rabbit! 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buy online and pick up free in store! give joy, get joy - with nike at kohl's. ♪ we're back, now, 7:43, with more of our special series, "holidays in the holy land." >> this morning, a journey to jerusalem where people are celebrating christmas and hunting for evidence that supports the bible. keir simmons is there. good morning, again. >> reporter: millions come here every year just to try to get a little closer to their faith. what they don't know is that while they are here, intense work is happening to try to find evidence of some of the characters, particularly in the old testament of king david, of solomon, intense work asking the question, is the bible true? archaeologists in jerusalem search with the scripture in one hand and a trowel in the other, hoping to unearth crucial evidence supporting the bible. we went under the city to see the world's biggest dig. >> you can imagine, this was open to the fun. it was a beautiful pilgrimage road here. >> reporter: in the time of king david, people walked this road. >> there was music. there was incense. there was people singing. all this is written about in jewish texts. and i'm reading chapter three. and he built the wall of the shiloh pool, next to the king's garden, as far as the steps that go down from the city of david. i have something to show you here. look at that. >> wow. what's down there? >> that's an access route into the sewer of the city. built around the time of king harod. >> it's talking about the robe worn by the high priest of israel. they would attach the bells all around the hem of the robe. the high priest is walking over here. and he goes through this drain and 2,000 years later we pull it out of the ground. >> reporter: this has not found evidence of the illustrious kings, david and solomon. while some look for evidence in these cliffs, scientists are unable to agree. >> the question is whether jerusalem was this golden age city in the 10th century b.c. we're dealing with memories, tales, myths. >> the bible never intended to speak history. it has its own purposes. but not telling you hi solomon. >> nothing is here. >> reporter: we leave the city andho head for this remote hill top, where scientists have found a kernel of evidence. we're entering a city in the kingdom of king david? >> yes. this is the biblical city of shiram. >> reporter: your big discovery was through something quite small. >> olive pits. >> reporter: olive pits helped you figure this out. >> they gave us the dating. the dating is 1,000 b.c. olives leaved here 3,000 years ago. >> reporter: it's amazing that little olives can lead to a discovery so big. the fortress town overlooked a famous battle. this is where david fought goliath. >> this is exactly the location, yes. >> reporter: if we had been standing here 3,000 years ago, able to watch david battle goliath. >> sure. >> reporter: historians in the land of the bible, still doing battle. while for others, faith is enough. of course, this is a city with many religions, many faiths. maybe that's the way god intended it. maybe one day people around the world will come to terms with that. certainly, at christmastime, that is a good message. back to you guys. >> certainly is. what a great series. >> we have loved this the whole week. it's been fascinating. why don't we head over to carson. are you teasing something coming up in "pop start"? >> that's right. coming up, we have a holiday scam warning from none other than oprah. wheyou know your holidayt of tshopping is complete., it's time to celebrate. 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[pillsbury doughboy] hmm hmm hmm... in this home... we believe. at zales, we believe a diamond kind of love is all about that look right there. shop the zales season to sparkle sale to save on dazzling holiday gifts. zales, the diamond store. nick is a logistical mastermind. when it comes to moving packages on a global scale, nobody does it better. he's also an avid cookie connoisseur. dig in, big guy. but when it comes to mortgages, he's... less confident. fortunately for nick, there's rocket mortgage by quicken loans. it's simple, so he can understand the details and get approved in as few as eight minutes. apply simply. understand fully. mortgage confidently. rocket mortgage by quicken loans. as our ocean spray cranberries, which is why we're declaring it "the unofficial official fruit of the holidays." -the fig's gonna be so bummed. -[ chuckles ] for holiday tips and recipes, go to oceanspray.com. ...studying to be a dentist and she gave me advice. she said dad... ...go pro with crest pro-health. 4 out of 5 dentists confirm these crest pro-health products... ...help maintain a professional clean. and it's the only toothpaste with the ada seal of acceptance for protection against acid erosion. coming up, we're going to put our love of christmas music to the test, you guys. >> okay. and then, santa rossen. jeff is standing by to surprise so i just finished months of chemo. so but i don't want to talk about months. i want to talk about years. treatments have gotten better, so... i'm hoping for good years ahead. that's thanks to research funded by the american cancer society. the same folks giving me free rides to treatments, insurance advice, and a place to stay during chemo. i need that stuff like you don't know. and now that you do, please give at cancer.org. a dog's big life, is measured in wags. ♪ and when you feed your dog nature's recipe, you fuel the wag with our premium recipes like chicken, sweet potato and pumpkin. nature's recipe. fuel the wag. the unique formula with nourishing almond oil leaves skin smoother moisturized for 24 hours. enjoy smoother skin and now try new oil infused lotions moisturize with indulging scents in this home... we count our blessings. uh, this one. both when there's a little and a lot. there you go. what matters most is made at home. now with more icing. ♪ ♪ ♪ daddy!! did you get my surprise? ♪ it's the little things that make life rich. ritz. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ fortified.tored. replenished. emerge everyday with emergen-c packed with b vitamins, antioxidants, electrolytes plus more vitamin c than 10 oranges. why not feel this good everyday? emerge and see. ♪ ready? lets do it. ♪ with the taste of your lips i'm on a ride ♪ ♪ your toxic [ screaming ] freedom! they look like idiots. it couldn't be better. all right ladies, we are going to show them that we are not a joke. listening. we are different and better than all those other bands. i love you awesome nerds. [ screaming ] they really do need to join the workforce. yes. pitch perfect 3. rated pg-13. ♪ 7:56 is your time. good morning, everyone. let's get right to wtop and your first 4 traffic. >> good morning. we're watching that get away southbound on 95. the beginning of volume delays in dumfries. otherwise, on 66 eastbound, delays are clearing. so to 395 northbound. after gleeb road, crash activity on the right shoulder. rubbernecking delay getting by. exiting the third street tunnel in the district, second street northwest, a car into a building. back to you. >> all right. let's have a check of your forecast coming up. well it's a perfect nespresso hold on a second.orge. mmm. ♪ [mel torme sings "comin' home baby"] hey there. want a lift? ♪ where are we going? no don't tell me. let me guess. ♪ have a nice ride. ♪ how far would you go for coffee that's a cup above? i brought you nespresso. nespresso. what else? good friday morning. temperatures in the mid to upper 30s across the area. 28 in manassas. warm coat this morning. 55 this afternoon. mostly cloudy. the rain won't be moving in until after about 8:00 p.m. through the day tomorrow, mainly in the afternoon. we have scattered showers. by sunday night into monday, we're watching a chance for a mix. >> thank you so much. another update in 25 minutes. back to the "today" show. ♪ it's 8:00 on "today." coming up, get out of town. one of the busiest travel weekends of the year is upon us. but icy, wintry weather sweeping across the country could cause christmas chaos. al has the latest forecast before you hit the road and sky. plus, "momma mia" mystery. the new trailer for the sequel for the 2008 smash hit has people wondering, where meryl? and christmas comes early. >> what do you think of this? >> it's awesome. jeff rossen does it again, surprising some kids with the right to their doors. >> i love it. >> today, friday, december 22nd, 2017. >> who do you want to say hi to? >> i want to say hi to amy. hurry up and come here. >> merry christmas. >> you can't do that. happy festivus. ♪ >> first time in new york. >> your first time in new york? what's your name? >> camden. >> you have a merry christmas. >> what do you say? >> okay. >> okay. >> happy birthday, shawn cook. i love you so much. >> what are you getting for a birthday present? >> this. >> when you're too cheap to send the very best. >> that was a great gift. good morning, everybody. welcome back to "today." a great crowd out there. can't wait to get out and say hi. al is really into this festivus thing. >> that's right. feats of strength. we'll have an area of grievances later. >> we're going to get right to it. the weather is going to top our news. millions of holiday travelers are keeping an eye on the weather, joining the getaway rush. i think some people will have grieve van grievances as they try to get from here to there. >> yes. >> we are looking at 9 million people from lexington to shriver port under this advisory. and winter weather advisories from michigan to new england. the rain gets going today. we're looking at rain from texas to kentucky. along i-20 some problems. dallas, houston, into nashville, atlanta, rainfall, causing major problems at the airports later today. we get snow into tomorrow, with rain, fog, low ceilings to the south. atlanta, charlotte, d.c., la guardia and boston along the coast, going to be problems. buffalo's airport, looking at snow from cleveland all the way to northern new england. as we look at the raial amounts, talking about rainfall rates of up to two inches per hour, down through the south into the lower mississippi river valley. seven inches possible. we have snow to talk about from buffalo to northern maine. on top of that, ice is a possibility, as well. we're looking at upwards of half an inch of ice throughout much of new england. and that could cause major, major problems as we go forward into saturday, sunday, on into even monday. you can expect some added stress this time of year, no matter how you're traveling. ron mott is at o'hare international airport in chicago. hey, ron. >> reporter: good morning to you. expect some long lines, as well. want to update you on that situation at love field in dallas. there was a fire alarm that was triggered by an air condition g ing unit that overheated and kicked up me they're expecting this to be the heaviest travel day for people. 225,000 passengers through o'hare. another 70,000 people going through midway. most of the action will be on the highways and the biways as we like to call them. aaa saying the worst of the traffic congestion is over. that would have been yesterday and wednesday. but don't expect clear and smooth sailing from christmas and beyond. let's look at the numbers. this is going to be a record travel year. 107 million americans venturing out 50 miles away from home. most of you are getting behind the wheel and getting on the road and driving. nine out of ten of you. 6% will fly. the rest of you taking trains and other modes of transportation. i'm looking at the board at the american terminal. it's opened up. only one cancellation on the board. once the delays stack up, we see them cascade through the day. pack patience ifou >> ron, thanks so much. overseas, now. south korea is in mourning after an overnight fire at a fitness center killed 29 people. it happened southeast of the capital of seoul. most of the victims were women who had been found in a sauna, overcome by toxic smoke. the locker rooms in that facility were like a maze and made it difficult to escape. experts believe the fire may have started in a car parked in the ground floor garage. now, a stunning rebuke of president trump. in the middle east, palestinians are calling for a day of rage to underscore thursday ears u.n. vote on jerusalem. security farorces are braced fo clashes. the general assembly voted 128-9. the u.n. resolutioresolution, w not binding, calls the move null and void. trump warned that countries siding against the u.s., could lose american financial aid. let's do "the morning boost." >> a little boy in chicago is proving that big blessings can come in small packages. this little boy was moved when his aunt took him to feed the homeless idea. that's where he got the idea for his blessings bag. he puts toiletries in his bag. and he hands them out when he finds people in need. in a perfect world, he would buy every homeless person a house. but since he can't do that, he's going to try to help any way he can. >> i know. love somebody with a good heart like that. love it. thank you. there's much more ahead this morning, including oprah with a warning about a holiday scam in her name. then, you still have shopping to do? we're going to have your guide to gifts. let's see what megyn is working on. >> hey, ladies. today, a woman who died for 37 seconds. she predicted it would happen and it did. she can tell you everything that happened while she was gone. and her doctors have no explanation for how she knows. she's here, alive and well. all that plus, "rossen to the rescue." >> i'm jeff rossen. back by popular demand, our holiday toy give away. we've been reading your tweets and we're back in the neighborhoods making surprise deliveries. it's almost christmas dad. ♪ "it's raining men" - the weather girls ♪ ♪ hi. ♪ delicious recipes made holidwith nutella! the holidays never tasted this good. discover holiday recipes at nutella.com. from the moment you met you wantecomfort and protection that's why pampers swaddlers is the #1 choice of hospitals to wrap your baby in blanket-like softness so all they feel is love pampers swaddlers gstores are now open 24 hours. take an extra 20% off when you spend $100 or more! short on time? buy online and pick up free in store! give joy, get joy - right now at kohl's. [ various sound effects ] it only takes 15 minutes, to bring holiday cheer. get the party started with delicious chex party mix. ♪ ♪ i'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain ♪ ♪ what glorious feeling i'm happy again, ♪ ♪ just singing, singing in the rain. ♪ so this is the all-new chevy equinox. it's gorgeous. it offers rear seat reminder, built-in 4g lte wifi... apple car play compatibility... wow... ...and teen driver technology. now to get all of these features, you'd need all six of those crossovers. that's insane! yep, and you still wouldn't get everything that's in this equinox. wowww... six cars in one. use your employee discount for everyone to get forty -five hundred dollars below msrp on this 2018 chevy equinox. find new roads at your local chevy dealer. ♪ this morning on "rossen to the rescue" back by popular demand, we are giving away the hardest to find troys. >> jeff told us about grinch t bots, who were buying the toys and then selling them at higher prices. now, we have some delivery of those toys. >> we're in the denver area. it's been an amazing week. these kids have lived tough lives. we're at a charity called precious child. many of these kids don't have foster homes or parents. we wanted to do something special for them. we woke them up really early here. you have no idea why you're here, right? >> no. >> reporter: their parents told them to get up and come here. you know you're here for a surprise, right? >> yeah. >> reporter: i'm going to tell america about it really quick. give me one quick second. here's what we're doing. i'm going to keep my voice down. we got them so many toys. toys you can't find in the stores. we have them over here. a big, live surprise for these kids who deserve it. first, we're going door-to-door for more surprises. i'm back at it, traveling all over the country, delivering this year's hardest to find toys. fingerlings, the lol surprise, big surprise. and the nes. our contest receiving a massive response. we couldn't believe this girl's story. her aunt writing, my niece asked for the lol big surprise this year. including on that list, was money she earned to buy gifts for children in need. she is caring, loving and smart. we are looking to make her one wish come true this year. jeff rossen from nbc news. >> hi. >> reporter: tell me how you're feeling right now? >> very excited and happy. >> reporter: this is oriah. >> this is oriah. >> reporter: i heard you wanted the lol big surprise. and i heard on your list was money for kids that couldn't afford presents. you wanted to give back to other kids? >> yes. >> reporter: you're a good girl. that's why i got you an lol surprise. >> i think it teaches her that, good things happen to good people. and she -- >> you're a good person, too. we received so many tweets from families dealing with loss this holiday season. here in new jersey i got this tweet from jen. this really touched us. on may 31st, 2017, our house burned down. we lost everything and have three girls, 10, 7 and 3. all would love the lol and finger toys. thank you for considering us. happy holidays. i'm looking for jen. >> yes. >> reporter: we wanted to give you some toys. what do you think of that? you want this? okay. it's yours. boom. >> whoa. >> reporter: whoa. look at all those cool lols in there. and we read touching stories of kids helping their parents. jennifer writing, my 12-year-old would love the nintendo. because of spine issues. he helps me out a lot. he carries things for me and helps with chores. he was so understanding when i told him it wasn't going to be a big christmas this year. this is our favorite part. i'm jeff. nice to meet you. >> what's up? >> reporter: i heard you take care of your mom. >> yes. >> reporter: what did you want this year? >> like a '90s video game. >> reporter: like a nintendo? >> yes. >> reporter: boom. >> thank you. >> reporter: look at that face. what do you think of this? >> it's awesome. >> reporter: what does this mean? >> it means so much. things were really tight this year and he has been helping out around here since he was 5. >> reporter: and we were so inspired by tweets of people opening their homes to orphans. one woman writing, i am a foster parent and have adopted four children. one of my little girls, she's 9. she has cerebral palsy. she wanted we ordered one back in october. the company took our money and never sent her the item. >> reporter: hi, theresa. jeff rossen from nbc. how are you? >> i'm stunned. >> reporter: you're stunned? you do such wonderful things. we heard you take in children with developmental issues because you want to keep siblings together and families together. >> yeah. >> reporter: i heard you only thought you could ask for one fingerling because that's how thoughtful you are. we brought five. one for each of your kids. look at the face on her. look at her face. are you surprised? boom. >> thank you. >> reporter: you're welcome. >> yay. >> reporter: here's one for you. you want one? ya e. here you go, right there. >> i love it. >> reporter: you love it? >> uh-huh. >> reporter: open it up. what does this mean to you to see this? >> i can't explain it because, you know, that >> reporter: paying it forward this holiday season. >> i'm speechless. >> reporter: so many inspirational people in this country. great to meet them. are you ready for the live surprise? >> yeah. >> reporter: come on in. come get them. yeah. they're flowing in. remember, these kids, one little toy, as we have learned all week, one little toy -- getting knocked all over the place. i love it. one toy makes such a difference. it's not about the toy itself. i've been told by parents and the kids, too. it's about somebody caring and showing up to do something for them. kids who are often forgotten about. do you love it? yeah. we're going to start with the toys on the ground, guys. it's been so inspiration. and i love doing this around the holidays. >> this is awesome. i hope we started a tradition, jeff. this has been beautiful. >> that was awesome. >> reporter: who needs the holidays as an excuse. let's do it all the time. >> you're right about thank you, jeff. give some hugs for us. >> it is about the toys to the kids, though. >> it is. >> well deserved. a check of the weather? >> let's see what we have going on. basically, we are looking at a flood threat in t we have an elevated fire danger out west. more snowmaking its way through the cascades and pacific northwest. icy conditions upstate new york and northern pennsylvania and snowy as you make your way up into parts of northern new england. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. well, you're going to notice the clouds around this morning. 38 degrees right now in the district. the clouds will not be bringing rain until later tonight. temperatures are mostly in about the mid to upper 30s through the area. warm coat this morning. there is snow in new england. if you're heading in that direction, you may be looking at travel issues especially later this afternoon. that will continue there. the rain down to our south and west will be moving in late tonight. but again y, rain mainly after 8:00 p.m. and then rain tomorrow. >> and that is your latest weather. hoda? you know what it's time to do? >> "trending." >> time to "trend." what's "trending" this morning? christmas music. we will play a teeny bit of a christmas song and see who can guess it. we're going to play two seconds of the song. i don't know it, either. name that tune. ready? let's have the first one. >> "run, run rudolph." is he right? >> "run, run rudolph." >> all right. >> cute. al is good at this stuff. >> next one. ♪ ♪ i don't want a lot for christmas ♪ >> yes. >> that's mariah carey. >> that song is played every five seconds. >> getting them on two seconds. ready? let's >> go, carson. >> santa baby. >> "santa tell me." >> oh, okay. sorry. >> i only know the classics. >> one more. ♪ >> "simply having a wonderful christmastime" paul mccartney. >> is it? ♪ simply having a wonderful christmastime ♪ >> nat king cole, the christmas song, that's my jam. >> is it? let's hear. >> we don't have it. >> wait. what was that one? >> gwen stefani and blake shelton. >> wow. how did you know that? >> i love that song. >> i do, too. i wouldn't have known it. okay. one more. ♪ >> "rockin' around the christmas tree." >> al roker is no fun to play with because you get every one right. night." >> final one. final one. ♪ >> "last christmas." >> right. carson, you got that. >> i know my wham jam. >> "wake me up before you go go." >> what? >> we're going to start "pop start" with mamma mia 2, the sequel. the trailer has been released. have you seen it? it's buzzing. >> i'm pregnant. but i don't know how to do this by myself. >> your mother is the greatest person we ever met. >> look at my baby. >> let me tell you how she did it. >> the bravest person we ever met? past tense, right? social media is wondering if meryl streep's character was killed off. in a throwback sequence, lily james plays a young donna. we're tryin t we'll have to watch. you know who joined the star-studded cast? cher. >> whoa. >> let's get the party started. >> grandma, you weren't invited. >> that's the best kind of party, little girl. >> "mamma mia" hits theaters on july 20th. oprah is known for showering her fans with gifts. but due to scamming, oprah has been asking for cash? no. she shut that down immediately. >> i want you to know that somebody out there is trying to scam you, using my name and my avatar on social media, asking for money if you sign up for an own account on instagram. it's a fraud. don't believe it. don't give up any of your bank ac to anybody posing as me or anyone else, for that matter. >> that's a good psa for this time of the year, regardless if it's the oprah scam or others. from are online scams. finally, "home alone," a beloved christmas classic. now, a clever and talented music producer named mike tompkins does his own voice into one choir to do the soundtrack. it's going to bring some holiday cheer. take a look. ♪ ♪ >> someone has time on his hands. >> that's unbelievable. >> the edit alone, that's impressive. >> keep animal. >> really. your "daly click" today. maybe you have the family in the living room and playing jenga, perhaps. you know that move when you think you don't have another play and the whole thing is about to come tumbling down. watch this guy get out of that moment. check this out. >> one, two, three. >> oh, wow. >> no. >> no. >> that's unbelievable. >> i don't believe that. >> he is a ninja. >> how about that? pulled off the amazing feat without knocking a single block off of the tower. his family was stunned that the whole thing didn't fall down. are those the large jenga blocks? >> yeah. >> is it fun? >> it is. and the flowers are still standing. >> that is so cool. carson, thank you. tr last-minute gift ideas. let's go shopping and we have time to order them. you can take them straight from her. that's what we're going to do. and to dive into comfort food. it's time to celebrate some football food for the holiday. those recipes and a lot more after a check of local news, weather and these messages. good morning, it's 8:26. let take a look at the roads. how's it looking, dave? >> we're looking at a crash on the baltimore washington parkway. northbound near 197. initially called in blocking left lane. i-95 for that get away. you mentioned it. okay in mayoryland. in virginia, delays south bound at dumfries. heading in slow already. that's very latest. chris, back to you. >> thank you, dave. we'll get a check of the forecast as soon as we come back. stay with us. hey hgood, how was practice? must have been hot out there today, huh? yeah yeah- why don't you go put that stuff in the laundry room right now? okay. do your athletes bring home big odors? tide sport is super concentrated to beat even the toughest stains and odors. hey buddy! hey oooh- somebody ran laps! yeah. the new tide sport collection- it's got to be tide well, another chirllly star to the day. most of the area, about mid to upper 30s. there is rain for us later cloudy and mid 50s. rain until after 8:00 p.m. showers around tomorrow. we're watching a chance of a late mix christmas eve night. ♪ ♪ hark how the bells sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ all seem to say throw cares away ♪ ♪ christmas is here bringing good cheer ♪ ♪ to young and the old weak and the bold ♪ ♪ ding dong ding dong that is the song ♪ ♪ with joyful ring all carolling ♪ ♪ one seems to hear words of good cheer ♪ ♪ from everywhere filling the air ♪ ♪ oh, how they pound raising a sound ♪ ♪ through hill and dale telling a tale ♪ ♪ gaily they ring while people hear ♪ ♪ songs of good cheer christmas is here ♪ ♪ merry, merry, merry merry christmas ♪ ♪ merry, merry, merry merry christmas ♪ ♪ on, on they send on without end ♪ ♪ their joyful tone to every home ♪ ♪ hark how the bells sweet silver bells ♪ ♪ all seem to say throw cares away ♪ ♪ hallelujah christmas is here ♪ ♪ hallelujah christmas is here ♪ ♪ one seems to hear words of good cheer ♪ ♪ from everywhere filling the air ♪ ♪ through hill and dale telling a tale ♪ ♪ gaily they ring while people hear ♪ ♪ songs of good cheer christmas is here ♪ ♪ merry, merry, merry merry christmas ♪ ♪ merry, merry, merry merry christmas ♪ ♪ on, on they send on without end ♪ ♪ their joyful tone to every home ♪ ♪ on, on they send on without end ♪ ♪ their joyful tone to every home ♪ ♪ ding dong ding dong >> beautiful. how was that? let's call that the crowd moment. what do you think, hoda? >> we can call that our crowd moment. those beautiful voices are from the new york city children's chorus. they're a talented group. we scan the crowd for a crowd moment. that has to be it. >> they gave a moment to our crowd, really entertained us. gave us so much. we found the best last-minute gifts you can find at the 11th hour. if you're like me, you have company coming over this weekend. great game. packers/vikings. an all-out italian feast will keep you stuffed for the new year. >> siri must be a vikings fan. >> she went to college in green bay, so it gets complicated. >> very complicated. megyn, what have you got coming up? >> this woman went in to deliver her baby. she had a premonition she would die. no one would believe her. they brought a crash cart in. she died, for 37 seconds. she came back. she's fine. she remembers the whole thing. and she will tell us all about it. even the doctors are saying, it's a miracle. >> wow. >> you have to see the story. >> that's amazing. megyn, thank you so much. >> this is our last chance. then, "megyn's month of merry." >> how could you forget that? storms northwest and plenty of sunshine southwest and into the gulf coast. and clouds and sun through the southwest. that's what's going on around the country. here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. well, here we have a cloudy day in store for your friday. mostly cloudy. we'll stay dry through the day until get to tonight. then the rain moves in. 38 degrees right now. we have snow up n so if you're heading in that direction, you'll run into the snow maybe causing travel issues. there is the rain around parts of texas and tennessee moving in mainly after 8:00 p.m. tonight. until then, temperatures will be back in the 50s. tomorrow, scattered showers in the afternoon. chance of a mix very late sunday. but a colder chris plas day. christmas day. >> that's your latest weather. time to go around the horn. i want to make sure everybody gets on. and we want to make sure all your weather needs are met. check out our friends at the weather channel on cable. now, let's head back inside. >> all right, al. thank you. now, to today's hassle-free holidays. we're t-minus three days until christmas. if you have shopping to do, we don't want you to stress. we have chassis post here. fun last-minute ideas. can they get here before >> they can. some you can do by fr yofrom yo. >> it's time to get on it. >> we have elf rolling in. >> we have sarah and she has two ideas we're obsessed with. first up, the flip belt. this is for the sporty person on your list and it's a running belt. you can fit everything from your phone, keys and i.d. and everything you need from the pockets here. and you flip it. thus, the flip belt, that sits low on your waist and won't bounce around. this is available on amazon prime today. >> you flip it up and flip it over. >> it's all-snug. it's $24.98. this is a genius invention. it's called the smart buckle by vogue strap. and this device, you attach it to any wristband of a watch. it turns it into a smart watch. now, you can keep your sktyle. use your watch. it steps, your sleep. now, you have a great option. it's $129.99, including shipping. it will get there tomorrow. >> very clever. thank you, sarah. good job. let's bring our next elves in from the plaza. >> camden and sharon. and first up, from e.d. by ellen degeneres, we have these slippers with dogs and hearts. and the mad for plaid totes that says joy. a lot of ways to shop there. go there online and select stores. you can send someone a personalized gift via e-mail. >> this is amazing. >> aren't these awesome? these are warm muffs. enfant, baby in french. they're 100% vegan. and they attach to m >> i put it on the stroller. >> if you take your hand off, you will never lose a glove again, right? >> it's really perfect. get it from bye-bye baby, bed bath and beyond. >> i didn't know they came in those cute prints. let's bring the next elves in. >> this is for the beauty-obsessed. this is the minicontour travel kit. we can take defined cheekbones every this holiday season. you can get these at sephora stores. and stilla makes these amazing liquid eye shadows with glitter and lipstick thatlasts for hours. you can get these at sephora stores. pace loves this. these are the homesick candles. you know when you have a smell and it takes you back immediately? these candles are designed to do just that. this is the france candle. it smells of croissants and lavender. >> i'm back at the cabaret with my beret. >> you have your hometown. >> and los angeles. >> doesn't it? and it smells like l.a. >> i don't want to smell new york, though. >> well -- >> just kidding, new york, i love you. >> boston smells really great. these are available on amazon prime, $29.95. >> i love miami. these are fun. >> thanks, guys. >> thank you. last but not least, you will not believe the food we have for you here today. >> hi, ladies. >> these are called du's doughnuts. caitlin and my friend cara. du's doughnuts, free shipping. you can get it tomorrow. >> wow. >> and let me tell you about these. the famous chef has a michelin star. he had one for wd-50. he's turned his sights on the new england cake doughnut. you have brown butter, key lime, cherry pie, apple. >> yummy. >> you have doughnut holes. >> can i take a bite? >> please. they are made for taking a bite. >> what? >> we want those. hoda and carson are so jealous. >> they're so, so, so yummy. >> so good. really good. >> goldbelly.com, free ship for tomorrow. we have some for you guys. and last but not least, this is for the royal lover. who is not a royal lover? >> no one around this show. we all love them. >> right? it is called royal bingo. >> no. >> yes. and there's 64 royals, including famous ones like kate and william. but there's also some lichtenstein. >> you don't know him? >> who is going to reign supreme? who is going to win bingo. >> come on in here. a couple of vultures circling around the bdoughnuts. get involved in this doughnut. i tried the caramel apple. thank you so much. >> tape everything down here. >> it's like a piece of cake wrapped in -- >> i'm going to ruin my italian meal. >> we're having a football feast, italian style. >> happy holidays. we have a hero sandwich, guys, large enough to cover a whole football field. it's coming up. first, this is "today" on nbc. how good are those, right? we're back with "today food loves minnesota vikings are set to tangle in a special saturday night game tomorrow on nbc. with some dishes to go with the match-up or any holiday gathering, anthony and elaine. we love when you come. people are starving. just a quick cutaway at the tasting table. they're almost finished. >> that's great lunch for the staff today. >> tell us what we're doing. >> a little rollitini. we think italian is the way to go for football. i thinly sliced it. i want to put grill marks on it and soften it up. >> you want to get the water out of it. >> you want to be pliable because you want to roll it. i have cheese,recot to and egg. when you're baking it, you want it to stay thick and you put the this is what the mixture is going to be. >> simple as that? >> simple as this. we're going to take this. >> and you roll that baby right up. >> that's all it is. simple as that. >> and you bake that for how long? >> 15, 20 minutes. you see it melt a little bit and get gooey and delicious. this is what it looks like. and let's look at the zucchini and melted gorgonzola cheese. >> touchdown. >> go for the two-point conversion. >> can we live here for one second? these are famous at your restaurant. and the secret recipe, you're giving that away? >> it has been. potato, zune kecchini chips and melted gorgonzola cheese. >> everybody dies for that at the restaurant. elena? >> save some room. >> we have room for you, girl. >> we have the italian stallion of sandwiches. i mean, this is a show-stopper. >> they make that? >> of course they do. it's very old-school but it's new again, hoda. >> let's talk about things you need. >> provolone, capicola, salami and peppers. here's the important part. it's the dressing. an italian oregano dressing. olive oil and red wine vinaigrette. we started to put our peppers on. we're going to layer the mortadella. >> we love italian style. but the truth is, you can do it american hero. you can do however you want. we're going to layer this all the way down. >> shake that up. >> this is the best part. >> where do you put it? >> right on the top. this is nice, thick, crusty bread. >> look how much she is putting >> it soaks into the bread. >> it's really tomatoes. and then, some nice, shredded lettuce. >> tell us about the hero. what's happening over there? >> i thought anthony was the italian stallion. >> can't get past the rigatoni. >> tell us about the rigatoni. >> oh, rigatoni bolenaise. this portion is not acceptable. that's a portion for one. >> oh, my gosh. >> that's football. >> veal chicken bolognese. a little rigatoni warms the soul. >> anthony -- >> carson keeps going momma mia. >> the prequel, the sequel. >> spike the ball. >> you can head to today.com/food. catch the vikings and packers tomorrow night, saturday, right here on coverage starts at 7:00, 6:00 central. just ahead, a special holiday performance from rising stars why don't we. first, this is "today" on nbc. really? really? really? really? really? really? see zero in a whole new way. get zero down, zero deposit, zero first month's payment, and zero due at signing on select volkswagen models. now with the people first warranty. the citi concert series on "today" is proudly presented to you by citi. >> welcome back to "today." the guys from why don't we are riding high as 2017 comes to a close. >> they released four e.p.s this year. two of them reaching number one on itunes. and they will kick off the new year with a headlining tour. >> one of the four e.p.s is "why don't we this christmas." and they're going to do one of the singles this christmas, "kiss you this christmas." don't we. ♪ ♪ ♪ joyful, joyful when you're near ♪ ♪ shining like a star, my dear ♪ winter wonder land is here all i need to bring me cheer ♪ ♪ wrapped up in your presents, girl ♪ ♪ you know you keep me guessing nothing's sweeter ♪ ♪ than the sight of you this christmas ♪ ♪ it's cold outside but you melt my heart away ♪ ♪ it feels so right it's a p ♪ waited for this moment the whole yearlong ♪ ♪ so, let me know let me know ♪ ♪ can i kiss you this christmas ♪ ♪ joyful, joyful, tis the season ♪ ♪ show you how i feel, my dear ♪ angels singing up in here ♪ all i need to bring me cheer ♪ wrapped up in your presents, girl ♪ ♪ you know you keep me guessing ♪ ♪ nothing's sweeter than the sight of you this christmas ♪ ♪ it's cold outside but you melt my heart away ♪ ♪ it feels so right it's a perfect holiday ♪ ♪ waited for this moment the whole year long ♪ ♪ so, let me know let me know ♪ ♪ can i kiss you this ri ♪ oh, yeah can i kiss you this christmas ♪ ♪ ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪ so, let me know let me know ♪ ♪ can i kiss you this christmas ♪ >> yeah. >> this has been such an awesome christmasy show. why don't we. thank you. >> rigani. >> thitos so, sheinelle and willie are going to get us through this weekend. what's going on? >> a lot of us are wrapping holiday gifts this weekend. but if you're too busy wit and can't make it to the mall, have no fear. we have creative ideas. these are good. people will be happy. >> they're good. >> stop. >> then, on the christmas eve edition of "sunday today," my guest is the star of one of the hottest shows in 2017, "the handmaid's tale." elisabeth moss is with me. she's won the emmy for best actress. now, nominated for the golden globe in that same category. she will be my guest on sunday. >> you get great interviews. >> and he eats pizza while he interviews them. >> always at a pizza joint for the beer. >> and on our fourth hour coming up, the stars of "the greatest showman" coming up. and recipes of things you will enjoy and other things you want to buy, not that other stuff. >> that sounds fantastic. i'm going to get out of here. megyn kelly coming up next. she has a crazy story to tell good morning. it's 8:56 on this friday, december 22 nnd. let's check the roads ahead of the holiday weekend. wtop is here with your first 4 traffic. hey, dave. >> hey. let's start you off on the baltimore washington parkway northbound. near 197. that crash is clear. we are keeping a close eye on no issues in mayor. for the get away in virginia, heavy and closed at the river. that's the very latest. we'll head back to you. >> thank you so much. a check of your holiday forecast whether we come back. we are the tv doctors of america, and we may not know much about medicine, but we know a lot about drama. we also know that you can avoid drama by getting an annual check-up. so go, know, and take control of your health. it could save your life. cigna. together, all the way. good morning. temperatures are still in the 30s for many of us. 40 in the district. today, mid 50s. mostly cloudy though. rain mostly after about 8:00 p.m. showers tomorrow and mild sunday. we clear out. but then we have a very late chance of a mix gone by most of your monday. monday will be dry for christmas day. and cold. >> all right. thank you so much. you can get the latest news and weather any time in the nbc washington app. this morning on "megyn kelly today," a medical miracle. a woman dies for 37 seconds, then lives to tell about it. then, the couple who took their fight to get a wedding cake all the way to the supreme court. and two months left in our month of merry with a gift that will help you trim the tree all year round. what could it be? all that and more on "megyn kelly today" right now. [ applause ] hi, everybody. good morning. hi. happy friday. happy friday. the friday before christmas, very exciting. good morning, everyone.