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CNN Live Today

Military Families Celebrate Holiday Homecomings; Scared of Santa

Aired December 23, 2005 - 10:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are just past the half hour. I'm Daryn Kagan. Here's what's happening "Now in the News."
A memo from 1985 shows Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito called for the reversal of the Roe vs. Wade decision that legalized abortion. Alito was a Justice Department attorney for the Reagan administration at the time. Alito's paper was a recommendation to the solicitor general on the filing of a friend court brief.

AAA says about 63.5 million Americans are traveling for the holidays. If you're among those heading to a major U.S. airport today, be prepared for some lines. Travelers are being advised to get to the airport early and don't bring your holiday gift already wrapped. Screeners may open up those presents.

A man accused of dressing as a firefighter to enter a woman's apartment and sexually abusing her for hours is in court today. Peter Braunstein faces several charges in connection with the Halloween assault in New York. Braunstein was captured in Memphis last week after leading police on a cross-country chase.

A South Korean researcher has resigned from his university job in the wake of a stem-cell research scandal. An expert panel says Hwang Woo-suk falsified results of nine of 11 stem cells that he claims he created. Hwang's findings appear in the U.S. journal "Science" in May.

The U.S. will be lowering the number of troops stationed in Iraq. That comes from Secretary of State Donald Rumsfeld, who told the troops just that at Camp Fallujah this morning. Under President Bush's plan, U.S. combat brigades in Iraq will be slimmed from 17 to 15 in number. There are roughly 3,500 soldiers per brigade. Further reductions will be considered as Iraq's new government takes shape and it solidifies.

More troop cuts mean more emotional homecomings like the one that happened this week in Costa Mesa, California. Now, for this story, I have this handy. I'm told you might need a hanky. A hanky or two. It's about a U.S. force physician. He was sent home from Iraq earlier than expected, much to the surprise of his pregnant wife.

Frank Buckley from our CNN affiliate KTLA has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

FRANK BUCKLEY, KTLA REPORTER (voice-over): Major Herbert Sherl (ph) is almost home.

In August, the Air Force major deployed here to Iraq to an air base north of Baghdad. It was where he was supposed to stay until his unit came home at end of January, too late for Christmas and too late for the birth of his second daughter.

ROBERT SHERL (ph), AIR FORCE MAJOR: I've got a little girl. Her name's Hannah (ph). She's due January 20th. C-section is scheduled for the 18th and I was supposed to come home from Iraq after her due date. So back in Iraq, a couple of my commanders had mercy on me because we were overstaffed and I got to come home early.

BUCKLEY: He told us but he didn't tell his wife, who thought we were there to take pictures to send to the major. Their 2-year-old daughter Emily only knows that dad is in Iraq.

SHERL: And hasn't seen her daddy in four months, so I think she's either going to be happy to see me or not know who I am.

BUCKLEY: But just listen to moment when Herbert Sherl walks through the door. Little Emily sees him first.

BABY: Daddy!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Honey, you didn't tell me you were here! Oh, my god! What are you doing home? What are you doing here?

SHERL: I'm surprising you!

BUCKLEY: The homecoming, a Christmas present this family will never forget.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, I love you.

SHERL: I love you, too.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: I told you. Gotta have the Kleenex. The major also surprised his parents, who live in San Diego County.

Well, the holiday homecomings don't tell the whole story for families of soldiers in honor of all who have returned from Iraq.

CNN's national correspondent Kelly Wallace profiles one very large household. We're talking to the Schultzes of Cleveland, Ohio. They are certainly counting their blessings this Christmas holiday.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DONNA SCHULTZ, MOTHER OF 11: This is like one of 40 loads a week.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Donna Schultz, a mother of 11, says she never let the kids see her cry while her husband Karl was away in Iraq. Only now that he's home safe and sound can she let it all out.

SCHULTZ: He missed a whole year of our lives. There's no way that you can get that back, you know, no matter how much you share. And you can't get that year back. It doesn't make any difference. But...

WALLACE: Once the tears come, they are so hard to stop.

SCHULTZ: It comes because I've -- I really, really, really, really tried hard to keep it normal for them, because they -- I could understand. They cannot.

WALLACE: They are her children. Nine still live at home here in Cleveland, Ohio. Eight, ages 13 and younger, are adopted, and most of them have special needs.

SCHULTZ: OK.

WALLACE: Like 9-year-old Curtis (ph), who is mildly autistic and is home schooled by Donna every day and 7-year-old Taisha (ph), whose development is similar to that of a 6-month-old. Managing this complex household all by herself this past year meant prioritizing and definitely letting some things go.

SCHULTZ: We ate a lot of macaroni and cheese and hotdogs because kids like that and it's quick.

WALLACE (on camera): And quick is key.

SCHULTZ: Quick is key.

WALLACE: And socks I guess just had to go.

SCHULTZ: Exactly. I could not sort by boys and girls, and I just kept putting them together and throwing them in the drawer. And you find the pair that fits you.

WALLACE (voice-over): It was almost exactly one year ago on Christmas Day when Karl, an Army reservist, had to say good-bye to his family and head for the unknown in Iraq.

(on camera): How hard is that? I mean, as a father, as a husband, as a friend?

KARL SCHULTZ, ARMY RESERVIST: You try not to cry, but, you know, you're around other people, but you do, you know. And you look at it like, OK, it's time to go.

WALLACE (voice-over): One of the toughest times for this family was back in August, when Donna took the kids to a memorial for 14 Marines from Cleveland who were killed in Iraq. Eleven-year-old Samuel, who tags along with his dad just about everywhere, took it the hardest.

D. SCHULTZ: And I kept trying to tell him, you know, that daddy was going to be safe, that it would be OK. But I'm sure the wives told their children the same thing. So, anyway...

WALLACE: Donna says her faith helped her when she worried most, so did her family. Her son Daniel says there was also something else.

DANIEL SCHULTZ, DONNA'S SON: Obviously the piano. I mean, that's kind of mom's therapy, as far as I'm concerned.

WALLACE: Now the family is preparing to celebrate. On Christmas, Karl says he's not going anywhere. He plans to stay up late admiring the tree.

K. SCHULTZ: And thank god, you know, I made it through that year.

WALLACE: Donna says she's not think being all the shopping she still hasn't done. Her thoughts are elsewhere.

D. SCHULTZ: It's just hard to explain, because the -- all the other junk that goes along with the holiday, I'm not even thinking about. He's just -- he's here. That's just it, he's here.

WALLACE: Kelly Wallace, CNN, Cleveland, Ohio.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Oops! I should have given you the hanky warning for that story, too. Kelly, thank you for that very sweet story and thank you to the Schultzes of Cleveland, Ohio.

By the way, in Cleveland, Ohio, right now, it is 10:39. And it is 10:39 p.m. on Christmas Island.

Still ahead, when Santa says ho, ho, ho, and the kids say no, no, no! We'll talk about the fear of Santa Claus.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(MARKET REPORT)

KAGAN: We're talking about the movies just ahead. "Brokeback Mountain" not your typical love story. Critics are infatuated with these two cowboys, but will audiences pay to see them? Up next, Mr. Moviefone tells us, what are the must-see films this holiday weekend. LIVE TODAY is back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: A little scene from "Walk the Line," Johnny Cash's story. Thinking about taking in a flick this Christmas. There are a number of movies that might merit your consideration. Let's welcome in Russ Leatherman, also known as Mr. Moviefone, joining us live from L.A.

Russ, hello.

RUSS LEATHERMAN, "MR. MOVIEFONE": Hello, Daryn, how are you? KAGAN: I'm doing great. And you know, Christmas Day comes along and a lot of people like to head to the moves. So we're looking for your expert advice.

LEATHERMAN: Well, Daryn, here's what I had to do. I figured when people go to the movies during the holidays, they're looking for something fun, something good to do, but since most of the comedies in theaters are really pretty lame, I had to go for love, Daryn. I had to go for romance.

KAGAN: Well, this should have been our lead story, you going for love.

Let's go for massive love, as in "King Kong." Are you a fan of this movie?

LEATHERMAN: I think it's one of the best movies of the year. I love this movie. I think the action/adventure is terrific. I think that your entire family. You don't want to take the little kids, but the rest of the family will really love this movie. And believe it or not, Daryn, it's not just adventure, this is a love story. Now it happens to be a love story between a giant hairy gorilla and a woman, but there are a lot of women that can relate to this. I know that's true.

KAGAN: You can't be picky sometimes, you know?

LEATHERMAN: That's what I'm saying.

KAGAN: You know, just be happy with what you have. All right. What if you are going to the movies, what if this is a romantic thing. If this is -- might be a date movie on Christmas Day.

LEATHERMAN: Well, boy.

KAGAN: Let's go to that romantic in you. What movie would you go see?

LEATHERMAN: Well, you know what, I would go see "Pride and Prejudice" myself. I think this is a movie that...

KAGAN: No, you would not. Just stop right there.

LEATHERMAN: Daryn, I'm telling you...

KAGAN: Your credibility is out the window!

LEATHERMAN: It's true! And by the way, this is a beautiful movie. Keira Knightly is spectacular, she's lovely. This is a movie that you can take your girlfriend to. You can take the whole family and it's just beautiful. There's nothing offensive in it. From beginning to end, it's the classic retelling of what I think is a great romance. Daryn, I love this movie. You can take the whole family, even the younger kids. There's nothing wrong with it. It's a good thing to do for the holidays, no doubt about it. KAGAN: Don't get me wrong, I hear it's a fabulous movie. My sister called it yummy. She thought it was great. But you loving it, we'll have to talk about that.

LEATHERMAN: We'll talk about that.

KAGAN: Now, one of the more talked about movies that's coming out is "Brokeback Mountain," the cowboy movie.

LEATHERMAN: This is another great romance. I mean, it's not your typical romance. They are calling it the gay cowboy movie. But you've got just a beautiful performance from Heath Ledger. Jake Gyllenhaal is terrific. The scenery is fantastic. It's set in Wyoming, so it's beautiful to look at.

And I really hope that people get past the gay cowboy thing and just go see this fantastic love story. And I tell you, Daryn, for the guys out there, I promise you, if you go see this movie, it will not turn you gay. Contrary to popular belief, you're going to be all right.

KAGAN: It's not a recruitment film. That's not what it's about. It's just a good story directed by Ang Lee. Hey, we showed a clip from "Walk the Line." Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash.

LEATHERMAN: One of the best movies of the year. I think we're going to see some Oscar nominations for this movie. And again, a classic romance. I think everybody loves Johnny Cash, whether it's your Aunt Mabel, your mom, your dad. You can take people to the theater. They're going to enjoy this movie because it is a great story about a great musician with terrific music, but also, what a love story between June Carter and Johnny Cash. One of my favorite movies of the year.

KAGAN: I'm looking forward to seeing that. And Russ, let me just say, in 2006, I'm wishing you a year filled with popcorn salad.

LEATHERMAN: Well...

KAGAN: Do you know what that is?

LEATHERMAN: I don't and frankly, I'm not sure I want to.

KAGAN: You take the Milk Duds or Raisinettes and you put it in the popcorn and mix it all together. Popcorn salad.

LEATHERMAN: Wow. Yes, that will work well with my new New Year's diet. Thank you, Daryn.

KAGAN: Pass more on over to me. Russ Leatherman, Mr. Moviefone, thank you.

LEATHERMAN: My pleasure. Happy holidays, Daryn.

KAGAN: Thank you. Well, keep your eye on entertainment 24/7 by pointing you Internet browser to CNN.com/entertainment. Among the highlights, you'll find there an excellent review on Steven Spielberg's drama "Munich." It's out this week on the silver screen.

And maybe those of you in the market for a house might want to look at the former home of writer Jack Kerouac, up on sale in Barnstable, Massachusetts, and of course, it's at Cape Cod. That and more at CNN.com/entertainment.

Well, if you ever thought human kind cornered the market on Santa Claus, think again. Let's go to Seoul, South Korea, this morning, where Santa is an orangutan. An orangutan that at least bears gifts. And why not a pink poodle to play the reindeer? 'Tis the season.

If Santa chimps -- sorry. If the Santa chimps don't scare you, the real Santa Claus might. It does with some kids.

Jeanne Moos takes a closer look at children who are not so into the Santa Claus thing.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Oh, sure, 'tis the season to be jolly.

But it's hard to be jolly when confronted by a bearded guy with a gut dressed all in red.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Can we both sit with Santa Claus?

UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: No!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Come on, sweetie, sweetie, sweetie.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a lot of rejection in this job.

MOOS: Hey, kids.

(SINGING)

MOOS: No lying.

(on camera): Were you ever scared to sit on Santa's lap?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No.

MOOS: Not at all

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Actually this year was the first year they sat on Santa's lap without screaming.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She would not go near Santa. She walked as far away as she could.

MOOS: But you avoided Santa, why? UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: Because I was tired.

(SINGING)

MOOS: They made you get on his lap.

(voice-over): Newspapers like the "Chicago Tribune" asked readers to send in scared of Santa photos with captions like, "Category 5 Scream" or "Unhand us, you fiend."

One woman sent in "Like father, like son," showing her husband when he was two, next to her son at about the same age. Some kids like Ethan here even cry when it's their own dad dressed up like Santa.

But Dr. Joyce Brothers says, no wonder Santa scares kids.

DR. JOYCE BROTHERS, PSYCHOLOGIST: He is abnormal to a child.

MOOS: He's even more abnormal this year. Consider bloody Santa, wielding a knife and holding a doll's head. A New Yorker put up the display to protest Christmas commercialism, but the display was itself vandalized by those upset over it.

And then there was hanging Santa in Miami Beach, bound and blindfolded. His owner took down jolly old St. Lynched after much uproar.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It frightens me and it disgusts me.

MOOS: That's pretty much how some kids feel about the real thing. There's even research on the subject. Professor John Trinkaus observed several hundred kids in malls waiting to meet Santa.

He rated their facial expressions: exhilarated, happy, indifferent, hesitant, saddened, terrified. Indifferent won by a landslide, thought the faces of the grownups accompanying the kids were overwhelmingly happy.

UNIDENTIFIED BOY: I was scared.

MOOS (on camera): I know, but why were you scared? What about Santa was a little scary?

UNIDENTIFIED BOY: The beard.

MOOS (voice-over): It makes you wonder if kids who are scared of Santa will progress to being scared of clowns. The two older kids in this photo had to hold onto the coat of the girl in the hood so she wouldn't run away.

(on camera): Are you scared of Santa or are you cool with Santa?

UNIDENTIFIED GIRL: I'm cool with Santa.

MOOS (voice-over): That's not what mom says. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, he wouldn't go in the room with Santa. He was terrified.

MOOS (on camera): What was it that so scared you about Santa?

UNIDENTIFIED BOY: His eyes.

MOOS (voice-over): Hey, at least he wasn't terrified of a plastic Santa.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: No reason to be scared. The real deal, the real Santa Claus, here with us in the next hour on CNN LIVE TODAY. He has already arrived in the building. We have Santa, we have the kids. We're getting in the spirit.

The second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY will begin after a quick break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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