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CNN Saturday Morning News
Airlines Canceling Some Flights Due to Weather; Secret Santa's Big Delivery; Help during the Holidays; Christmas around the World; Wounded Troops Send Greetings
Aired December 25, 2010 - 08:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everybody. Good Christmas morning. Coming to you now from the CNN center in Atlanta, Georgia, on this Christmas edition of CNN SATURDAY MORNING. I'm T.J. Holmes.
Wherever you may be this morning and whatever you may up to be with your family and friends. Glad you're spending at least a part of your day here with us this morning. We're just seeing there, Pope Benedict delivering his traditional Christmas message, delivering it to millions there live and in person to those folks who were gathered at St. Peters Square this morning. He had a message for the people there and a message for Christians around the world, praying for peace in particular. We'll show you a little more of that as well as show you how people were celebrating Christmas around the country, around the world, as well.
A lot of people every year, they are hoping for a white Christmas. Some of you are going to get it and that ain't the best thing. White is blanketing parts of the country, causing some trouble for folks on the road, in the air, as well. This is some information you need. It's going to cause trouble for people trying to travel today possibly on Christmas and certainly for some of you folks trying to make it home over the next couple of days, as well.
Also, you're out of time, right? You've been procrastinating, you waited last minute to get some of those gifts for those folks. But you know what, you're not actually out of time yet. There are actually some places today you can go and still pick up a last-minute Christmas gift. Yes, some stores, they want your money today. We'll tell you who is still open, yes, as of this morning.
But still, I want to get to some of this severe weather. We talk about a white Christmas. Some are going to get it, including one place is going to have a white Christmas today that has never had a white Christmas before. Bonnie Schneider will be along in a second with those details. If you are flying today, especially on Delta, you need to give them a call before you head to the airport. Live picture here out of Chicago this morning that you're looking at, Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
But Delta Airlines canceled hundreds of Christmas Day flights. They did that yesterday trying to get ahead of the bad weather that's threatening the south as well as the east coast, 300 flights in and out of Atlanta canceled, another 200 flights around the country, they canceled, as well.
But Delta's trying to help you out like some of the other airlines. They know this is a tough time for a lot of folks around the holidays trying to get somewhere. They are at least -- having to cancel your flight because of weather, they are giving you the option of changing your flight schedule without any penalties. So check with your particular airline to see what some of the restrictions are. But they're at least trying to help out in that regard.
Over in France, let me show you this, as well. Misery for the passengers there at France's busiest airport. The authorities there canceled half the flights serving Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport stranding thousands of people there overnight. A couple of reasons they had problems there. Freezing temperatures one thing, but also a shortage of de-icing fluid. That was the issue there. They didn't have enough of it to go around. Then on top of that, there was a dangerous build-up of snow on the roof of one terminal so it had to be evacuated. France expecting more freezing temperatures today.
Let me get you right to Bonnie Schneider with what you want to know, what you need to know this morning, the travel situation. Yes, it always sounds great, a white Christmas, but some people trying to get around.
(WEATHER REPORT)
HOLMES: That, I was fascinated. Bonnie was telling me this right before we came on the air here. But one place never ever has seen a white Christmas will get one this time around. So you want to stick around for that Bonnie. Thank you so much.
Of course, it is Christmas Day. Christians marking one of the holiest days on the calendar and Washington, one of the highlights of Christmas is the midnight mass, the basilica of the national shrine of the immaculate conception. The basilica is the biggest Catholic church in the western hemisphere and the eighth largest basilica in the world.
President Obama not at the service. He's actually in Hawaii, of course, this Christmas for his vacation. Before leaving DC, though, he and the first lady delivered a Christmas message to the country.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Merry Christmas, everybody. Michelle and I just wanted to take a moment today to send greetings from our family to yours.
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA: This is one of our favorite times of year and we're so fortunate to be able to celebrate it together in this wonderful home. But in this time of family and friends and good cheer, let's also be sure to look out for those who are less fortunate, who've hit a run of bad luck or who are hungry and alone this holiday season.
B. OBAMA: Today we're also thinking of those who can't be home for the holidays, especially all our courageous countrymen serving overseas. So let's all remind them this holiday season that we're thinking of them and that America will forever be here for them just as they've been there for us.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Now, this was last night's tradition here. Gathering on Christmas eve to hear Pope Benedict XVI deliver mass, pray for peace around the world. And not too long after that, just a couple hours ago, another tradition from the balcony at St. Peters basilica where the pope delivered his annual Christmas blessing and message to the world, tens of thousands gathered in the square below in a light rain to hear from the pope this morning.
Also, another major highlight of Christmas for many Christians, a visit to Bethlehem. The town is known as the traditional birthplace of Jesus. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world converged on Bethlehem for a midnight mass. Services in the church of the nativity were led by a Latin patriarch of Jerusalem.
Different picture, though in Iraq, many Christians there are keeping Christmas low key for fear of attack. At least seven people killed over 24 hours in the latest round of violence in the south. More masses are being held in the relatively safe Kurdish area of northern Iraq. Many churches in and around Baghdad canceled Christmas observances altogether in light of recent attacks targeting Christians.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARIAM SAMIR, IRAQI CHRISTIAN (through translator): It gets worse every year. But despite the situation, we will keep celebrating, she says and not allow sorrow to prevail.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: United Nations says violence and persecution of Iraqi Christians has forced thousands to leave the country. You might remember back in October, 70 people killed in the siege of Our Lady of Salvation Catholic church in Baghdad, 53 of those victims, Christians.
Want to go now to Jomana Karadsheh. She's live for us in Baghdad with more on kind of a tempered Christmas celebration today. Hello to you.
JOMANA KARADSHEH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, T.J.
The mood is very grim this Christmas in Baghdad, no Santa Claus, no Christmas trees and no decorations or even evening mass. Church leaders here decided after they received recent threats around Christmas time to cancel or tone those down because they didn't want to jeopardize the lives of Christians.
But at the same time, T.J., there's been a spirit of defiance. Hundreds of people did show up to mass this morning. They went to churches in Baghdad. We went back to Our Lady of Salvation at the scene of that horrific attack. Hundreds of people showed up. It was a very somber mass. And there was grief and sorrow that was so apparent on peoples' faces. And those we spoke to over there said they had one wish this Christmas, peace and security.
HOLMES: Do they, as well? Is there anyone taking the lead, including government officials on speaking out and asking for calm, asking for tolerance and trying to protect Christians during this time?
KARADSHEH: Absolutely, T.J. There's been a lot of that. There's been a lot of condemnation from the Iraqi government, Iraqi leaders, members of the Muslim community here against extremist acts, but that's not enough. People want more protection.
The Christians, the dwindling community need more. We've seen intensified security today, a lot of security forces present around churches. But those we spoke to at church said that's not enough. It's coming a bit late. They need more protection when they're not even at church on Christmas.
HOLMES: All right, Jomana Karadsheh for us in Iraq, where Christmas looks a little different from a lot of places around the world. We appreciate you. Thank you so much.
Coming up, we have a story we really want you to see, we really want you to hear. Because this morning, one family is going to have a better Christmas than maybe they would have otherwise had because of a complete stranger. We'll explain what happened in a Wal-Mart checkout line that changed this morning for them.
Also coming up this morning, a lot of you have been hustling over the past couple of days trying to get in that last-minute Christmas shopping, those last-minute gifts and you think, all right, it's Christmas morning, so you're out of luck now. Actually, no, still got some stuff on the list?
Josh Levs maybe has a few places you can still go get it today.
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, believe it or not, millions of people are planning to shop today. So if you're one of them, where do you go? What kind of presents can you buy? I'm about to show you.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SPC. ASHLEY SOLES, U.S. ARMY: This is Ashley Soles currently serving in (INAUDIBLE) Afghanistan, wanting to wish my family and friends in Hopkinsville, Kentucky a merry Christmas, happy holidays, see you soon.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: All right, folks. You're running out of time to enjoy these Christmas songs. They're going to be gone at the end of the day. And you won't get to enjoy these sounds until next year. Oh, I know, I know.
A beautiful shot here of San Francisco this morning. Good morning to you in San Francisco, wherever you may be this morning and merry Christmas to so many of you getting up this morning. Thanks for being here.
I know, you've been hustling. You've been hustling. You finished up the Christmas shopping yesterday because that was your last chance to do it, right? Not really. Would you believe some people are actually getting up today with still some Christmas shopping to do? But what are your options? You actually have some.
Josh Levs, yes, joining us on this Christmas morning. Josh, people do have some options if they need to get some stuff this morning.
LEVS: They do have some options and you're right about the music, a lot of it goes away after today. But what, the holiday season starts what, Halloween, so 10 months from now you'll have all the Christmas songs again. Let's take a look at this. I'm amazed by this number.
National Retail Federation found this, six million Americans are planning to do shopping today on Christmas Day, get those last-minute gifts in while you still can. But with so many stores closed, where you going to go? What are you going to do? We've been doing some research around the country to see who's open today.
Starting off with Walgreen's, they have a lot of their stores open throughout the day. They put out an announcement about this. You can get some interesting things there. You can get stuffed animals, perfume, cologne, who knows, enjoy it. You can also go to CVS and a lot of stores. Some CVS' are open 24 hours even on Christmas Day. Some are open between 9:00 and 6:00, that's what they're saying and check out what's available there.
Blockbuster, you can get a lot of good things at Blockbuster, bunch of movies. You can get gift cards and all these stores have gift cards and keep in mind, gift cards are one of the most requested presents of the entire year. You can still get those in.
And a Starbucks is open. And something Starbucks is done, they've actually gotten in a lot more holiday stuff over the past month, items and they know that they're having last-minute shoppers today. You might be surprised what you can find in Starbucks if you still need to get gifts.
Last, but not least, the gas station, there's always a bunch of them available. And they have to stay open and you can go in there and find some pretty impressive things.
By the way, if what you want to do is just print out something saying, hey, I got you a gift, take a look at this figure, 14 million Americans are planning on shopping online today so that's something you can still do. Here's my page and we're talking about it on Facebook and Twitter, JoshLevsCNN. We're just having conversations with you all about what you plan to do today.
And I will tell you that I got this tweet over here from James (INAUDIBLE) who lives in Hawaii who wrote me, "Hey, Josh Levs CNN, I live in Hawaii. I did all my shopping at the 7-11 store, just finished about 20 minutes ago." An example there, one of the six million T.J. out today getting those last-minute gifts in.
HOLMES: That's just a shame. Some of you folks, you ought t to be embarrassed. Josh, thank you.
A lot of people out there, maybe have a 3-D TV on your wish list for this year, maybe had an iPad on your wish list? Both of them were on my list, but judging from the gifts under the tree when I left this morning, I didn't get either one of those. But just a couple of the great gadgets and innovations that were out there this year. Out Ali Velshi taking a look at the year's best, 15 minutes past the hour on this Christmas morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ALI VELSHI, CNN CHIEF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: I'm Ali Velshi with the top 10 innovations of 2010, number 10, the rebirth of 3-D, no longer is it just a drive-in oddity with those red and green card board and plastic glasses. In their place, incredible technology that's changing entertainment.
JEFFREY KATZENBERG, CEO, DREAMWORKS ANIMATION: It allows the story teller to take the audience into that film -- into that story telling, into the film experience. And it amplifies the feeling.
VELSHI: 3-D is already showing up in the biggest movies and sporting events and it's coming to a TV near you.
KATZENBERG: It is actually going to become a part of our everyday life.
VELSHI: At number nine, look ma, no hands and no driver either. It's Google's driverless car. It uses cameras, sensors, and lasers to see traffic. And in the map data base, you're good to go. Just think, if you don't have to worry about actually driving, you'll have plenty of time to text, talk on the phone, and put on make-up.
A malaria-proof mosquito comes in at number eight. Scientists at the University of Arizona genetically engineered the insect making it immune to the parasite that spreads malaria.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What does this mean for the world now?
MICHAEL RIEHLE: Malaria is causing so many problems worldwide, the number of deaths and also it's a hugely expensive disease to try to fight and treat. So by eliminating that, we could actually hopefully at least control a major scourge of the world.
VELSHI: They still have to make a few tweaks though before the skeeters are left to go into the wild.
At number seven, biker chic and safety device rolled into one. This is the motorcycle jacket air bag. Inside a carbon dioxide cartridge when triggered by a rip cord, the vest inflates. So actually got to try this one out. Dave Barbosa (ph) from Armored Air Products stopped by the studio to demonstrate.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are we ready to go?
VELSHI: Ready. It protects your neck, spine and major organs. The jackets sell for $250 to $595.
At number six, lungs grown in the lab. Researchers at Yale were able to grow a new set of lungs for rats, a set of lungs that really works. They hope to use it as a starting point for helping human patients suffering from emphysema or cystic fibrosis. The top five innovation stories of 2010 right after this.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
VELSHI: I'm Ali Velshi. Now back to the list of top 10 innovation stories of 2010.
Commercial space exploration checks in at number five, specifically, SpaceX's Falcon 9. The rocket made it through earth's atmosphere and put a space capsule into orbit. This was an important test that puts us one step closer to commercial space travel.
Number four was something I had a great time playing with. It's the Xbox Kinect. The next innovation for video games lets you do away with the joy stick and buttons. Cameras and sensors measure your movements to make you part of the game.
Miraculous movement is at the heart of innovation number three. Let's do it.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Now there's no excuses, Ali. For a doctor to ever say again, you will never walk again because we've got bionic technology.
VELSHI: They're called e-legs. The bionic devices can allow some paraplegics to actually walk again. The artificially intelligent limbs use sensors to determine where you want to go and amazingly, they take you there.
The rise of the electric car comes in at number two. The Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt were two of the biggest we heard about this year. There are limitations to these cars like price and speed, but you can just plug in and go. Demand has pushed every major car maker to design at least one electric car.
And that brings us to number one. The number one innovation of 2010.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are you here for the iPad?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I am. It's the greatest newest, best thing ever.
VELSHI: That's right, Apple's iPad.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Feels very exciting. I can't believe I hold this thing in my hand.
VELSHI: People lined up all over the world for a chance to get their hands on what Steve Jobs calls a truly magical and revolutionary product. It was designed to bridge the gap between laptops and smart phones. In the first month alone, Apple sold one million iPads. I'm Ali Velshi and those are the top 10 innovations of 2010.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: And thank you to my good friend, Ali Velshi for that.
We're going to turn to some weather. A lot of people wondering about a white Christmas. One place that has never had a white Christmas before is going to get one. However, white Christmas as you see here can cause all kinds of problems for travelers whether it's on the road or in the air. We've got the information you need if you're trying to get around.
Also, next year's tax refunds could be delayed by several weeks. Not for everybody, though. We'll tell you who and why, 25 minutes past the hour on this CNN Christmas Saturday morning.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
COL. PEDRO ALMEIDA, U.S. ARMY: My name is Colonel Pedro Almeida. I'm with the tenth combat aviation brigade from Ft. Drum, New York serving in Bagram (ph), Afghanistan. Back at Ft. Drum, I'd like to give a merry Christmas to my wife Charro (ph), my daughter Soli (ph), my son Paulo (ph) and my daughter Tilese (ph). Merry Christmas and happy new year. I love you all.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Hey, everybody. Bottom of the hour here on this Christmas morning. Hope you're having a good start to your Christmas morning so far. Thank you for spending a little time here with us. I'm T.J. Holmes.
Going to get you caught up on a few things you need to know especially the weather, as well. But first here, I'll tell you about a couple things making headlines. In Pakistan, at least 43 people dead, 90 others injured after suicide bombers struck near a food distribution area. The blast comes on the heels of an insurgent attack that targeted security checkpoints, leaving 11 soldiers dead.
A lot of Christmas goodies out there you're going to be partaking in. We need to give you a heads up about some of them. Bakery items from Rolf's patisserie in Chicago being recalled over concerns that the sweets may contain a bacteria that could cause staph infections. Whole Foods recalling gingerbread houses as part of a larger recall. So you just need to check those out.
Also, winter weather is causing all kinds of problems, especially for a lot of air travelers. Hundreds of domestic Delta Airlines flights canceled today due to inclement weather.
Similar story in France as well; they are expecting more winter weather troubles after hundreds -- excuse me -- hundreds of flights were canceled yesterday.
Well, much of the upper Midwest is waking up to a white Christmas. Minnesota's Twin Cities got a good dusting last night. Big snow plows in action as you see here. And some of that -- some of those traffic -- some of those last-minute shoppers had to get out last night and brave this stuff. It wasn't going as fast as maybe they hoped it would.
And then further south, St. Louis, snow blanketed much of the metro area. More forecast for later today, tomorrow, as well; let me hand this right over to Bonnie Schneider with the info that you need to know this morning. Hello again, Bonnie.
BONNIE SCHNEIDER, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Good morning, T.J.
We're looking at that white Christmas for some places that have never seen it before and just places that don't see it very often. Like right now it's snowing in Chattanooga, Tennessee. That doesn't typically happen this time of year.
I'll tell you some places that have never seen a white Christmas. Now, I'm defining white Christmas in the classical sense, meaning the snow will be falling today on Christmas day and sticking, not just flurries that don't accumulate or there are trace or less, this is snow that you will actually see stick to the roadways.
So some of the places haven't seen a white Christmas like Raleigh since 1927, Montgomery since 1919 or going back really far; 1882, Atlanta, Georgia, we'll see a white Christmas today. We're expecting measurable snow.
Birmingham, it's never happened; Columbia, South Carolina, never happened. Well, that's since records began and that's about 100 years ago. So it could have happened, maybe, 200 years ago.
But it is going to make for a really spectacular Christmas day to see the snow falling, have it stick outside on the grassy areas. Just be careful driving, because for those of you traveling especially on Sunday, boy you are in for some travel troubles. So let's start with it right now. The snow is working its way across parts of the south well into Virginia at this hour. And then northward across much of Pennsylvania, some of the heavier snow moved through Pittsburgh earlier, now it's right through the Scranton area.
Lake-effect snow for areas in upstate New York but not too much in terms of heavy snow. We are looking for winter weather advisories right through this region. Heavy downpours of rain, and I-10 from Louisiana into Alabama at this hour and then the changeover occurs.
When that cold air comes in behind the storm system, well, watch the rain change to snow in Birmingham right before your eyes for the first time, and into Atlanta, we'll see that white Christmas. We're also looking for heavy snow and possibly even five inches or more for cities like Charlotte and Raleigh.
So this is going to be an unusual winter for sure to start off so early with heavy snowfall as we go through much of the day.
And T.J., just a heads up for tomorrow, I'm watching a nor'easter, a nor'easter brewing for Sunday into Monday. Some of the busiest travel days of the year and this will impact cities on the eastern sea board as far north as Boston. And it's going to be windy and snowy. So we'll talk more about that too coming up.
HOLMES: Oh, what a mess. A lot of people enjoying this day, at least, on Christmas day --
(CROSSTALK)
SCHNEIDER: Yes.
HOLMES: -- well, they are going to have a tough time trying to get home. Bonnie, thank you so much.
And Birmingham, congratulations, they're going to have a white Christmas.
SCHNEIDER: Yes, it was early but yes its coming.
HOLMES: Yes a first in that city's history.
All right. Bonnie, thank you so much. We'll check in with her again.
I want to turn here for a bit to a little politics. I had a flurry of activity on Capitol Hill this week, Congress wrapping up business before the Christmas break. Lame duck sessions, last one for many who are either retiring or who were voted out of office. No one is just sitting on their hands necessarily, though.
Look at the list of things that they did get done. The tax cuts deal, of course; "don't ask, don't tell", that repeal went through; the START Nuclear treaty the Senate took care of that; the health care for 9/11 first responders; also they finished up on a food safety bill; did not get movement, though, on the DREAM Act and also on a particular spending bill. The Senate Majority Leader chalked it up to good cooperation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEN. HARRY REID (D), MAJORITY LEADER: The midterm elections proved to me, Democrats, and Republicans during this lame duck session what the American people wanted was for us to work together. And I think you saw on this very short, congested work period that we had is Democrats and Republicans working together. We accomplished a lot of stuff. And we did it because we worked together.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Oh, amazing what you can get accomplished when you're not running for something. But will that sense of cooperation carry over to the new Congress? Maybe, maybe not.
CNN deputy political director Paul Steinhauser has more on what we should expect in the coming year.
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Hey, good morning, T.J.
What a last couple of weeks we've had here in Washington with the White House; Democrats and Republicans in Congress coming together to pass a lot of big bills on this lame duck session.
Well, not to be a downer this Christmas weekend, but looking at it next year, I'm not sure the holiday spirit will linger.
First off, starting next month we'll have a new Congress with Republicans controlling the House and Democrats with a smaller and weaker majority in the Senate.
And look at some of the big issues that will come up early in the New Year. Expect big battles over the new budget. Remember, the temporary measure the lame duck passed only keeps the government lights on until early March.
Then there's the expected fight over raising the country's debt ceiling. And don't be surprised to see House Republicans push a bill to repeal the new health care law.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I'm not naive. I know there will be tough fights in the months ahead. But my hope heading into the New Year is that we can continue to heed the message of the American people and hold to a spirit of common purpose in 2011 and beyond.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
STEINHAUSER: That may be tough. It won't be easy for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground on any of these issues. And remember, hovering over all of this, the next battle for the White House, which gets underway next year -- T.J. HOLMES: All right.
Already a tough year for a lot of folks and millions of Americans are going to have to wait a little longer for tax refunds. I'll tell you the problem here. The people who itemize on their federal tax returns have to wait until at least mid-February to even file. That will cause a delay in getting any refund back.
Now, remember that tax compromise bill the President signed last week? Well, that's the problem here. Because of it, the IRS says it needs time to reprogram its systems to accommodate late changes in the tax law.
Well, coming up, a story we are happy to share with you this morning, one that we all were interested in talking about this morning in the NEWSROOM about a generous gift from a complete stranger that is making this Christmas morning better for one family.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I couldn't ask for a better Christmas present. And to get it from a stranger is just phenomenal.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Thank you like a million times and even a big hug and everything.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Yes, they would give him a big hug, but they don't know who he is or where he is. You'll hear the story just ahead.
Its 36 minutes past the hour on this Christmas morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Well, 30 minutes past the hour. We know it's the season of giving. And a lot of charitable groups out there consider the year-end crucial for meeting their fund raising goals.
But you know how the economy is right now; it's not the easiest thing to do.
Our Sandra Endo is nice enough to join us on Christmas morning. Merry Christmas to you.
SANDRA ENDO, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes Merry Christmas.
HOLMES: It's good to have you with us. We hear these reports of how tough it's been, even this year, even the past couple of years for a lot of groups.
ENDO: Absolutely.
HOLMES: So now this holiday, are they able to make up some of that ground?
ENDO: Well, you know the recession really took a toll on a lot of people.
(CROSSTALK)
HOLMES: Yes.
ENDO: Of course everyone's dealing with their tough budgets. And in fact, a lot of Americans aren't giving as much. So it's really making it hard for them to have that extra money to give to the causes that they really care about.
And, in fact, CNN did a poll that was released this week that shows that 58 percent of people say they are forced back because of the economy to give to charity; 36 percent say they will give the same as last year, but six percent say they don't donate to charities at all.
And as you mentioned, this is the season of giving, right, T.J.? And a lot of people want to give but perhaps don't know who to give to or why. So a lot of charities are making a big push to tap into that spirit and really put a face on the cause.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ENDO (voice-over): It's snack time for 15-month-old twins, Dennis and Trinity Ford, born just a month after their father Derrick was wounded in Afghanistan.
SGT. DERRICK FORD, WOUNDED VETERAN: Any parent will tell you like being around the kids is can just make you want to pull your own hair out and, you know, you top that on top of being a wounded vet.
ENDO: Ford's injuries resulted in the loss of his left leg and he's endured more than a year of surgeries and physical therapy. His wife Michelle juggles care for their newborns and her husband.
MICHELLE FORD, WIFE OF WOUNDED VETERAN: We're dealing with being new parents. We're dealing with this whole situation where we were just you know out of our comfort zone.
ENDO: But the Fords found help from the Military Heroes Fund, part of the PenFed Foundation which provided free day care for the babies during Derrick's treatment. The foundation raises the majority of its money during the holiday season, but in this current economy, people have less to give.
According to a recent report from the Chronicle of Philanthropy, donations to the nation's 400 biggest charities dropped 11 percent in 2009. And many large charities say they don't expect this year to be much better than last. That's somber news for the PenFed Foundation.
KATE KOHLER, PENFED FOUNDATION: The need is real. And we are requesting support, especially in this season of giving.
ENDO: The foundation says a gift this holiday season could impact someone for a lifetime.
D. FORD: We would have been complete train wrecks if it weren't for like the social support system that's around here.
M. FORD: Yes.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ENDO: If you don't have a lot of money to give, there are other ways to give. T.J., as you know, there are so many people who want to do something good for their communities.
HOLMES: Right.
ENDO: They can donate time.
HOLMES: Yes.
ENDO: Volunteer, give out food. And also, all those old clothes you have, you don't know what to do with.
HOLMES: Yes.
ENDO: You want to throw them away. I mean, donate that. You know that's a way to give without getting into your wallet and dishing that money out that you may not have.
So donations, food, your time, even old clothes and equipment, toiletries, all that can be charitable giving, as well.
HOLMES: That's stuff we don't even think about there.
ENDO: Yes.
HOLMES: But around the holidays -- I guess -- I guess the food banks are -- are one that people often think about around the holidays. But what are the -- I guess, the most popular, if you will, type of charities that people end up giving to around the holidays?
ENDO: Well, actually around the holidays, a lot of people think about people who need more clothes and food, obviously --
HOLMES: Yes.
ENDO: -- and warmth.
But overall, the most charitable giving is to religious and faith-based causes.
HOLMES: Wow.
ENDO: As you can imagine that so many people go to church every week and give to that. So health and human services and education are also some of the top causes.
HOLMES: Wow. Well, there's another way to give back. And again, it needs to be top of mind, a lot of people less fortunate right about now.
ENDO: Yes.
HOLMES: Sandra Endo, good to have you here with us on this Christmas and spending with us.
ENDO: Merry Christmas.
HOLMES: Thanks so much. And while charitable giving may be down, still a lot of people out there are willing to help out. Where are those folks?
A lot of friends at "The Daily Beast" compiled the list of the 25 most charitable cities in the country: number five, the good folks in Dallas, Texas; number four, the good folks right here in Atlanta, Georgia; number three, Kansas City. Which would you believe are numbers one and two?
We've got that for you right after the break. It's 42 minutes past the hour on this Christmas morning.
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HOLMES: All right, 44 minutes past the hour.
Counting down the top five most charitable cities in America, we just showed you Dallas at number five, Atlanta number four, Kansas City at number three. So what are the two most charitable cities in the country according to "Daily Beast"?
Well, number two, the good folks out in San Francisco, the city by the bay. Well, number one in the country, you good folks in Seattle, Washington; again according to "The Daily Beast" number one most charitable city in the country.
Well, Christmas spirit pretty strong, coast-to-coast. We take a look now at news across the country.
First stop, Dublin, New Hampshire. McDonald's family Nativity scene is whole again after somebody stole Baby Jesus. We see this happen every year. How can you steal Baby Jesus from the Nativity scene?
Well, somebody stole it, then brought it back and returned it with the letter of apology. So, hey, that's something.
Also in Massachusetts, hugs and kisses for 400 National Guard troops returning from Iraq. They've been away for a year. One soldier says being with the family for Christmas gives new meaning to the saying, "home for the holidays".
Also this one that we just love here at CNN; this was in Niles, Indiana, a mother now searching for her checkout line Santa. Jennifer White is her name. She knew it was going to be a tough Christmas. She was trying to buy $160 in gifts at Wal-Mart.
Now, she actually knew she didn't have enough money in her account to cover that, but she was depending on that overdraft protection that so many of us have on our accounts to just go ahead and buy the gifts anyway.
But a man behind her actually got the sense something was going on. He just decided to pay the bill for her. Also followed her out to the driveway and gave her $200 cash. And now, they don't even know his name. But the family this morning, having a Christmas or a better Christmas, the mother might say thanks to that stranger.
And as always, a Grinch or two we have to get in, right. Here's one out of Forest Grove, Oregon. Somebody not only stole from Santa -- that's one thing -- stole from Santa and kids with cancer.
Every year, Mickey Johnson dresses up as Santa, poses for pictures. In return he asks for a donation to a leukemia charity. Wednesday, someone stole $100 in contributions.
All right. Well, U.S. troops recovering from their injuries at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington. They're thinking about their buddies who are still in harm's way; sending messages of support, encouragement, and greetings for this season. We're going to show you those just ahead.
Also, why are people in one country flocking to of all places Kentucky Fried Chicken? Or KFC I should say now for their Christmas dinner? KFC. We'll tell you next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: All right. Here with Nadia Bilchik as always giving us something a little interesting that we didn't know about, usually from around the world --
NADIA BILCHIK, CNN EDITORIAL PRODUCER: Right.
HOLMES: And once again we're doing so. But we know how we celebrate Christmas here.
BILCHIK: Yes.
HOLMES: But what about elsewhere?
BILCHIK: Well, let's go to Japan.
HOLMES: Japan, all right.
BILCHIK: KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken has done such a good job in Japan that Christmas in Japan is synonymous with Kentucky. In fact they call it Karisimase Mo Wa Kentucky (ph). You have lines of people on Christmas day --
HOLMES: Going to KFC?
BILCHIK: Yes, to get their Kentucky because you don't get turkey. Remember, most of the Japanese are either Buddhists or Shinto so there's not going to be a huge Christian population in Japan. But Christmas is synonymous with Kentucky. And people will actually order their Kentucky Fried Chicken -- yes, they'll even book a table in Kentucky.
HOLMES: Kentucky Fried -- of all places.
BILCHIK: Karisimase Mo Wa Kentucky (ph).
HOLMES: OK. That's nuts. We're used to just whipping through and getting us a three-piece on a Tuesday afternoon, but Christmas and Kentucky Fried Chicken.
BILCHIK: Christmas in Kentucky Fried Chicken. Isn't that great marketing? This has happened since the '70s.
Now, I'll take you to South Africa.
HOLMES: OK. Near and dear to you.
BILCHIK: South Africa right now, it is summer.
So what's going to be happening in South Africa on Christmas Day? People are not going to be having a barbecue. We call it a vrai flais (ph). Now what we do for a vrai flais (ph) vrais means cooked; flais is meat. And we will cook the meat and it'll be a very festive occasion. Remember, it's very warm. So people at the beach will be at the beach and otherwise people will be having their (INAUDIBLE) which is a kind of sausage and a (INAUDIBLE) which is a maize meal somewhat like grits. And they will be eating these delicious foods and having a Christmas celebration in the sun.
HOLMES: You say cook the meats. How many meats? You mentioned a sausage there, but a variety of meat?
BILCHIK: And people may even slaughter a lamb and drink homemade beer.
HOLMES: Slaughter a lamb. You can't just cook it? You have to slaughter it first.
BILCHIK: No.
In the Czech Republic, women will do something interesting. They'll throw a shoe towards the door. If the heel faces the door, that means they're not necessarily going to need a husband that year. Single women will do this. And if the toe points toward the door, then it's good luck, you're going to meet your husband during the year.
HOLMES: OK. They do this on Christmas?
BILCHIK: Well, they do this more in Christmas, New Year. It's just a tradition.
HOLMES: OK.
BILCHIK: And then in Italy, some people have traditional Christmas trees, but other people have wooden blocks where they put fruit and all kinds of ornate things around the tree. HOLMES: A wooden block.
BILCHIK: A wooden block.
HOLMES: OK. Do a lot of places, though, do what we do here with a tree?
BILCHIK: Yes.
HOLMES: Are they synonymous with a tree.
BILCHIK: It's synonymous with a tree. What'll be different is the ornaments; so different ornaments depending on the different cultures.
HOLMES: I want to get back to the shoe for a second. Where did that come from with the heel and the door and the toe?
BILCHIK: It's some kind of superstition. It's also a belief in the Czech Republic that if you take an apple and cut it in half -- cut an apple, if it's a perfect star, that means it's going to be a good year. And unfortunately, if a worm's been there, it looks slightly rotten, not a good omen.
HOLMES: OK. Well, I've got to get me some apples and some shoes.
BILCHIK: Well, you know, what I say to all viewers. Merry Christmas, Hanu Kwanzaa (ph).
HOLMES: Yes. You called me that a few years back.
BILCHIK: Christmas Hanu Kwanzaa.
HOLMES: All right. Nadia Bilchik, always interesting. So Merry Christmas to everybody out there or whatever she just said.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SR. MASTER SGT. BRIAN JONES, U.S. AIR FORCE: Hi, this is Senior Master Sergeant Brian Jones from Kandahar Air Base Afghanistan. I wanted to say happy holidays to everybody back in Omaha, especially my wife Kim, my boys Holden, Taylor, and Griffin. Of course, my parents back home in Dayton, Ohio. Merry Christmas.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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HOLMES: Well, once again, getting close to the top of the hour; just sharing with you some of the holiday lights. What's the right time? When are you supposed to take your lights down after Christmas? Anybody know? What's proper? How long should it be? If somebody gets me that answer, I'd appreciate it.
The holiday time, of course, always a time we see a lot of reunions with the families, the men and women who are serving overseas, coming home, getting to be home for the holidays. Especially those serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Our Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr has some of the brave truths to show you now. Some who are recovering from their wounds that they got while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And they have their own wishes they'd like to pass along this holiday season. Look at this.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And once and for all, thank you for your service. We really appreciate it.
BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Holiday time for the wounded, the hard work of getting better doesn't stop.
(on camera): How are you doing?
ANTONY MCDANIEL, WOUNDED MARINE: Doing really good. Holding up very well.
STARR (voice-over): Marine Corps Corporal Anthony McDaniel stepped on an IED in Afghanistan, grievously wounded, but still a smile and a holiday hello for his buddies.
MCDANIEL: I'm here at Walter Reed doing my rehab, and I want to give a shout out to my unit in the (INAUDIBLE), the whole 111 battalion, my family back in Pascagoula, Mississippi, my best friend, Bogart (ph), in San Diego. I just wanted to give you guys a shout-out and I love you guys and I'll be seeing you soon.
STARR: A bond unbroken by distance.
LANCE CORPORAL COREY SZUCS, U.S. MARINE CORPS: Hi, I'm Lance Corporal Corey Szucs of the United States Marine Corps, Combat Logistics Battalion 2. I want to say hi to CLB2 back in Afghanistan, especially Arangoman, you saved my life. Love you; can't wait to see you guys get back. Miss you all, and have a Merry Christmas.
SGT. MARCUS HAYWARD, U.S. ARMY: This thing rolling? Cut, no, I'm being funny. My name is Sergeant Marcus Hayward, from 305th (INAUDIBLE) battalion, Georgia. I want to give a big shout out to all my boys over in Afghanistan fighting the war. And to my one good boy over in Iraq -- two good boys over in Iraq, Sergeant Ford and Sergeant Turner, keep doing your thing and can't wait to get you guys home.
STARR: Army First Lieutenant Nicholas Massie says this Christmas, he's doing just fine.
1ST LT. NICOLAS MASSIE, U.S. ARMY: You know, we -- we're just all thankful to be back and to be alive really.
SGT. JOHNNY JONES, U.S. MARINE CORPS: My name is Sergeant Johnny Jones. I'm with 1st DOD Company (ph). I'd like to give a shout out to all the Marines and servicemen fighting over in Afghanistan and Iraq.
STARR: Marine Corps Sergeant Thomas Humphrey's unit has suffered one of the highest rates of casualties in the war. Morale and pride, he says, remains high, as well.
SGT. THOMAS HUMPHREY, U.S. MARINE CORPS: I'm Sergeant Humphrey United States Marine Corps and I just want to say Merry Christmas to all my boys in Afghanistan. I think about you guys every day and I'm praying for you.
STARR: Marine Corps Corporal Gabriel Martinez lost his legs in a blast attack the day after Thanksgiving.
CPL. GABRIEL MARTINEZ, U.S. MARINE CORPS: I just want to give the biggest shout-out to all my Marines out there serving in Afghanistan. And First Company Battalion, I wish I could be there with you guys, but I wish you the best of holidays. And, you know, Semper Fi. I'm out here recovering and I'll see you guys when you come home.
STARR: Sergeant Hayward says it's all about getting home for the holidays.
HAYWARD: I think everybody just wants to get out of here and be home with friends and family for the holidays.
STARR: The journey back. Barbara Starr, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Thanks to our Barbara Starr for that.
Well, coming up, the weather's going to cause some problems. Yes, going to be a white Christmas for some. Which means some people might have a tough time getting to their Christmas celebration or getting back home from the Christmas celebration.
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HOLMES: Well, folks, unfortunately, you can expect some delays today if you're planning to fly, bad weather. Strong storms have caused some cancellations. Check with your airline before you head out.
Also in Pakistan -- need to tell you about this -- 43 people killed in a suicide bomb attack; happened at a World Food Program distribution center. 90 other people injured.
Also in the Philippines, a priest was among six people injured this morning when a bomb ripped through a chapel in the southern part of the country.
Well, we'd like to say thank you for spending a little time with us this morning on your Christmas morning. Certainly hope you and yours enjoy this day and this weekend. But thank you again for spending a little time with us. I want to hand it over now to "YOUR BOTTOM LINE".
