By David Morgan
Updated on: December 13, 2025 / 11:29 PM EST / CBS News
The Emmy Award-winning “CBS News Sunday Morning” is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Hosted by Jane Pauley.
COVER STORY: What makes for a great Christmas song?
Musicologist Joe Bennett explains the traits shared by enduring Christmas songs, from “Jingle Bells” to “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” David Pogue discusses common songwriting components and premieres his holiday composition, “The Sound of Christmas,” performed by Broadway star Kerry Butler.
For more info: Joe Bennett; Kerry Butler; Walter Afanasieff.
ALMANAC: December 14
A look back at historical events on this date.
‘TIS THE SEASON: Bûche de Noël
Food historian Loïc Bienassis traces the late-19th-century French origins of the Bûche de Noël, while pastry chef Mickaël Marsollier showcases variations on the classic rolled chocolate cake.
BOOKS: Jane Austen at 250
Seth Doane visits Bath, England, to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. He speaks with Devoney Looser, author of Wild for Austen, and visits the set of the forthcoming miniseries The Other Bennet Sister.
For more info: Jane Austen Festival (Bath); Wild for Austen by Devoney Looser; The Other Bennet Sister (BBC One/Britbox).
U.S.: Steps of Faith
Lee Cowan reports on the Steps of Faith Foundation. After musician Billy Brimblecom Jr. lost a leg to cancer, friend Jason Sudeikis helped raise funds for a prosthetic. Their annual Thundergong fundraiser has since helped more than 2,000 amputees pay for prosthetics.
PASSAGE: In memoriam
Remembrances of notable figures who passed this week.
U.S.: Prospects for laid-off workers
In 2025 more than 1.1 million Americans were laid off. Elaine Quijano talks with business experts about why companies resort to layoffs, the psychological impact on workers, and why AI has not yet replaced those jobs.
For more info: Challenger, Gray & Christmas; Annie Lowrey; Jason Leverant; Bob Chapman.
COMMENTARY: Fear of flying
Faith Salie examines reactions after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged travelers to “dress up” for flights; many responded by wearing pajamas.
MOVIES: Song Sung Blue
Tracy Smith talks with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson about their roles in Song Sung Blue, portraying musical impersonators who sang as Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline. Jackman describes discovering Hudson’s talent and their on-screen chemistry.
For more info: Song Sung Blue (Focus Features) — opens December 25.
WORLD: Eulogies in Ukraine
Holly Williams reports from Lviv, where funerals for fallen soldiers highlight civic mourning and resolve amid Russia’s invasion.
‘TIS THE SEASON: Made in America holiday gift guide
A state-by-state guide to more than 150 American-made products, from cowboy hat racks to giant stuffed animals. Luke Burbank speaks with small business owners included in this year’s list.
For more info: Made in America Holiday Gift Guide (Alliance for American Manufacturing).
NATURE: Snow in South Dakota
WEB EXCLUSIVES
– 2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus (David Pogue): gadget recommendations for gift-givers.
– MARATHON: A look at major anniversaries and milestones of 2025, including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Sunset Boulevard, Jaws, The Great Gatsby, YouTube, The New Yorker, Air Jordans, Delta Air Lines and more.
Executive producer: Rand Morrison.
“Sunday Morning” streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. Full episodes are available on demand on CBSNews.com, CBS.com and Paramount+.