By David Morgan
Updated: December 13, 2025 / 11:29 PM EST
The Emmy Award–winning CBS News Sunday Morning airs Sundays at 9:00 a.m. ET on CBS, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Cover Story — What makes a great Christmas song?
Musicologist Joe Bennett breaks down the qualities that help holiday songs endure, from “Jingle Bells” to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” David Pogue discusses common songwriting elements and debuts his own holiday tune, “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 notable events that happened on this date in history.
‘Tis the Season — Bûche de Noël
Food historian Loïc Bienassis traces the dessert’s late-19th-century French origins while pastry chef Mickaël Marsollier demonstrates variations on the classic rolled chocolate cake.
Books — Jane Austen at 250
Seth Doane visits Bath to mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, speaks with Devoney Looser about her book Wild for Austen, and visits the set of the upcoming 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 money for a prosthetic. Their annual Thundergong fundraiser has since helped more than 2,000 amputees afford prosthetics.
Passage: In memoriam
Remembrances of notable figures who passed away this week.
U.S. — Prospects for laid-off workers
More than 1.1 million Americans were laid off in 2025. Elaine Quijano talks with business experts about why companies conduct layoffs, the psychological toll on workers, and why AI has not replaced these jobs yet.
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 boarding in pajamas.
Movies — Song Sung Blue
Tracy Smith speaks with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson about Song Sung Blue, in which they portray musical impersonators channeling Neil Diamond and Patsy Cline. Jackman describes discovering Hudson’s talents 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 on funerals for fallen soldiers that underscore 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 items, from cowboy hat racks to giant stuffed animals. Luke Burbank speaks with small business owners featured on this year’s list.
For more info: Made in America Holiday Gift Guide (Alliance for American Manufacturing).
Nature — Snow in South Dakota
A look at wintry scenes and wildlife under fresh snow.
Web Exclusives
– 2025 holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus (David Pogue): gadget recommendations for gift-givers.
– MARATHON: A roundup of major anniversaries and cultural milestones in 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 at CBSNews.com, CBS.com and Paramount+.