Midmorning With Aundrea - December 4, 2020 (Part 4)

(Part 4 of 4) The pandemic has changed almost every aspect of life, and that has many leaning on an old tradition for a sense of normalcy.

And a zoo in Denmark figured out a safe way for children to see Santa Claus.

Pandemic has the pandemic has changed almost every aspect of life.

And that has many leaning on an old tradition for a sense of normalcy.

Nancy chen reports.

"dad, dad, look a this one.?"

The myers family looked long and hard... "ooh, how abou that one."

To find the perfect christmas tree.

"you guys ok, yo guys good with this."

It's a scene playing out at tree sellers nationwide.

Seems the pandemic has people getting into the holiday spirit.

"how about thi one" "people ar cooped up on their houses they're looking for something to do."

And that's leading to a boost in business.

"we knew peopl were going to come out, we knew we were going to be busy but didn't know it was going to be this much of an increase."

In one survey 21 percent of people said they were more likely to buy a real christmas tree this year after having an artificial one last year -- or no tree at all.

Nc: and why is that doug hundley: well, no doubt, because of the stress of the pandemic.

Doug hundley with the national christmas tree association says the desire to decorate follows a trend seen all year.

"the nation' garden centers just had their best year in decades.

People gardening, landscaping//and we hope and think that it can lead right into a big decorating year with real trees, garlands, wreaths."

There's been scattered tree shortages in recent years because of the economy, fires and drought.

Sellers have some concern about supplies... but right now most are well stocked.

Giving the myers family plenty of options.

"this year' christmas tree.

This year's been a rough year.

And you are going to bring us straight to christmas."

Appreciation for a christmas to remember.... during a year many would like to forget.

Nancy chen, cbs news, new york.

A zoo in denmark has figured out a new and safe way for santa to greet children during the pandemic - having him sit in a giant snow globe.

At aalborg zoo in northern denmark christmas celebrations are already in full swing.

But due to the pandemic the zoo has had to find a creative solution to make sure santa can meet and greet visitors.

To ensure everyone's safety, this year santa spreads cheer and greets his visitors from inside a giant corona safe snow globe.

This week the salvation army lit what they call the world's largest version of its iconic red kettle but many non- profits are being forced to change how they raise funds during the pandemic.

Traditionally, the salvation army collects donations at 25 thousand red kettles across the country, but the organization anticipates a huge decrease in traffic this year.

Jamie yuccas shows how it's adapting.

Happy holidays!

It's the sound of the holiday season... ringing, thank you so much!

Volunteer bell ringers have collected donations at the salvation army's iconic red kettles& for decades.

But this 130-year- old holiday tradition is now facing an unprecedented challenge... as the pandemic is promping many shoppers to stay home.

Commissioner ken hodder is the national commander of the salvation army.

In terms of fundraising, we anticipate about a 50% drop.

What does that mean in terms of dollars?

Last year, the christmas kettle campaign raised $126 million across the country.

So we're looking at a decline of about $60 million.

At the same time... the organization& which helps feed and house those in need is seeing an Áincrease in demand.

It serves more than 23 million americans each year... and expects to help an additional six and a half million people this holiday season.

It's a perfect storm.

To adapt... the kettles are going high-tech -- giving donors a contactless option to pay electronically.

And the red kettle campaign... is going digital...enlisting celebrities like karamo brown from the netflix hit "queer eye.

I didn't really expect to have this moment with you and you are such an amazing man.

Brown was a social worker in los angeles for more than a decade... often referring his clients to the salvation army.

He also understands the pressure on struggling families during the holidays.

I'm a single father.

And even though i worked at social services, we don't make a lotta money.

I remember times where i had to choose between a bill and giving my child-- a gift.

Had to choose between, you know, putting gas in the car and, you know, buying some extra food for the house.

What was that like for you, as a dad, to have to make those choices?

It was heartbreaking.

I felt isolated.

I felt alone.

Now... he's sharing stories about the salvation army's work with his nearly 3 million social media followers.

He believes the pandemic has made americans more empathetic.

We're seeing this sort of shift of connection where people are like "i' not going to judge you for what you need, i'm going to support you because you've asked for help."

When you look at the math of how much more need there is this year versus what the deficit could be, do you think you can pull this off?

I 100% believe we're gonna pull it off.

And the reason is because i believe in people.

//i believe that we all, at the-- the core of us wanna connect and wanna help and wanna love each other.

It's a new call to action& with a familiar ring.

Jamie yuccas, cbs news.

We'll be right back to wrap things up.