The first Christmas party of the year took place Nov. 19 in Nashville when the legendary Charlie Daniels hosted his annual "Christmas 4 Kids" concert at the Ryman Auditorium. The event raises money for the organization, which provides 400 children from 29 different schools a new winter coat and a daylong shopping excursion.

Rodney Atkins, also a veteran of "Christmas 4 Kids," beautifully explained what taking part in the event year after year meant to him. "You think you come to town and pray to have hit songs and be successfu, and then you realize that it's actually to do this. This is satisfying. . . . You're making a difference in these kids' lives," he says. "That's as good as it gets. I'm grateful."