The Chickasaw Nation School of Music is bringing Christmas cheer and artistic expression this holiday season with music lessons offered at no cost to students. One young student, Athena Knighten, is enjoying the challenge of learning the piano, even inspiring her parents to learn.

"I like having challenges, and whenever I can complete it, it's so nice," Knighten says.

The Chickasaw Nation offers piano and guitar lessons for ages 8 and older to Chickasaw Nation citizens, First American tribal citizens and Chickasaw Nation employees and their children. For more information on enrollment, call (580) 272-5520.

The Chickasaw Press has five new books on shelves this holiday season. CNTV News caught up with three of the authors at their book signings, including Mary Ruth Barnes. She's the author of "Where Birds Land," a true story about her great-grandmother Ella McSwain and her battle with the Supreme Court over an allotment of land near Turner Falls.

"Totally Possum" by author Trey Hays is an early reader chapter book telling the story of a dancing possum who finds her confidence on stage. And young adult author Gina DiDesidero unleashes her debut novel "Undrowned," an unforgettable journey from the underworld to fill the earth.

Governor Bill Anoatubby gathered with elders for festive holiday fellowship, including the Elders Thanksgiving Luncheon in November, and in December, the Elders Christmas luncheon. Governor Anoatubby took the opportunity to thank them for their wisdom and the veterans in attendance for their service.

"We are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for and have so much to look forward to. Gathered here today we can be thankful for the progress we made together," Anoatubby shares.

The episode concludes with a special piano and trumpet duet of "The Christmas Song" by musicians Zach Garcia and James Monroe.