Merry Cold Christmas??

It’s a good thing that I am a pretty big planner, and all of my gifts were bought, most of them wrapped and all the baking was complete (and partially eaten)….

The turkey was purchased as well as all the other items to make for our traditional turkey dinner to be held the Sunday closest to Christmas (that’s how we do our blended family turkey dinner celebration) and we were awaiting Gran and Auntie Di’s arrival.

I guess it’s also a good thing that I lived through the big ice storm in 1998 in Montreal too, so when they announced an ice storm was heading to Toronto, I told Rob we needed to check all our supplies. We bought extra batteries, extra supplies and made sure the cars had gas.

Then the storm hit.

By Sunday morning we had no power, and our backyard was covered with tree branches that had fallen. A quick survey in the area showed us that we were lucky. Our house and cars were safe. Unfortunately, a few minutes after we did the survey, a huge branch fell from our large, old, ice laden front tree and landed on our neighbour’s car parked right in front of our house (we have street parking –  I was a little disappointed the other evening when I came home that there were no spots right in front…I counted that as a little blessing now as that could have been my car,  but still feel bad for my nice neighbour).

Word spread through the neighbourhood that it would be at least 72 hours before power was restored. Did I also mention that I had started to feel sick Saturday night and by Sunday morning was sure I had strep? No clinics open. Emergencies running on generators so not the place to be. Luckily, just  south of us, many of the stores still had power. So google was my doctor and natural remedies are my friend (and hopefully my cure).

My Mom and Aunt Di were on there way, but I was finally able to reach them to tell them, sorry to cancel Christmas, but turn around! Go home to your warmth. Thank goodness they did.

We spent the night (no turkey dinner for us, but a local Chinese place delivered and we ate by real candlelight!) with the kids huddled in our living room in front of the fire, piled in sleeping bags and blankets as we braved the upstairs cold bedroom. A bit of a sleepless night, we were hopeful in the morning and found one of our favourite eateries open and had some warm breakfast.

The news reports were not promising so we needed to come up with plan B. A few great friends who had power offered up their homes for us to crash in. So grateful for their kindness. But we are a lot of people to house….

While contemplating what to do, Rob suddenly got on the phone and called a hotel we had never really talked about (or I had even heard of). He said the name just popped in his head. He called, they had two rooms (the city was getting sold out as everyone had the same idea as us), at a reasonable price, and one of the few hotels that took pets!

So we checked in.

We explored the area too and acted like tourists, checking out the market, walking around the downtown streets, looked at the lights in the main downtown shopping mall and ate hot dogs from the hot dog stand. I even took pictures on my iPhone to capture a Christmas I’m sure we will never forget.

Don’t worry, we’re not planning on turning this into a tradition.

So tonight, we are warm and cozy. We had hot showers and outlets to charge everything up (and now I can use my laptop!) Boy, am I grateful for heat and electricity.

But for tomorrow, we may need some prayers. The kids, like all kids, want to be home for Christmas – and I do too!! Hoping for a little Christmas miracle.

Regardless of where we spend it, I am wishing you all a wonderful Christmas to you and your families!

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Comments

Merry Cold Christmas?? — 12 Comments

  1. Truly hoping for a miracle here for all of you. We had Hurricane Sandy here right before Halloween and actually got our power back on Halloween night last year. I thought that was bad, but think Christmas is truly the worst. Seriously saying huge prayers for that miracle for you all. And hoping for a very, Merry Christmas in your own home now!!
    Janine Huldie recently posted…Melting Snowmen Cookie Decorating & RecipeMy Profile

  2. Oh Leah! I’m so glad that everyone is okay but what a crazy couple of days. Thank goodness you were able to get a hotel and everybody is warm and comfy. Fingers crossed that you can go back home tomorrow! Wherever you may be, I wish you and your beautiful family a very Merry and Blessed Christmas!
    Shannon @ The Heavy Purse recently posted…My Christmas Wish for YouMy Profile

  3. Oh dear oh dear oh DEAR!!! Leah!!!! What a mess!!! I am SO sorry your family is ‘uprooted’ this Christmas!! I pray pray pray they work like mad to get the power on, so you and the kids can celebrate Christmas in your own home!!

    At least you had a spontaneous vacation, thanks to hubs brilliant idea. And yes- thank God it wasn’t your car, poor neighbor!

    This is a Christmas for your entire family to remember…

    Stay warm!
    Chris Carter recently posted…Merry Christmas! He Came For YouMy Profile

  4. I think it’s great that you all got out to a hotel where it is warm and comfortable…but I also hope that you were able to get home. Can’t wait to hear how this turned out!
    Ilene recently posted…SpeedMy Profile

  5. Pingback: Christmas is saved | Raising Flowers and Skids

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