Friends, family reunite in Ottawa on Christmas Eve

As many race to get home for the holidays, a winter storm in eastern Ontario caused some delays for last-minute travellers as their loved ones stood by waiting to be reunited.

“It started off when we looked it was all going to be fine and then by the time we arrived at the airport, I think it’s almost two hours late now,” said Martin Hayles, who was waiting for his sister-in-law to arrive.

Aiden McPhail also arrived early, waiting for his girlfriend to arrive from Newark, as the clock to Christmas counts down.

“She wanted to be here for Christmas, but she wanted to go there beforehand, she used to live in [New York City],” he said.

Much of the hustle and bustle of peak travel days are over and for one family arriving from Chile, it was a magical welcome.

Ayleen Soublett’s one-year-old son got to experience snow for the first time.

“It’s our first time in Ottawa, in Canada, it’s all an experience — the snow, the freezing cold, it’s all beautiful,” she said.

Over at baggage claim, there was a hug six months in the making as David Basnandan reunited with his girlfriend from Brazil.

“I am excited for everything because I’ve never seen Christmas here,” his girlfriend Mirian said. “In Brazil it’s very different, people have different traditions.”

All the reunions a reminder of the magic in small moments.

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