It was the weekend before Christmas and people were comparing the coming storm to the Ice Storm of ’98, where people lost power for up to two weeks. I thought there was just no way… all I was concerned about was making it back from NYC for my brother’s holiday party Sunday evening. It was 70 degrees when we left NYC and even still in the 60’s in Massachusetts. Then as we hit the Maine border the temperature dropped, and everything north of Augusta was basically a sheet of ice. We made it home safe and sound thanks to Corey’s expert driving skills & my ever-reliable Subaru Legacy with studded snow tires. The lights flickered a few times Sunday night, but I still felt like this could never compare to the ice storm that closed schools for two weeks when I was a kid. Then as I went out to finish my last minute Christmas shopping on Monday, December 23, I realized how bad it was. As I drove down High Street in Ellsworth, none of the traffic lights were on. I tried to go into TJ Maxx & Wal-Mart and neither had power. If Wal-Mart doesn’t have power & there are no traffic lights on in town, you know it’s bad.

At that point, most homes in the area had lost power too and Ellsworth was declared to be under a “State of Emergency” (I’m still not sure what qualifies you for that, but it sounds official). Monday evening, my mom & I wrapped presents by candlelight (and flashlight) and everyone was wondering if there would be power for Christmas Eve & Christmas. Luckily, my parents’ home regained power late Monday night but unfortunately not everyone in the area regained power in time for the holiday. By Christmas Eve day, everything in the area was completely frozen over, covered with a layer of thick ice. Trees & lines were down everywhere and if you stood outside in the silence for a few moments, you could hear the ice crackling and bringing down branches all over the place.

This Christmas was definitely one to remember! I was able to get outside to capture the damage & beauty that the Ice Storm of 2013 brought. On one hand, it caused a lot of damage and has left many people still without power, but when the sun came out and was shining through the ice, it was absolutely breathtaking– a sight that only comes along once every decade or so. Still with all the ice & dilemma with power, it was a great Christmas spent with family & friends. I can’t believe 2013 is coming to an end so quickly… I’m excited to create some year end posts to wrap up all that happened this year and jump right into 2014!

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The ice storm stole a bit of attention from the holidays, so here are 3 other things to know about this holiday vacation!

1. My husband bought me tickets to a Celine Dion concert in Las Vegas in March!!! I am the luckiest girl in the world. I’m already counting down the days till I see Celine. In person. As in, we’ll be in the same room. Ahsdjfhskjdhdhsf (excitement.)

2. Seeing Beyonce live was indescribable. She’s my 2nd favorite singer (behind Celine, of course) and she was better than what I imagined. Seeing her flying through the air in a sparkly jumpsuit then sing “Love on Top” right in front of us was a highlight of the year (or my life?).

3. I know I have strict feelings about listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but do you have to shut it off after Christmas? I feel like it’s too soon. Maybe I’ll extend it until New Years.

From left to right: My brother & his girlfriend, Me & Corey, my little sister & her boyfriend

For more photos from the ice storm & my holidays in Maine, follow me on Instagram @kelseydewittphoto.