In the Arctic the Christmas celebration happens rather on community level. The Christmas Eve, especially in Naujaat, is a day of confession for many people. Then we celebrate two Masses at night to accommodate everyone and then the celebrations including feasts, games and dances start lasting till New Year. Games are open to everyone and all ages. It is really a time to rejoice and be together in peace.

The New Year's Eve and New Year was not a happy time in many communities in Nunavut especially in the Kivalliq region. The massive blizzard started on the evening of December 30 and lasted till new year. Wind gusting to 110km/h and zero visibility brought lots of damage to the community of Coral Harbour. Strong wind started breaking the power lines early morning on december 31. By noon most of the community was without power which in the Arctic means, no heat, no running water, no kitchen stove. The whole focus was put into saving the houses from freezing. Generators were used to keep the furnaces running wherever possible. All activities were cancelled for safety reason. I celebrated the Mass at the end of year in my kitchen by the candles. Next morning I managed to get second generator to hook up the furnace in the church and in cold but not freezing environment I celebrated the new Year mass with three people. The blizzard was over that day and the repairs started. The wind damaged several poles and power lines and some chimneys at a few houses. The power gradually came back to the whole community. In the Mission it was restored after 33 hours.

Happy New year!

Fr. Daniel Szwarc OMI