A Buffalo family stranded in blizzard conditions is spending Christmas at the firemen’s firehouse

CNN
—

When the blizzard first hit Buffalo, New York, a family of six packed up and headed to a local hotel after losing power in their home – but ended up celebrating Christmas somewhere a little more surprising.

Demetris and Daniel, along with their children Aidan, 8, Aubrey, 4, Jordyn, 2, and 9-month-old Judah, became one of the many drivers who stayed in impassable road conditions in Buffalo on Friday, according to a statement from the Niagara Border Transportation Authority.

The family was rescued by firefighters at the Buffalo airport, along with 36 other people who were also caught in the blizzard conditions, according to a statement from transportation authorities.

As the only rescued drivers with small children, the family got to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas somewhere special: at the firehouse with the firefighters.

Their oldest, Aidan, asked firefighters if he could wear a firefighter uniform with them and received a department uniform and T-shirt and learned about how they send first responders, according to the transportation authority.

The 8-year-old was also excited that Santa would be delivering presents to them at the firehouse.

“Christmas became a big worry because Aidan was so excited that Santa would know he was here and be able to celebrate in a real firehouse, and we didn’t want to disappoint,” said Buffalo Airport Assistant Fire Chief Joel Ebert . “We were able to find a few items at the firehouse to pack for the family, and with the incredible help of the field office delivering some items from the terminal, we were able to make sure Santa visited.”

“It’s been an amazing experience for our firefighters and it’s definitely made us better people,” Ebert said.

Buffalo has been hit hard by the winter storm that is sweeping the country. As of Sunday morning, 43 inches of snow had fallen there, according to the National Weather Service.