HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) — On Saturday morning, families of the Connecticut National Guard gathered for an annual event designed to provide support and comfort during the holiday season.

Operation Embracing Lonely Families has been a tradition for 23 years, offering much-needed support to military families separated from loved ones who are deployed.

The event focuses on easing some of the financial burden and emotional stress that military families face during deployments, especially during the holidays.

“It’s an enjoyment because it brings everyone closer during the holiday so they can still be around their family too,” said Newton Maldonado, a National Guard soldier.

One of the attendees, Nicole Scalora, whose husband was recently deployed to Africa for a year, shared the challenges of military life.

“It’s tough. We have to take it one day at a time. Doing everything at home by yourself, not having that shoulder to rely on can be difficult. But I have a lot of family and a lot of support, so that helped a lot. Also, the military is constantly reaching out. Making sure that we’re good and that if we need help, they’re there,” she said.

Saturday’s event included treats and toys for the families, as well as a visit from Santa Claus.

The tradition, which began under former Governor Jodi Rell and continued by each subsequent Lieutenant Governor, has become a symbol of appreciation for those who serve and their families.

While this year’s ceremony was smaller in scale, organizers are expecting the event to grow significantly next year, with nearly 800 families anticipated to attend.

These families are affected by the various deployments of National Guard members overseas.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz expressed her gratitude, noting, “, I’m really glad for the people of Connecticut that our celebration is rather small, because it means our national guard families are here at home celebrating.”

The event remains an important opportunity for the community to come together and honor the sacrifices made by military families throughout Connecticut.

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Several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in a fire in Woodstock on Friday night.

Firefighters from Muddy Brook Fire Department responded to Paine District Road around 9 p.m. for a report of a detached garage on fire with exposure.

When fire crews arrived, they said they found a 20′ by 20′ building with fire throughout.

According to fire officials, several vehicles and an outdoor furnace were destroyed in the fire.

The fire did not spread from the building of origin and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Whether you’re getting last minute shopping done or hitting the roads for the holidays, it was a busy Friday night.

Nearly a million people in our state will be hitting the road this holiday season to see family and friends, but before they can do that, they’re getting some last-minute holiday shopping done.

It’s hard to have the season of giving, without it being the season of spending, too.

“Clothes, makeup, hair supplies, brushes, earrings, and looking at apple products,” Anne Tomchuck, of Orange, said.

“A few jackets for winter,” Cassie McKittrick, of Branford, said.

Shoppers flocked to The Shops at Yale in New Haven to get gifts for loved ones.

Some are there to find the steals, like Tomchuck.

“Last minute deals, we’re hoping for a last-minute deal or a trade-in deal,” she said.

Others are embracing the last-minute shopping experience, like John McKittrick, of Branford.

“If I was a little craftier, I probably should have saved money, but I didn’t,” he said.

For the retailers themselves, Jahnaya Stone of Lou Lou Boutiques said local stores are getting lots of love.

“It’s definitely getting busy, especially this weekend,” Stone said. “Until Christmas Eve, we’re going to be open until nine instead of eight because it’s going to be busy.”

If crowds at shopping centers don’t tell you it’s the holiday season, the snowy highways will.

“Yeah the roads were fine, there’s no slickness out there,” Jon, of Madison, said.

People stopping at the Branford rest stop off Interstate 95 said traffic was mild during rush hour. But with a cold snap coming on one of the busiest travel days of the year, CT Department of Transportation vehicles were out in full force.

“I see ppl putting salt on the roads, I see people pulling over, police officers, emergency workers working,” Mekhi Barnett, of Stamford, said.

If you’re planning to travel the next few days by car, AAA says the morning is better to travel leading up to, and after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The worst times to travel are the mid-day to afternoon hours.