. >> reporter: lynette miller says to only use emergency generators outside away from doors and windows. >> after six days without power and heat, the temperature inside the danzinger home is a frigid 44 degrees. on christmas morning they lit a fire to keep warm. >> we just all were in our coats opening christmas gifts and just trying to make it the same that we do every year. >> but this year was different. the family shuttled between home and a hotel. they checked in to a few days ago for warmth. >> it's been a nontraditional christmas, for sure. >> reporter: with the holidays come and gone, the family drives back and forth hoping they'll pull up to a home with power. >> it's a little frustrating and a little disheartening to come back. nope, not us. >> reporter: for crew from michigan to maine working in hopes of getting people back into their homes. some may have to wait until saturday for the lights to come back on. >> a lot tougher than i am. that was nbc's kevin tibbles reporting. >>> today is yet another spare the air day. it's the fifth in a row. the 20th so far this winter sea