Nova Scotia woman looking for strangers to join her for Christmas dinner

A Nova Scotia woman whose children can't come home for the holidays this year is opening her home to others looking for a place to have Christmas dinner, and she'll even pick them up and get them home.

Patty McGill lives in Blockhouse near Lunenburg, but her six children are in Quebec. Rather than have Christmas dinner alone, she's looking to host six guests.

"We'll get all new stories and everybody has a great story to tell. I love people … and I love family," she told CBC's Maritime Noon.

McGill runs a horse-therapy farm for people with disabilities. 

The self-described "amazing" cook plans to cook a turkey dinner with "McGill stuffing," whipped mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, turnip, and a yule log with chocolate icing and a coffee cream filling for dessert.

McGill said the inspiration behind the dinner came to her yesterday.

"A secret little voice inside my brain said, 'You like to cook. Find people to cook for,'" she said.

McGill is hoping to attract people who will be alone or can't afford to make a Christmas dinner. She said a neighbour is helping her out, and between the two of them they can pick up and drop off six people.

Asked what she'd do if the demand was greater than the supply, McGill wasn't sure.

"Maybe I'll get back on to Maritime Noon and ask for more cooks," she said with a laugh.

Annual tradition?

So far, McGill has heard from a single mom who's interested in the idea and who has a daughter thrilled with the fact there are horses at the farm.

Depending on how well it goes, McGill might turn it into an annual event.

And what does her family think of the idea?

"They're going to find out from the radio," she said.