This year's holiday travel challenge revolves around revolving rules concerning airline carry-on rules. Currently for all flights to the USA you are limited to a personal item only. Your typical carry on bag will have to go as checked baggage.
For complete rules and regulations visit the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website.
An added ironic bonus to this year's holiday travel challenge is the recent implementation of airline checked baggage fees. Most American airlines have fees for checked baggage. Check with your individual airline to see if they are waiving these fees while these security measures are in place.