In the OPs case this was Continental at Newark. They have a holding area just short of the taxiway that is used for de-icing operations. I've been there several times! Sometimes the holding area fills up (especially in the evening when most of the Europe-bound wide-bodies leave) so that's probably why they sent the aircraft back to a gate. Simply a matte of no rom to park elsewhere. The OP was lucky there was a vacant gate where the aircraft could park!
Bottom line is the NY area hasn't seen a storm like this in 5 years. I should know because the last "big one" I was stranded in Charlotte trying to get to Newark and gave up and flew back to Phoenix. If you are departing from or connecting through an airport that is known to have occasional disruptions due to winter weather it is advisable to buy travel insurance if your plans have you traveling anytime between November and March.
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