As the snow starts to fall and classes come to an end, it becomes time to look forward to the holiday break.

For those of you staying in Toronto over the holidays, here are a few tips and suggestions to make your holiday a fun and relaxing one!

1. Participate in York International’s winter holiday events. If you live on-campus, sign up through your residence to participate in daily (and free!) activities. such as skating, movies, a Raptors game, and traditional holiday dinners! Connect with residence staff or York International for more information.  If you live off-campus, join fellow international students for the following events (organized by York International)

Ice Skating
Monday, December 30th, 2013
Location: Harbourfront Centre
Time: 2:30pm – 6:00pm (meet at the ticket booth)

New Year’s Eve
Monday, December 31st, 2013
Location: Nathan Phillips Square
Time: Non-residence group to meet at 7:45pm at Queen station (northbound ticket station)

Ripley’s Aquarium
Thursday, January 2nd, 2014
Location: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Time: 12:30pm (tour starts at 1:00pm)
COST and registration required. (Admission closes the day before)
Register here.  (Cost: $11.34)
When registering, in drop menu, choose “Print-at-home” (no additional fee). You will print a ticket with a bar code on it.  Note the normal cost of the ticket is $32.

2. Check holiday schedules before heading out. As we approach the holidays, retailers will have extended hours. However, beginning December 24th retailers and business offices will begin to reduce hours and close for Christmas Day on December 25th and some also on New Years Day January 1st. Take advantage of “Boxing Day” sales on December 26th! Keep in mind that Schulich and York University will close end of day December 23rd and will not reopen until January 2nd.

3. As the days get shorter, colder and darker it becomes more important to look after your health. Be sure to dress warmly in the cold weather, eat nourishing, healthy foods, spend time with friends, and fit in sleep and physical activity. In the winter, you will be more susceptible to coughs, colds, the flu, home sickness, and/or symptoms of depression. Prevention is key, however, if your illness persists make sure to go and see a doctor. If your doctor’s office is closed, some walk-in clinics and all hospitals will remain open over the holidays.

4. Get outside and enjoy Canadian winter activities. Grab some friends and go skating at Nathan Phillips Square or the Harbourfront Centre (tip: check out the DJ on Saturday nights), enjoy the sights at the Cavalcade of Lights, grab a hot chocolate and stroll along the Queen Street Bay’s famous Christmas windows, visit the Distillery District for Toronto’s Christmas Market, try snowtubing, skiing or snowboarding at Blue Mountain.

Have a happy and healthy holiday break. See you in the New Year!

The International Relations Team