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 activities such as Holiday Dinner, Niagara Falls Boxing Day Trip and Skating at Harbourfront, etc. Connect with residence staff or York International for more information.

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 New Years Day January 1st. Take advantage of “Boxing Day” sales on December 26th! Keep in mind that Schulich and York University will close the afternoon of December 23rd and will not reopen until January 4th.

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 and healthy food, 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), grab a hot chocolate and stroll along the Queen Street Bay’s famous holiday windows, visit the Distillery District for Toronto’s Christmas Market, try snowtubing, skiing or snowboarding at Blue Mountain, and ring in the New Year at City Hall.

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

The International Relations Team