International and Immigrant Student Guide to Spending the Holidays in Canada

Diversity and Intercultural services-

Canadian Connection Program,

Red River College

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season full of joy!

From Your friends in Diversity and Intercultural Services

• Put on your boots and have some outdoor Fun at Fort Whyte Alive

• Lace up for some Indoor Ice Skating in Winnipeg.

• Outdoor Tobogganing in Winnipeg – City Locations

• Bring in 2017 by taking in the Winnipeg Night Life

• Get out of the city and explore Birdshill Provincial Park or Beaudry Park

• Outdoor exploration at Windsor Park Nordic Centre

• Take in Holiday sights and with events happening at the Forks

• Cut down and Holiday tree and decorate with friends at Shelmerdine’s Holiday Garden Centre

• Pick up your Holiday baking at the Red River College Bake Sale at the Patterson Global Foods Institute – December 15th from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

• Grab a toboggan and you tuque and enjoy the free outdoor recreation areas at Assiniboine Park

• Take part of local live music and Holiday concerts at the West End Cultural Centre and the Park Theatre

• Get your friends together for some holiday giggles at Rumor’s Comedy Club

• Drive-thru the Holiday light show at the Manitoba Winter Wonderland

• Need to fill up your day? Give the gift that keeps giving and volunteer with Volunteer Manitoba

TOP PICKS ON PLACES TO VISIT THIS HOLIDAY BREAK

It’s cold outside, so grab your laptop and rent any of these famous Holiday films:Top 5 Favorites:

1. A Christmas Story

2. Elf

3. Home Alone

4. Christmas Vacation

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

FAVORITE CANADIAN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

Learn a few new traditional style tunes to sing around the winter bonfire.

Frosty the Snowman Lyrics

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY SONGS

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul

With a corncob pipe and a button nose

and two eyes made out of coal

Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale they say

He was made of snow but the children

know how he came to life one day

There must have been some magic in that

old silk hat they found

For when they placed it on his head

he began to dance around

O

Frosty the snowman

was alive as he could be

And the children say he could laugh

and play just the same as you and me

Thump thump thump

thump thump thump

Look at Frosty go

Thump thump thump

thump thump thump

Over the hills of snow

Frosty the snowman knew

the sun was hot that day

So he said

“Let’s run and

we’ll have some fun

now before I melt away

“ Down to the village

with a broomstick in his hand

Running here and there all

around the square saying

Catch me if you can

He led them down the streets of town

right to the traffic cop

And he only paused a moment when

he heard him holler “Stop!”

For Frosty the snow man

had to hurry on his way

But he waved goodbye saying

“Don’t you cry

I’ll be back again some day

“ thumpty thump thump

thump thump thump

Look at Frosty go

thumpty thump thump

thump thump thump

Over the hills of snow

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjscH2WBWjw

Oh, DreydlPlayed at Hanukkah; the holiday of lights, a dreydl is a beautiful little spinning top

as well as a great toy and game.

I have a little dreydl

I made it out of clay

And when it’s dry and ready

A dreydl I will play

Oh dreydl, dreydl, dreydl

I made you out of clay

And when you’re dry and ready

A dreydl I will play

My dreydl has four corners

And a letter on each face

To remind us of the miracle

That long ago took place

The letters also tell us

Who will lose or win

I have a pile of goodies (walnuts)

I’m ready, let’s begin

Feliz NavidadFeliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad,

Feliz Navidad, Prospero ano y felicidad . . .

Feliz Navidad, Feliz Navidad,

Feliz Navidad, Prospero ano y felicidad . . .

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas

From the bottom of my heart

Jingle Bell RockJingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock

Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring

Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun

Now the jingle hop has begun

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock

Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time

Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square

In the frosty air.

What a bright time, it’s the right time

To rock the night away

Jingle bell time is a swell time

To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh

Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet

Jingle around the clock

Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet

That’s the jingle bell,

That’s the jingle bell,

That’s the jingle bell rock

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itcMLwMEeMQ

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

You know Dasher, and Dancer, and

Prancer, and Vixen,

Comet, and Cupid, and

Donder and Blitzen

But do you recall

The most famous reindeer of all

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer

had a very shiny nose

and if you ever saw it

you would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer

used to laugh and call him names

They never let poor Rudolph

play in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas eve

Santa came to say:

“Rudolph with your nose so bright,

won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

Then all the reindeer loved him

as they shouted out with glee,

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,

you’ll go down in history!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujtaAQEWHTI

The Holidays are often celebrated in Canada with gatherings and sitting down to enjoy a Holiday meal. Try and gather some of your RRC friends this holiday season to enjoy the following Holiday meal staples. Build some of the holiday favorites below:

Canadian Roasted Turkey and Gravy:INGREDIENTS

1 14-pound turkey, neck and heart reserved for Turkey Stock

10 cups favorite stuffing or Sausage Pear Stuffing

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

Turkey Gravy

Cook’s NoteIf your turkey is larger than the 14-pounder called for in the recipe:

1. Increase length of parchment sheets so you have enough to come up and over the turkey, and to crimp and staple.

2. Increase cooking time to 10 minutes more per pound before removing the parchment. Begin checking the temperature 30 minutes after removing parchment.

CANADIAN COOKING:TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY RECIPIES

DIRECTIONS

Step 1

Let turkey stand at room temperature 1 hour. Preheat oven to 325 degrees with rack in lower third. Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Fill body cavity with 6 cups stuffing. Fill neck cavity with 4 cups stuffing. Secure skin flaps with toothpicks or skewers. Spread 6 tablespoons butter over top of turkey, then season generously with salt and pepper. Tie drumsticks together with kitchen twine. Tuck wings under turkey.

Step 2

Place a 40-inch sheet of parchment on a work surface and spread with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Place turkey on top, with a short side of bird facing you. Gather ends, wrapping turkey. Fold overlapping ends of parchment over turkey and secure with staples. Place a 48-inch sheet of parchment on work surface, place turkey on top, and rotate 90 degrees. Fold short parchment sides over turkey and secure with staples. Rotate bird another 90 degrees and repeat process with another 40-inch sheet of parchment. Secure all paper flaps with staples.

Step 3

Place turkey in parchment on a flat (not V-shaped) rack set inside a roasting pan. Roast turkey 2 hours, 45 minutes. Remove from oven; cut open parchment with scissors. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees. While holding drumsticks, slide parchment out from under turkey and discard. Return turkey to oven. Continue to roast turkey until golden brown and a thermometer inserted in breast reads 165 degrees, about 45 minutes more. Transfer to a carving board and let rest at least 45 minutes and up to 1 hour before carving.

Step 4

Meanwhile, remove stuffing from both cavities; transfer to an 8-inch-square baking dish and bake until thermometer inserted in center of stuffing reads at least 165 degrees, 15 to 20 minutes. Using drippings in pan, make turkey gravy.

Egg Nogg:Makes 12 cups (3L) or 16 servings

INGREDIENTS

16 16egg yolkegg yolks

1-1/3 cups 1-1/3cups(325 mL) (325 mL) icing sugar

3-3/4 cups 3-3/4cups(925 mL) (925 mL) milk

3 cups 3cups(750 mL) (750 mL) whipping cream

1/2 tsp 1/2tsp(2 mL) (2 mL) vanilla

1-1/2 cups 1-1/2cups(375 mL) (375 mL) bourbon or dark rum or brandy

1/4 tsp 1/4tsp(1 mL) (1 mL) nutmeg

Preparation

In saucepan, whisk egg yolks with sugar until smooth. Whisk in milk and 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the cream; cook over medium heat, stirring and without boiling, until thick enough to coat spoon, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Stir in 3/4 cup (175 mL) of the remaining cream and vanilla; strain into bowl. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.

Whisk in bourbon; cover and chill for 2 hours. Transfer to punch bowl.

In bowl, lightly whip remaining cream; fold into eggnog. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Classic Gingerbread Cookies:INGREDIENTS

7 ounces best-quality semisweet chocolate

1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

1/2 cup dark-brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup unsulfured molasses

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup granulated sugar

DIRECTIONS

Step 1

Line two baking sheets with parchment. Chop chocolate into 1/4-inch chunks; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and cocoa.

Step 2In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and grated ginger until whitened, about 4 minutes. Add brown sugar; beat until combined. Add molasses; beat until combined.

Step 3In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in 1 1/2 teaspoons boiling water. Beat half of flour mixture into butter mixture. Beat in baking-soda mixture, then remaining half of flour mixture. Mix in chocolate; turn out onto a piece of plastic wrap. Pat dough out to about 1 inch thick; seal with wrap; refrigerate until firm, 2 hours or more.

Step 4Heat oven to 325 degrees. Roll dough into 1 1/2- inch balls; place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Refrigerate 20 minutes. Roll in granulated sugar. Bake until the surfaces crack slightly, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Traditional Hanukkah Latkes:INGREDIENTS

5 potatoes

2 onions

3 eggs

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

between 1/4 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

oil for frying (canola is recommended)

Preparation

Yields: approximately 20 pancakes

1. Peel potatoes. Place in a bowl of cold water so they won’t turn brown.

2. When ready to prepare the latkas, drain the potatoes. Place potatoes and onions in a

food processor fitted with a knife blade. Pulse until smooth. Drain mixture well.

3. Pour potato mixture into a large bowl. Add beaten eggs. Add salt and pepper.

Add enough flour so that the mixture holds together.

4. Pour 1 inch of oil into a large, deep frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat.

5. Carefully drop 1/4 cup of the potato mixture into the hot oil.

6. Flatten the pancake slightly so the center will cook.

7. Fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Drain on paper towels.

Can’t afford a traditional meal on a student budget? No problem. Every year the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board accepts donations of food, toys and money from individuals and businesses in Manitoba. Volunteers then work tirelessly to prepare hampers of food and gifts in order to make sure that families who are facing financial struggles can have a happy and healthy holiday.

If you are a recipient of Employment and Income Assistance (EIA) and would like to apply for a hamper, please call (204) 948-2022.

If you are not receiving EIA and would like to apply for a hamper, please call (204) 989-5683.

Both phone lines are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You must have your Manitoba Health card ready when you call.

If you would like to volunteer with the Christmas Cheer Board, please call (204) 989-5696 or click here.

For more information, please visit the Christmas Cheer Board website.

WINNIPEG’S CHRISTMAS CHEER BOARD

TOP WAYS TO SPEND NEW YEAR’S EVE IN WINNIPEGMuch like other places in the world, there are lots of fun things to do on New Year’s Eve in Winnipeg. Mark the start of the New Year with student friends and explore the city together. Be sure to check out the website below to find out what’s happening this New Year’s Eve in the Peg.

Visit the Tourism Winnipeg Website.

Free event: New Year’s at the Forks Forks Market - 1 Forks Market Road Winnipeg MB

FREE events and family activities:

Live entertainment starting at 5 PM.

Horse drawn wagon rides, Fun art projects, Face Painting, Charicatures and more.

P Plus 2 Firework Shows! 8 PM and MIDNIGHT!

Fireworks Show by three-time world champions, Archangel Fireworks.

PREPARING FOR WINTERIN CANADAWinter is finally here, and for those of you experiencing your first Winnipeg winter, the snow on the ground this morning may be a bit of a shock.

Some things you’ll notice at the beginning of the season include slow busses, slippery roads, and a chilly wind that cuts through your clothing. You may need to adjust your schedule and routines to stay safe and on-schedule--dressing more warmly, leaving home early, and driving / walking slowly on the roads.

If you are having any challenges coping with the winter, check out this post, or come talk to your Student Integration Coordinator. We have tips, resources and support to help you adapt and enjoy this wonderful season.

STEPS TO COLD WEATHER SAFETY:1. LISTEN TO THE WEATHER FORECAST

• Check the Environment Canada weather forecast before going out in the winter. • Listen for a wind chill warning. Wind chill warnings, based on local climate, are issued when significant wind chills are expected to occur.

Environment Canada’s weather forecasts are available through radio and TV broadcasts, Environment Canada’s Weather radio network, and online at Canadian Weather.

2. PLAN AHEAD

• Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it’s very cold, or when the wind chill is significant. For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.

3. DRESS WARMLY

• Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer. • When it is cold, wear a hat (a large portion of body heat is lost from the head), mittens or insulated gloves. You should also have something to keep your face warm, such as a scarf, neck tube or facemask. • Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body’s extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.

4. SEEK SHELTER

• When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

5. STAY DRY

• Wet clothing chills the body rapidly. • Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

6. KEEP ACTIVE

• Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

7. BE AWARE

• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. • Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems. • The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNSOVER THE HOLIDAY BREAK:

IMPORTANT: Red River College emergency contact from December 24 to January 2

Red River College will be closed from December 24 to January 2.Offices will open again on Tuesday, January 3.

If you arrive during this holiday break when our offices are closed and have any urgent matters, we have arranged for this emergency contact from December 24 to January 2:

Jillian Hoogland, Student Integration Coordinator (Diversity and Intercultural Services, Red River College)

Here are some examples of urgent matters:

• You don’t have a safe place to live• You can’t access your money• You can’t afford to buy food• You’re feeling lonely and depressed

Please call Jillian Hoogland between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm if you have any urgent questions or matters.

If you are already in Manitoba, please call:

Phone Number: 204-795-0457If you are calling from outside Canada, it is necessary to dial: 00 + 1 + 204-795-0457

You should call 9-1-1 if…

• you see a crime in progress• you or someone around you is in danger• you or someone around you is having a medical emergency

Wishing you the

Happiest of Holidays

From your

Diversity and Intercultural

Services Team!