International
and Immigrant
Student Guide
to Spending
the Holidays
in Canada
Diversity and
Intercultural servicesCanadian Connection Program,
Red River College
Wishing you all a
Happy Holiday Season
full of joy!
From Your friends in Diversity
and Intercultural Services
TOP PICKS ON PLACES TO
VISIT THIS HOLIDAY BREAK
•
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
FAVORITE CANADIAN HOLIDAY
TRADITIONS
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
TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY SONGS
Learn a few new traditional style tunes to sing around
the winter bonfire.
Frosty the Snowman Lyrics
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
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjscH2WBWjw
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
Oh, Dreydl
Played 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 Navidad
Feliz 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 Rock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itcMLwMEeMQ
Jingle 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
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujtaAQEWHTI
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!
CANADIAN COOKING:
TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY RECIPIES
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 Note
If 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.
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 2
In 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 3
In 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 4
Heat 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.
WINNIPEG’S CHRISTMAS
CHEER BOARD
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.
TOP WAYS TO SPEND
NEW YEAR’S EVE IN WINNIPEG
Much 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 WINTER
IN CANADA
Winter 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 CONCERNS
OVER 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: 204-795-0457
If 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
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