Winter break is the second largest non-instructional session at California State University, Stanislaus (Stan State), Summer coming in first.  Sometimes students travel out of town to reside with their immediate family or stay home. Often times, students will have no idea what to do during their break, especially after a long hard fought academic semester. After a long 2016 year, the people of Stan State deserve a little more than a break. Don’t have enough time, money, or a clue on what to do over the winter break? Have no fear! Below is a list of some ideas you may consider in doing over the holiday break:
At Home  
Reflection time at home can help you focus and re-energize your mind. Often times stress can lead to unhealthy lifestyles in thinking, habitual tasks and over-eating. Some things to consider in doing to relax are: Meditation, reading, yoga, exercising, sleeping, talking to family/friends about your stress, cleaning, coloring an anti-stress coloring book, and engaging in a new hobby. Keep your mind off of school and practice to relax. Shake those stress-semester bugs out of your body!
Binge Watch the heck out of that one show or movie list you have saved up in your buried list titled “To Watch.”Whether you watch DVDs, VHS, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube or Hulu, here are some shows and movies to consider:
 1. Westworld (HBO), the hottest thing on HBO currently is a mystery/sci-fi show about a paramount resort populated by artificial intelligence disguised as Western archetypes. The show is based off of the same 1973 film from American novelist Michael Crichton. The same Michael Crichton that wrote Jurassic Park.
2. Freaks and Geeks (Netflix), take it old-school with a show about two stereotypical American teen groups, Freaks and Geeks. The show focuses on Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) exploring and transforming her life from an above than average student to a rebellious teenager.  
3. Inside Out (Apple iTunes), grab your tissues and ice cream, because you’re about to experience all of the emotions from this movie, literally. Inside Out is about a pre-adolescent girl experiencing the changes in emotions told through her inner character feelings. The movie focuses on the ups, downs and comedic experiences your inner process of emotions and thoughts affect your personality. Great film for kids, family and friends.  
4.  E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (Amazon Prime), Let’s go off the radar and re-visit this classic gem. The 1982 American science fiction fantasy film focuses on a friendly alien who befriends a young boy. The boy and his friends attempt to keep the alien a secret and away from government officials discovering his existence.
Host small parties. Sometimes you just need warm company from friends, family or a significant other. Host a small get-together. Some ideas include a chocolate dessert tasting party, board game night, video game competitions or music listening. Create a playlist, leave out a delicious tray and take out that great personality of yours and have a wonderful or many wonderful nights with the people you appreciate the most.
 
In Turlock/Near Turlock

1. Movie theatre. Watch the latest movies at Regal Stadium 14 or Galaxy Riverbank Luxury+. Some movies to consider are Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Moana, and Hacksaw Ridge. Don’t have tickets to Rogue One, the most anticipated movie of this month? You can now buy them via Fandango.com, Regmovies.com, or galaxytheatres.com.
2. Explore Downtown Turlock. There are loads of businesses, restaurants and facilities in downtown Turlock. Explore and dive into the Turlock Historical Museum, support the arts at the Carnegie Arts Center, and treat your rumbly-tummy with grub à la Dustbowl Brewing Co., La MO Café, or Mundo’s Latin Grill.
3. Fields of Ice (Turlock). Want to Ice Skate in town? Go to 716 N Daubenberger Rd in Turlock and you’ll discover an ice skating rink. They are open everyday (except Wednesday) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visit: http://turlockfieldsofice.com. 
4. Castle Air Museum (Atwater) Visit this military aviation museum located 5050 Santa Fe Dr, Atwater, CA and explore aircraft through time. You’ll discover some pretty neat aircraft that served a lot of notable people in our history. According to their website, the museum is also known to be one of the largest aircraft facilities on the West Coast! Visit: www.castleairmuseum.org.

 
Out-of-Town
North of California:
Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco. Before planning a trip to San Francisco make sure to heavily consider Ghirardelli Square. A must-try of their World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae at the Original Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop will not disappoint you. This place is great for friends and family to walk and enjoy desserts on a sunny, rainy or cold day.
Yosemite National Park. Get away from the planes, trains and automobiles by taking a hike at Yosemite National Park. The park is beautiful when you catch the first sight of snow falling. Take time away from social media, work and noise to enjoy a lovely day to reflect on natures self made phenomenon.
Christmas in the Park, San Jose. Not looking to go too into the city of San Francisco? Try San Jose’s Christmas in the Park. Every year, the park hosts a number of performances ranging from kids to professional players. Walk around the park and observe all the Christmas trees donated by programs, schools, and businesses around the City of San Jose. Try some delicious Hot Cocoa, enjoy the day (or night) with warm company with lights and music. Be sure to visit Johnny Rockets nearby the park, great place to eat lunch/dinner if you’re not too into Hot Cocoa. Visit: http://www.christmasinthepark.com
South of California:
Venice Beach, Los Angeles. People watch at one of the most residential and recreational beach. To get the full experience, explore the boardwalk, restaurants and side attractions. Be sure to bring some warm clothing during this winter season!
San Diego Zoo, San Diego. Take a pal, many pals, or maybe your close ones to a zoo! Try out the tours and close activities at the zoo as well. Experience some fur therapy by observing pandas, lions and bears! Visit: http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org.
AMC Mission Valley 20, San Diego. Experience an AMC theatre at San Diego. Sit in comfy seats to experience a new and grand way of watching movies in the movie theatre. Visit: www.amctheatres.com.