NORWICH – It's hard to believe the Christmas holiday is already one week away and – as every parent knows – with holiday vacation comes a bit of down time for school-aged children out on winter break.

With the Christmas holiday falling in the middle of the week this year, area school districts have scheduled prolonged winter breaks, more than two weeks in some cases. In the City of Norwich, this year’s Christmas recess runs from Dec. 21 through Jan. 6, making it one of the longest breaks in recent memory.

Parents who may be wondering what options are available for out-of-school children this year need look no further than the City of Norwich Youth Bureau. The agency, along with some local organizations and businesses in conjunction with the City of Norwich and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, has worked to ensure area children have ample activities available to them though the winter months.

The City of Norwich Youth Bureau is advocating that children stay healthy and active over the break by sponsoring a series of winter recreation programs. The programs consist of junior wrestling, bowling, volleyball, indoor pre-season baseball, softball and, of course, outdoor ice skating.

The Borden Avenue skating facility's winter hours will be extended during the break from its normal hours of operation of 4-9 p.m. In an effort to accommodate the anticipated heavy usage, the skating rink will be opening at noon. here is no need to register for use of the Borden Avenue skating facility, and use of the rink's selection of ice skates is free to the public.