Student Union Activities is playing host to events throughout the week to help students have fun before the rush of finals week. It’s the last week of SUA scheduled events for the semester.

On Tuesday, students can enjoy free cookies, cider, hot chocolate, and massages at the Holiday Open House from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the fourth-floor lobby in the Kansas Union. On Thursday, students can participate in a gingerbread house building contest, receive free massages and a free late night breakfast at the Hawk Nights Holiday Bash. And on Sunday, SUA and KU Dining Services will serve students Late Night Breakfast from 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in Mrs. E’s.

Shawn Bowers, SUA director of public relations, said the events were scheduled to make things a little easier for students during finals week.

“Our organization is all about giving back to the students, and we hope that this is a good stress-relieving way to do that,” Bowers said.

Bowers said Tuesday’s open house would be a bit different than last year’s. There will be stations where students can make ornaments and holiday cards, and Watkins Memorial Health Center will have a station where students can make their own stress balls so that they can relieve some stress during finals week. Students can also have their pictures taken with Santa for $1. All proceeds will go to the United Way. Students will receive a 20 percent-off coupon from the KU Bookstore.

Lauren Lakebrink, Liberty, Mo., junior and special events coordinator, said she was looking forward to having some holiday fun before her two finals next Monday. She said that to relieve stress she usually watched a movie or rested for an hour but that this year she would make cards and ornaments for loved ones before she returned home.

“I think students should do something the week before finals to get their minds off studying, even if it is only for a while,” Lakebrink said.

—Edited by Chris Beattie