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McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

McHenry High School's student-written and -edited newspaper

The McHenry Messenger

In the movie "The Polar Express," the main character and his friends as Santa prepares to take off and deliver presents. Movies like "The Polar Express" have become childhood staples for many at MCHS

Review | Top 5 Christmas movies to binge this weekend

Ellie Henry, Staff Writer December 20, 2023

During the holiday season, snuggling up with a blanket and a movie is perfect. Many watch Christmas movies with family and friends to spread the holiday cheer. Here are The Messenger’s top five movies...

Christmas lights hang across Sogo, a Japanese department store. Christmas may be a Christian holiday, but it's celebrated by religious and non-religious people all over the world.

Culture, Christmas, and core memories

Alexis Januk, Staff Writer December 20, 2023

It is the night of Christmas Eve; snow falls lightly to the ground as a family is gathered in their warm home putting together their sweets and gifts for the days to come. The children try to sneak kolaczkis...

Because of MCHS's student volunteers this holiday season, including those from Key Club and other service organizations, many children in the community will receive Christmas presents that might not have otherwise.

Santa’s helpers

Vanessa Moreno, News Editor December 22, 2022

Junior Kristin Anderson stands in front of Jewel Osco, ringing a bell in front of a Salvation Army donation kettle — a sign the holiday season has begun. She embraces the holiday spirit, knowing she’s...

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," released in  1989, is the perfect family film to watch this holiday season — and a classic in its own right.

Review: We’re gonna have the happiest Christmas

Preston Boysen, Staff Writer December 20, 2022

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a humorous throwback that’s perfect to watch with family and friends this holiday season. The movie stars big names such as Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo,...

The holidays are usually a joyful time of year, they also can cause stress to people who don't celebrate, have lost family or that are struggling financially.

Opinion: We take the holidays too seriously

Beth Brackmann, Contributing Writer December 9, 2021

Someone walks into a store, just a few days into November and everything is already holiday related. They begin to feel an overbearing feeling of stress as they realise that the holidays are getting close....

With just enough time for one final holiday movie, viewers can enjoy “The Muppet Christmas Carol” as a grand send off for the Christmas holiday.

“The Muppet Christmas Carol”

December 25, 2020

The few hours we have left of Christmas may not be as scrapbook worthy as the first few hours of the day, but that is no excuse to stop spending time with your family. Right now is the perfect time to...

A mix of holiday cheer and Halloween fright makes "The Nightmare Before Christmas" a wonderful holiday movie for viewers who still haven't quite processed Halloween yet.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas”

December 25, 2020

If holiday cheer is not quite your thing and you want something ever so slightly darker and more Halloween oriented, the classic Tim Burton movie “The Nightmare Before Christmas” could be the Christmas...

A new spin on the classic story "A Christmas Carol" shows Charles Dickens and his experience writing the classic holiday book.

“The Man Who Invented Christmas”

December 23, 2020

I have to be honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started watching “The Man Who Invented Christmas”. I was scrolling through Hulu trying to find something that could be good...

Holiday cheer and lessons of selflessness and appreciation will bring magic and warmth into viewers lives.

“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas”

December 21, 2020

“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” is a holiday film that features three short stories that feature the Mickey Mouse gang and the holiday related lessons that they learn. The first story shows Huey,...

"Get Santa" is a wonderful and funny holiday film for all viewers to enjoy this Christmas season.

“Get Santa”

December 19, 2020

If you’re like me, you’ve probably never heard of “Get Santa”. This movie wasn’t even on my list of movies I was planning to review, but after giving it half of my attention for 1 hour and 42...

"Twas the Night" is filled with crazy antics, a con artist santa claus, and terrible acting for all viewers to enjoy over winter break.

“Twas the Night”

December 17, 2020

“Twas the Night” is a hilariously bad holiday movie that originally aired on Disney Channel in December 2001. Directed by Nick Castle, who has led dozens of other productions including the 1991 classic...

Winter break during a global pandemic can only mean one thing: Down time. Here are twelve movies you can watch each day during break to keep yourself sane and happy during the holidays.

Groovy Movies: 12 days of movies

Kennedy Tetour, Arts and Entertainment Editor December 14, 2020

There may still be a global pandemic keeping us inside and cooped up, but that’s no reason to let it dampen our spirits! This list of 12 festive and fun movies will keep your spirits up this holiday...

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