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Students Weigh in On the Perceived "War on Christmas"

12/21/2018

4 Comments

 
PrideTime Reporters:
Austin Keller, Daisy Restrepo, Norberto Santiago
     At McMahon, political correctness has been visible for some time, as we’re a school that takes pride in diversity and inclusiveness. When President Trump was elected in 2016 Pride Time ran pieces on the fearfulness of students, and fights that erupted the morning after.
     During the first holiday season of his presidency, Trump promised to bring back the use of ‘Merry Christmas’ alone.
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 And yet this time of the year is still draped with ‘happy holidays’ and ‘merry x-mas, so the war on PC’s invasion of the season hasn’t come to complete fruition.
     Knowing students here have engage in political debate on any other hot-button topic, our PrideTime team looked into where the line ends when it comes to wishing each other a joyful season. 
Chris Clemens, (‘19) who will be celebrating Christmas, disagreed with Trump here. “I think people should still say happy holidays - because you just don’t know what someone believes”
   
 And while Chris certainly isn’t alone in thinking this way, there certainly is counterweight within the student body, as was expressed through the view of former Class VP Jackson Dino, “for article’s purpose I would probably print Happy Holidays, but I really don’t see anything wrong with saying Merry Christmas”. 
The debate rages on, in a society where polarization plays an increasingly crippling role in how we all get along - where do you stand? Comment.
     Let’s hope it leaves the holidays alone, and lets us get back to what truly matters this time of year - fighting with relatives and Iphone x’s. ​
4 Comments

Three wacky traditions from home and around the world!

12/20/2018

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PrideTime Reporters:
Jason, Will, Lackitchia and Sydney
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1. Yule goat statue (Sweden)
Every year a town in Sweden does Christmas a little differently than usual, this town builds a massive 13 metre tall straw/hay structure of a goat, this has been a tradition in Sweden since 1966 and almost every year it gets burned down by pedestrians, the town does almost everything they can to not let this massive Yule Goat get destroyed by flames, by having fences, guards, flame proof, cameras, and etc. Some people in the town even make bets and bargens to see how long the Yule Goat will stand during the holidays.
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2.  A Witch For Christmas (Italy)
 In this wacky Christmas tradition, Santa Claus isn’t the one delivering the presents. Kids beware, Befana the witch is on her tattered broomstick on her way to deliver your presents! This tradition roots back to an old Italian Folktale that tells the tale of an old woman, known as Befana, that enters the homes of little Italian children through their chimneys and leaves behind filled up stockings and presents under the tree. Unlike Santa Claus, this story wasn’t rooted from joy. The folktale was created based on the townsquare burning of an old woman, meant to symbolism the end and beginning of time cycles. This old woman later become known as Befana and thus came this tradition! So, this Christmas as you set out your cookies and milk for santa, be sure to also leave some Wine and Local delicacies behind for our favorite Italian Witch.
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3. Pines and Needles (Norwalk)
Gennaro Cappuccia is a norwalk resident. every christmas holiday season, he decorates his home with massively large tree, this year, The tree measured up to approximately 17 Feet tall, and 12 feet wide.



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Signs as Christmas Movies

12/19/2018

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PrideTime Reporters:
​Jessie Good, A'niaya Nieves and Lucas Balderrama

                               Snuggle up with a cozy blanket, a cup of cocoa, a bowl of popcorn and enjoy!

Aries
Bad Santa
2 cons, Willie and Marcus meet up every year to pull off one big con dressed up as a mall santa and his elf to rip off shopping outlets on Christmas Eve. However this year is different Willie is a mess and draws suspicion to the duo, and he befriends a little boy. What trouble awaits them all this Christmas?


Taurus
A Christmas Story
Ralphie spends a lot of time avoiding his bully, and wishing for a Red Ryder Air Rifle. In between dealing with a cranky dad and a loving mother Ralphie struggles to get to Christmas day with his glasses and his dreams in tact.

Gemini
This Christmas
This is their first time getting together in 4 years, and it’s an emotional rollercoaster for everyone. Secrets are brought to light and they test the bonds between all the family members. Can the family face these challenges and come out on top or will this be the last time they get together EVER?

Cancer
Polar Express
A boy with the desire to hear the bells of santa’s slay, aboards a train with other children to take on an adventure to the center of the North Pole to receive a gift of his choice, and to meet Santa Claus himself. Will meeting Santa be everything they dream of?

Leo
Home Alone
A Christmas vacation takes a tragic turn when 8 year old trouble maker Kevin Mcallister is accidentally left home alone. Thinking he’d have a fun time with no parents home, turns out to be the opposite when having to take on a huge job of defending his house from burglars. With his mischievous tricks, do you think he’ll be able to outsmart the burglars?

Virgo
Elf
Buddy the elf never really fit in at the North Pole considering he was a human! When Santa suggests he travel to New York City to find his real dad, Buddy takes a leap into the unknown world and experiences a true New York welcome as he meets his dad and tries to show the people of New york the true Christmas Spirit.

Capricorn
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Charlie Brown is having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit, so when Lucy suggests he direct the Christmas play he's all in. However when his tree is lacking in pizazz, and height, its up to Charlie to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Sagittarius
The Nightmare before Christmas
Follow Jack Skellington as he leaves the comfort of Halloweentown to navigate the exciting Christmas Town. Jack loves the warm and colorful Christmas holiday so much he plots to takeover Christmastown and take Santa’s place. Jack soon learns that even though he had a plan, things don't always go the way you want, even at Christmas.

Scorpio
A Christmas Carol
Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas, but when he gets a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future his life is changed forever. In the good festive way!

Libra
The Santa Clause (1,2&3)
Tim Allen stares in this hilarious trilogy as a dad who doesn't believe in Santa Clause, but by some miraculous twist of fate gets thrown into the role of Santa! Join him and his family as they navigate the struggles of being Santa and the many adventures that come with it. In not one, not two but THREE movies!

Aquarius
How the Grinch Stole Christmas(movie)
Watch as Jim Carrey brings the grinch to life in this live action version where the grinch plots to steal the Christmas spirit from whoville, he along with his pet dog Max, sneak into town and steal Christmas. Will the grinch bring Christmas back when he gets a visit from Cindy Lou Who? Watch the movie to find out!

Pisces
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Clark Griswold is hoping for the absolute perfect Christmas this year, so he bothers everyone about every little detail, but things don’t turn out the way he’s expecting. Watch as Clark navigates through all the ups and down that come with a perfect family Christmas.

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Getting in the Holiday Spirit

12/19/2018

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PrideTime Reporters: 
Jackson Dino, Christopher Clemens, Roberto Corona and Aliyah Powell
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It’s that time of year again. Lights decorate the streets. Jingle bells are rocking. The weather is getting colder. The spirit of Christmas and the holidays is in the air. Students and teachers at Brien McMahon are jollier and merrier than ever, and they each have their own ways of embracing the holiday atmosphere. ​

For many students at McMahon, music is a nice way to get in that holiday mood. For instance, Frank Greco (‘19) says “I get in the Holiday spirit by listening to music the week before Christmas.” Other students listen to seasonal classics such as “Sleigh Ride”.  

There are other ways that students enjoy the season. Junior Max Parizot says he celebrates by “putting up a Christmas tree and giving gifts.” Mike Gulemi (‘19) enjoys “watch[ing] Christmas movies”, while Jeff Cocchia (‘20) likes “making holiday cookies.”
Teachers are in on the holiday spirit as well. Business teacher Mr. Scalies decorates his classroom with multicolored lights and a “holiday tree.” Social studies instructor Mr. Wagenberg says that it is nice that “everyone is a bit happier” during the holiday season. Additionally, the McMahon library has added a Christmas tree to the center of the large space.

Whether it is listening to music or decorating your home or classroom, everyone at Mcmahon celebrates the holiday spirit in their own way. The festivities are sure to continue over the next few days, as winter break fast approaches. Here at McMahon, the festivities are just getting started.
    

​
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5 Best Christmas Gifts at Five Below

12/19/2018

4 Comments

 
Michelle Perea, James Stefanowicz, Amber Star, Melanie Angel
PrideTime Editor and Reporters
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Get in the spirit! Christmas is right around the corner. It’s time to go out and buy those last minute gifts. Do you only have $5-10 to spend? No problem, Five Below is the way to go! Here are the top five gifts to get your friends from your local discount store.

1. Glow Queen Bath & Body Care Collection Gift Box
​$5
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​"This bath & body care collection comes with everything you need to get smooth skin & a fun-filled bath. sit back, relax & enjoy the strawberry scented & vitamin e infused glow queen collection."
2. Frankin Grip-Rite Football Official Junior Size 10in
​$5
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"It's never too early to get ready for football season. toss around this franklin official junior size football with your friends all year long. get a league started or get a quick pick-up game going. the season is just beginning!"
3. Type-c USB Heavy Duty Sync + Charge Cable 10ft
$5
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"Welcome to the future of usb type-c technology! this charger is reversible – it fits into your device either way, finally! heavy duty cable with a long 10ft to help you charge & sync your devices fast & efficient."
4. Warm & Snuggly Wearable Pizza Blanket 22in x 52in
​$5
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​"This warm & snuggly pizza blanket is a slice of heaven! perf for lounging on the couch, movie nights, sleepovers & more. the wearable pizza blanket makes a fun, high-impact gift that's also totes affordable! this super soft pizza throw is a toasty fleece pocket you can tuck into for supreme snuggling. this pizza totally delivers!"

5. Tabletop Hockey Game 10.75in x 6.75in
​$5
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​"It's game time! go head-to-head against your opponent with this tabletop game that might be compact but it's big on fun!"
Go Shop Online Now!
https://www.fivebelow.com/
Go to your local store!
​500 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk, CT 06854
4 Comments

A Look into Holiday Traditions

12/19/2018

1 Comment

 
PrideTime Reporters:
Jocelyn Mullins, Natasha Garcia, Daphane Jenkins
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Winter time is the time for family, a time for happiness, a time to enjoy the cold weather and drink hot chocolate while enjoying some festive music. Everyone has their special family rituals for the holidays, from the decorating of the Christmas tree, or lighting the menorah, cooking with your parents or just plain sitting around and stuffing your face while watching Greys Anatomy.
During the Christmas season, many of us like to turn on the Christmas radio station and blast the skinniest legend, Mariah Carey and sing along to the likes of Michael Buble and Bing Crosby. And on Christmas Eve, we leave out cookies and milk for Santa or open up some presents a little bit early.
Winter Solstice. Celebrated on December 21st by Pagans, is an astronomical phenomenon that marks the day with the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. Pagan also acknowledge this holiday as Yule.  In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel.
Hanukkah is to remember defeating the Syrians and reviving the Temple of Jerusalem. Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days to mark the eight days the oil burned.


1 Comment

What is Your Favorite Song of Winter? (VIDEO)

12/19/2018

3 Comments

 
3 Comments

Christmas And Chill

12/19/2018

5 Comments

 
PrideTime Reporter:
Cailin Mendez-Thompson, Yanira Matute, Linda Garcia, Micaella Balderrama
The Holiday season is a special one. As joy and anticipation fills the air, what better than finding yourself with a cup of hot cocoa, watching some of the season’s best movies in the comfort of your own home? Find out what holiday specials Netflix has to offer you this merry season.
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  1. The Princess Switch
The Princess Switch stars Vanessa Hudgens as she travels to Belgravia for a Christmas baking competition. Little does she know, the duchess there looks exactly like her. Before the duchess marries the prince, she wants to feel normal for a few days. The Chicago baker and Belgravia duchess switch places for a few days and find the true meaning of love, just in time for Christmas.

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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Living atop Mount Crumpet with his dog Max, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a holiday classic that tells the tale of a vengeful creature focused on ruining the holiday for all citizens of Whoville. But perhaps the season and little Cindy Lu’s determination to spread joy across the town will overcome the threat the Jim Carrey’s Grinch presents.

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The Holiday Calendar
A young, talented, but struggling photographer, Abby, takes many pictures of kids and families with Santa. Although she doesn’t have much Christmas spirit, her grandmother left behind an advent calendar, and her grandfather thought Abby should have it. This advent calendar seemed to be doing a lot more than what was expected, it seemed to predict her future highlighting the meaning of what a relationship is.


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The Christmas Chronicles
An older brother stays up with his sister and pull an all-nighter in hopes of finally catching Santa in action. When sneaking onto Santa’s sleigh, they go on an adventure experiencing Santa’s routine on the night before Christmas


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Love Actually
Love Actually connects the lives of nine individuals all caught up in romances of their own. Find out what the holiday season presents for each complex love of its own.


5 Comments

What Type of Holiday Treat are You?

12/19/2018

29 Comments

 
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29 Comments

12 Days of Christmas!

12/19/2018

12 Comments

 
PrideTime Reporters:
Claire R., Fatima C., Reggie F., Deiondra M., Kelete S., & Cassidy N.

If you’re ever stumped about what to do during December, here’s your guide to 12 days of spending time with family and friends during the holiday season.
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  1. A day in New York City is a great way to kick off your start to the twelve days of christmas with the weather still nice and warm. There are hundreds of activities to do in the city, but we narrowed them down to the top three must do!
Visit the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. This tree is in the heart of the city and is probably the biggest you’ve ever seen. A great photo-op and amazing to look at, this is at the top of our list! Make your way over to Bryant Park to see the annual Christmas Market with over 170 different boutiques, cafe’s and apparel shops.
While still in Bryant Park, go ice skating with a view! This outdoor rink is free for everyone and only $20 for a skate rental, what a steal!

#2: Taking part in DIY [do it yourself] ornaments is a great activity to do with your friends and family! Grab a plain, plastic bulb and fill it with cute green pom poms and stick on or paint a little red heart to make the perfect Grinch ornament! These are super easy and will look amazing on your tree or as a decoration around the house! ​
#3: Drive through the spectacular house of lights in Stamford. The house opens at 6pm and is a great thing to do with your friends on a Friday night, or with your family! ​​
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4: Make sure that when you have your secret santa, get some background on the person you have and make sure that you know everything that they like even their favorite candy. When you get your secret santas gift make sure it’s meaningful, they’ll love it!
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#5: Go to the mall and gather all of your friends and families to take a picture with Santa. Smile, make funny faces and show joy in the memories that will last forever.

#6: Go get a Gingerbread house kit and build a Gingerbread house yourself, with friends or with family members! Make it as big as you want and don't forget to add all of the candies and chocolates you like.

#7: Have a Christmas movie marathon with your family to make sure you get in the Christmas spirit! Here are a couple of our top movies to watch:
-Home alone, Elf, The Polar Express, Bad Santa
#8: Volunteering at a local shelter or donating Christmas decoration can lift others spirits, as well as your own. Stop by the library to pick up a tag from the Christmas tree and donate to those in need!

#9: Make sure you bundle up and head to Westport for their awesome deals on clothes, and other home materials you can treat yourself or you can buy something for a family member or you can buy something for a friend.
​#10: Make sure before you turn the heat on you go on spotify and make your favorite Christmas songs playlist. You can have a little mariah carey on that joint oh boy can she sing also add a little O’come all ye faithful with david archuleta. Or maybe call kelete and ask him to sing.
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#11: Christmas without sugar cookies is like Christmas with no lights. Get a sugar cookie kit and make a couple treats for you, your family and friends.

#12: Make your way over to Sono Ice House during free skate on a friday night with your friends! This is tons of fun and a great way to take part in local activities during the holiday season.

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