paddy Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 Just wondered how many people go to church at Christmas? As a kid I used to go Christmas Eve for a candle lit service at a church near where my aunt and uncle live (and at the time my cousins) and then to the church at the top of my hill on Christmas morning. That went out the window when I started getting drunk on christmas eve... Then my family stopped going too because the vicar at our local church is a complete tosser. Despite being an atheist I can see the attraction of going to church at Christmas, it's a nice tradition. But ever since I went drunk to midnight mass... I've not been back. I know not everyone on here is Christian, I'm not, but I would imagine the vast majority celebrate Christmas anyway.
Stevo985 Posted December 21, 2008 VT Supporter Posted December 21, 2008 Yep I'll go. My family is catholic and whilst I rarely go anymore, i always go at christmas, usually midnight. i quite enjoy it at this time.
MMFy Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 No, never have, never will. I'd say I'm an atheist but I'm closer to a Darwinist. I enjoy the holiday, getting together with old friends and I always visit my parents for a couple of days (I live 200 miles form them). Religion is not part of our family's 'Christmas' though.
Wol. Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 VP on boxing day The other one maybe xmas eve midnight mass if i'm pissed enough its only a short walk from the local
Chindie Posted December 21, 2008 VT Supporter Posted December 21, 2008 Not at all religious so I won't. My na went to midnight mass a couple of times, but I think that was more to do with a friend of hers always going than anything.
Mr_Dogg Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 I'll go because of my parents. Not going isn't worth the hassle and upset it might cause. I don't believe a word of it though.
Chindie Posted December 21, 2008 VT Supporter Posted December 21, 2008 I know not everyone on here is Christian, I'm not, but I would imagine the vast majority celebrate Christmas anyway. This is interesting. As most people are probably aware, Christmas isn't a Christian festival at all, it's just been hijacked. Traditions like Christmas trees are pagan rituals (indeed in the Bible God forbids his people to cut down trees and decorate them with silver and gold, apparently). It really isn't a Christian holiday at all.
bickster Posted December 21, 2008 Moderator Posted December 21, 2008 Used to go as a child when my parents took me, used to bore me shitless even then. Suddenly I became aware that my Grand-Dad didn't go because he was a Communist and Communists didn't believe in God - GET OUT CLAUSE! Never went with my parents again, my Dad soon stoped going after that too and my mother couldn't argue because it was her Dad that was the Communist The last time I went into a church on Xmas Eve however was a drunken episode, my mates dad virtually dragged me into the Catholic Church after the pub and when I came to me senses (and the smell of the incense was getting to me) I sneaked into the toilet and broke out through the window, ripping my new trousers (pissing my Mum right off on xmas day) and SETTING THE ALARM OFF IN THE CHURCH! Pandefuckingmonium!
snowychap Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 Love the buildings, abhor what goes on in 'em. Intend never to set foot in a church for a service again.
bickster Posted December 21, 2008 Moderator Posted December 21, 2008 I'm the same snowy, I do like a good mooch around a nice church but as soon as someone mentions te g word I'm out like a shot
Villaninireland Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 Never have and never will. They had to stop Midnight mass where I am because all the pissheads used to go and ruin it for all the holy moleys in the village.
Sureshot Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 Used to go to church on Sundays but stopped when I was 18 ('bout 8 years ago). Still go on Christmas Eve though, it's a bit of a tradition for us. However, since I have a lot of Polish relatives we go to Polish mass, but I don't speak the language so for me it's mainly about doing the church exercise routine for an hour...
Risso Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 Love the buildings, abhor what goes on in 'em. Intend never to set foot in a church for a service again. What he said.
mjmooney Posted December 21, 2008 VT Supporter Posted December 21, 2008 Well as a hardcore atheist, I always feel totally creeped out in churches, BUT.... for nostalgic reasons I do love singing Xmas carols. There is usually a carol concert (as opposed to service) in Leeds Town Hall, and I do go to that most years. This year they had it in Leeds Parish Church (effectively the Anglican "cathedral") and I did reluctantly go, but it was a slightly uncomfortable experience I must admit. As others have said, I like the architecture and the history, but all the superstitious ritual and mumbo jumbo seems just weird to me. The only church services as such I have been to in recent years have been the usual weddings and funerals. Even then I lurk at the back and keep my head down!
Wol. Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 community gatherings are nice, I suggest you take your own drinks though as the que for the bar takes the piss. they should get a multi pour system in,
Bazdavies79 Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 Never been a church goer, my family are not religious, I was never even christened. I would never entertain the idea of going to church for anything other than weddings and funerals.
El Zen Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 I don't believe in god, and I never have. No reason for me to go to church. Noone in my family go to church either.
Sithlord Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 I don't believe in god, and I never have I voted no. See above to sum up my position very nicely
villab0y Posted December 21, 2008 Posted December 21, 2008 I used to play in a church band, fpr no other reason than I enjoyed playing music. (about 10 yrs ago) Did a few midnight xmas eve services but never on xmas day itself. Used to go for a traditional xmas day pint down schoies tho, aint happening this year though!!
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