Christmas as a Christian

[Bleakmidwinter1977]

Those of you who are celebrating Christmas, and consider yourself to be Christian...just wondering why you do, and what parts you opt out of/in to?

Asking as I'm interested, not because I have an opinion either way.

I'm interested in how regulars actually know someone is new. In a church where all are welcome most people would never realise someone new walked in & that's the way it should be. Nobody should be a stranger in Church.

In a way I am with your DH about not having too much of the non-religious aspects, modest presents for example. Just it seems a bit too far not to have a tree, for example.

I don't do Midnight Mass but go in the morning.

Ah, I love your optimism @Butterflywings18

There are about 25/30 regulars at church and I could walk you to their houses and name their family members.
There are a further 30 floaters- people who come occasionally, usually to do with children’s events, and I know their names. We have people who come at Christmas when visiting family here. They know my name, but I never recognise them until he throws his arms around me and says how much they look forward to coming every year!
Someone I don’t know at all is quite unusual. They either become regulars or move on to a church whose traditions suit them better.

We don’t only welcome those who are new- ‘Welcome’ is the opening words of the service where we thank everyone for coming, say hello to those joining virtually, and remind people of anything they may need to know for the service. It’s not the greeting at the door bit, or any kind of point and stare at the new people service introduction. It’s literally ‘good morning, welcome to st saviours on this frosty day. The heating is on, and we have blankets at the back if you need them. There will be a children’s group starting after the first hymn, for any children who’d like to go out etc’.

I'm a born optimist. There are things I feel strongly about and I'm willing to bet a lot would agree with me but they won't be interested in this thread. Knowing everyone who attends 'your' Church does not give you extra brownie points. I'm more interested in people who sense this and because of this are reluctant to attend. The Church needs more members. I feel its worth considering everyones thoughts and instead of dismissing them actutaly trying to understand how others might feel.

I’m not dismissing you @Butterflywings18 it’s just a fact when you live in a smallish village. There’s no brownie points involved. When I first started going 25 years ago, I assumed everyone else there was long standing. It turned out a couple of us were new at the same time.

I’m not sure what you are angry with me about. I was trying to explain we don’t draw attention to people coming, but can’t really avoid noticing them.

Cathedrals and Minsters and big town churches can probably manage that more easily. We just can’t.

Anyway we’ve thoroughly derailed OP’s thread about Christmas.

Thank you. I respect your reply & agree as a city dweller my thoughts are more relevant 🥰

I feel I've said enough here. As a final thought I should add I was nominated in my 30s to be an elder in the church I attended. It didn't transpire owing to the 'committee' deciding I was female & too young. I'm adding this because I still feel I can add worthwhile thoughts to the church & now in my later years I will no doubt give it another go. 😊

That's not a very fair response, @Butterflywings18 . I thought it clear that @pickledandpuzzled was responding to the question as to how anyone would know someone in the congregation was 'new'. It wasn't some kind of bid for extra 'brownie points'! 😕

Yabu to "just wonder" here and expect people to write something individually just for you when there are literally millions of resources already available which explain the significance of Christmas and how it's celebrated. Your question in the op also is clearly starting from the assumption that there's a normal default expected format for Christmas which is intrinsically non-religious and which religious people have to "opt-out" of some aspects of and "add" religious things to. There is no such default.

I’ve enjoyed most of this thread for the extra ideas on how to fully enjoy the season as a Christian.

Maybe that’s the emphasis you need with your DH, OP. There are loads of wonderful festive things to enjoy and celebrate- and it is a celebration! Remind him of that!

I missed the local cathedral darkness to light service this year. It’s very atmospheric. Wonderful start to the season.

Weird response. Nobody is under any obligation to answer any question on here. Starting a thread is an invitation for others to join in if they want to, not a demand.

Also, potentially you'll get a broader range of responses on here than if you just looked at a website about Christian Christmases. You'll hear about the aspects of the festival that people value and look forward to, rather than just getting a list of things that happen in a church at Christmas!

No body is under any obligation to answer anything, absolutely. And yet they chose to write an answer to a query they could have easily ignore, as you could have also opted to do if you didn't like the question.
Now, unless you are employed to monitor "valid" posts, maybe just skip those questions you have no interest in.

OP I think to really understand the Christian meaning of Christmas you need to be able to understand and appreciate the season of Advent which is a time of preparation not just opening doors on a chocolate calendar. In the church, advent is not itself a time of celebration but should be more thoughtful and prayerful as we prepare for the coming of Christ.

The highlight of Advent for me is the festival of nine lessons and carols (sometimes called a carol service although that term means different things to different people). That is where carols are sung (some by the choir) interspersed with readings from the gospels about the events around the birth of Christ. If you are near a church offering this service I would go, they are usually quite popular and often there is some fellowship over refreshments afterwards.

For home decoration, the Advent wreath and candles feature prominently, and the Nativity set occupies the mantelpiece. I have lots of angel decorations and ornaments. No Disney, etc.

We have a tree too. I'm planning to go out and select one from the slim pickings at the end of the week.

I normally go to Mass every Sunday and Advent is no different. When the DCs were young they were in the parish children's choir and sang at a Christmas Eve Mass. We still go to that particular Mass and often see their old friends there too, some with their own kids in tow.

I don't tend to overindulge but I cook enough food to last us for at least five days.

And I never schlepped the DCs around to all the 'Christmas activities' that seem de rigeur for many. I preferred to keep the focus on the church celebrations.

Always did Santa though, and still do.

@Butterflywings18

There is a welcome extended to everyone, with a special mention of any visitors, at all the Sunday Masses in my local church. It's not just at Christmas or Easter, at least in my parish, that visitors are welcomed.

The word 'stranger' isn't used, however, and I've never heard anyone say (out loud anyway) that even if it's just a once off it's better than nothing (or words to that effect).

Your observation is an excellent one, though.

Usual mass every week, especially lovely for advent as I help out with the kids who sing songs, put baby Jesus in the nativity scene etc. Christmas Carol service, sometimes candle light mass. Midnight mass is beautiful.
Importantly on top of these things we have a charity toy drive. Arrange warm spaces and get togethers for those who may be lonely at this time of year, donate Christmas dinners where needed in the village and all church donations in December are sent to our twinned church in India and used to send kids to schoo trade school or college. 😍