My mom and grandma want me to go to a church service tonight.

[Scout1071]

My mom isn't particularly religious and never took me to church very much. I went with both sets of grandparents once or twice a year, but that was about it. I don't get that much out of it.

Anyway, I had it already done my shopping for the evening....wine, borsin, baguette....even a pie. And I have A LOT of wrapping to do. Not to mention a couple of choice movies I rented.

Can I just enjoy my evening at home? After all, I'll be with them for the whole day tomorrow.

It should be noted that they live very, very close to me. I'm talking within 3 miles, so I see them quite often. It's not like I'm "home for the holidays" and came half way across the country to see them.

[Gormy Cuss]

1. If it will make your grandmother happy, consider going.

If she is serious about her faith having family with her may be that important to her. If you think that it doesn't matter, decline politely.
The fixins for the evening will keep and you may be able to get in at least one of those movies this evening while you're wrapping.

[catmandu57]

6. Second that

If it makes your Grandmother happy what's the harm, it's not like she's after you to go every week and it's only a couple of hours. Someday it'll be a great memory, the movies will be around forever, Grandmothers aren't.

[yellowdogintexas]

14. take the time for this special service w/ your grandmother.

I know my daughter misses her grandmother attending Christmas Eve services with us.



but do have a Happy Christmas

[WritingIsMyReligion]

2. I'd say stay with the gifts and movies.

If you seem them often, you shouldn't have to go to church if you don't want to.

[tinfoil tiaras]

3. I actually like the Christmas Eve service at my church

alot better than the sunday services, imo.

[roody]

4. Christmas services are so beautiful.

Unfortunately, they bring out the riff-raff who don't know that in church you be quiet and listen. I won't go because I just get mad at the trash that thinks they go to church to converse with whom they are sitting next to.

[Boone]

8. Nice!

[yellowdogintexas]

13. They sat behind me this year. Wound up 6 year old,his mom & dad

and grandmother, yakked all the way through the communion service. I was surprised they were quiet for the sermon, actually.

A little whispered Merry Christmas across the aisle is one thing, non stop coversation is quite another. I did not want to seem like a rude hostess in case they were visitors, so I kept my mouth shut but I really wanted to slap them all.

[roody]

15. They are the rude ones. I teach first grade

and I have no problem asking them to take their conversation outside. Actually I have not attended a Cmas service for years. I visit family after the holidays.

[JVS]

5. Claim that you're going tomorrow and then sleep in, that usually works.

[Az]

7. I am an atheist

And my fiance is as well. Her mother is a soft Christian. But the social gathering at her Church is a vital part of the celebration for her. Its not the Jesus stuff (its a nondenom church that is lite on the propoganda). Its the community. It means a lot to her. And this is why I agree to attend (admittedly with a certain amount of resistance).

See thats the thing to remember. Whatever you celebrate (for me its the birth of Socrates) the point of this celebration is connectivity. Community. Family. Compassion. So as long as its bearable partaking in a few alien rites is not fatal and does a world of good for your relations.

[flamingyouth]

9. I think that's a very nice post.

:)

[undeterred]

11. You said it all,

I love the description "soft Christian"... contrasts so well with the "harsh" Christianity we see all too often. I go to church for the community too.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

10. Yes, go to church

Your grandma will appreciate it.

but take your Ipod, so you can tune out if it gets long-winded.

[HEyHEY]

12. Go to church you sinful bastard

Merry Christmas