heldel00 wrote: » Nope still don't get it. In my opinion you can't be a complete atheist and enjoy a mass.
Grandeeod wrote: » I'm with you on that score. It's up there with the worst aspect for me. Non believers, half believers and don't know's, packing into the church on Christmas Day. It's just part of the Christmas "atmosphere" for them. A routine even. I hardly believe. I don't go. End of story. I don't need it to make Christmas Day a bit special. If you don't believe and profess to being an aethiest and still attend mass on Christmas Day, you need to take a long hard look at yourself. Best - A child believing in Santa. I'm just about on my last year of it. I've held the opinion that Christmas is about Kids and that adults hi jack it with their gluttony. On Christmas morning, I'll be happy out watching my daughter happy. That's enough for me.
Roger Hassenforder wrote: » whats a "complete" atheist though? should a complete atheist not even celebrate/recognise the birth of yet another god? im an atheist, i go to Christmas day mass the odd time, i enjoy the singing and music, meeting the neighbours, seeing what other kids got from Santa, meeting elderly neighbours, whose Christmas it might be the last, good to all mankind and peace on earth stuff. you can ignore the goddy bits!
heldel00 wrote: » Wakka described him/herself as completely atheist that is why I referred to them as that. I don't think the "goddy bits" should be ignored, particularly at Christmas. I can see why you would do this at weddings, funerals etc where you are being "forced" to attend but no, not at Christmas. If are that keen on seeing the neighbours etc then wait outside the door of the church, head to the local Christmas morning swim, perch yourself at the bar on Stephen's night but don't use what is very important to other people as a social outlet. Again this is only my opinion. Obviously everyone is welcome in a church but be there for the right reasons
Roger Hassenforder wrote: » We could be about the seriously derail the thread here! is your kid not opening her presents a special time with them, an aspect of the whole atmosphere of jesus birthday that you like...?
Roger Hassenforder wrote: » maybe the holy ghost will descend on me and convert me or something
FTA69 wrote: » The f*cking soaps. Honest to Jesus, an hour of Corrie, an hour of miserable f*cking Eastenders, f*cking Fair City to add to the total ludicrousness of it all and then stupid Emmerdale afterward. Worst still, with catch up now we have to watch them all back to back. My family are mostly women obsessed with that sh*te so we can’t even have a proper chat anywhere without being shushed and shouted at for interrupting Ian f*cking Beale or Zac Dingle or who the f*ck ever. It really boils my p*ss And is the one thing that turns me off the day. This year I’ve a telly secured and it’ll be wall to wall Die Hard in the spare room with loads of cans and Xanax. Pure bliss.
Spanish Eyes wrote: » The best thing about Christmas is the lead in to it. Meeting friends, the lights in town, everyone full of bonhomie. That's the great bit. Then the reality of it all....Christmas Day is something to be endured really, and I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade either, it is the reality for most of us who don't have young children. Cooped up all day in a very warm house. Nowhere to escape to. And yes I know we can get out for a walk, followed by "where do you think you're going, we have to pull the crackers etc" LOL. But it is OK, just a day of slightly forced jollity. If people were very honest they would say they are relieved when CD is over! But as long as we try to enjoy it as best we can that's all good.
Rosie Rant wrote: » Best: spending time picking out presents for loved ones that I know they will like. Worst: wrapping said presents, losing the end of the tape about 47 million times and almost crying with frustration cause the paper just won't fold the way I want it to. Best: FOOD!! So much food!!! Worst: ugh.. food. Too much food.. Best: seeing family and spending time with them. Having a laugh. Worst: the inevitable arguments over the telly amid loud, earth-shattering snores from whoever has dozed off in front of the fire due to eating and drinking too much. Best: going through the Christmas RTE Guide, picking out what to watch. Worst: ending up watching the Mrs. Brown Christmas Special anyway.
wakka12 wrote: » Im not at all religious. Completely atheist as are my whole family But I like going, nice getting dressed up. 10am mass stops us from sleeping in late so we make the most of the day. I think a nice bit of slightly boring mass and standing and kneeling to prayers gives some balance to a day of completely gluttony and pleasure And the hymns and choir are beautiful to listen to. Its something Ill be doing every christmas till the end of my life!
P_1 wrote: » Best: Town being absolutely deserted Worst: The guilt trip you get for deciding to enjoy deserted town
Dr Crayfish wrote: » Also I don't know one person in my area that goes to mass, so it wouldn't be much of a community thing for me! I think outside of Dublin mass etc is more popular though.
Grandeeod wrote: » I'm with you on that score. It's up there with the worst aspect for me. Non believers, half believers and don't know's, packing into the church on Christmas Day. It's just part of the Christmas "atmosphere" for them. A routine even. I hardly believe. I don't go. End of story. I don't need it to make Christmas Day a bit special. If you don't believe and profess to being an aethiest and still attend mass on Christmas Day, you need to take a long hard look at yourself.
MadDog76 wrote: » We'll all be going to Mass .......... from Dublin and no where near 60 yet!!!
stargazing123 wrote: » Best part is spending time with family.Everyone gathered around the christmas tree opening presents,then heading to the kitchen for the Christmas dinner.Worst part is the fact that many people are still homeless or very lonely at this time of year and we also need to think about them.x
