Went to Midnight Mass - not to debate!

[candidrachel]

On Christmas Eve my sister in law, 2 brothers in law and husband went to the pub for a few drinks and my sister in law mentioned that she is going to midnight mass afterwards. Its something she's always done since she was young.Her husband said he was going too under duress but I said could I tag along too as I'd never been before. I asked my hubby if he wants to come and he looked at my like I just asked him to lick the toilet seat needless to say he decline the invite (he's a non believer).

We headed off the he local church at 11.30pm . I need to mention here that there is more chance of me being sober at 11.30 on Christmas Eve as there is finding Elvis on Mars. The first church we came across was closed so we headed off to the next which happened to be a catholic church (I am church of England).

It was such a welcoming, friendly church the priest was so lovely! Welcoming us in albeit tipsy! (us not him lol!).

I found the whole experience totally inspirational and very cleansing! It really brought home the true meaning of Christmas. Up until that moment the whole Christmas marketing onslaught has been about the latest must-have gadget or gizmo. The latest must have toy, car, cosmetic etc etc but that church experience changed all that it was very uplifting. It made me really contemplate my values.

The frankensense was very over powering by the time we left we were practically HIGH! I got the giggles half way through the service especially at the latin chanting but I redeemed my self in full decorum!

Christmas has been great this year probably the most relaxing in recent years.

I hope my fellow dps members (and guests) had a very happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year!

[Jim Bryant]

Christmas Eve Midnight Masses have always been a great tradition of ours too.

[Big Nick]

I had that moment a few times in Rome. I know this is kind of off the subject, but you spend the day at the Vatican and not feel like you need to change a bit lol

[douglas]

Visiting the great cathedrals in Europe (which incidentally were built in a period of global warming) gave me the same sense..of wonder!!!

[milosh]

For us here, and I think I'm referring to a majority of my nation/people, a Christmas without going to church is not a Christmas. But we go to church on Christmas day, very early, and then come home for breakfast. It is always a special time of the year for me, and that's mostly due to those church ceremonies. Our Christmas is on January the 7th.

And yeah, we don't buy presents for Christmas. So, for us it's only about the church and family.