[nmnrIjGB]

I'm a 19 year old revert from Catholicism. My family is all Catholic (including aunts, uncles, cousins... etc.). Our family always does a very elaborate, traditional Christmas Eve celebration. Is it okay for me to still attend this function? I haven't quite thought about holidays until now!

[indahouweres]

I do not think these celebrations are permissible for you. It is already too close so plan some thing alternative immediately. Buzz those sisters on SF who are from the same geographical area. May be Aapa Ummi Talib will come up with some thing.

[desmond001]

Salam
I think Bro Mujahid gave some valuable advice how to spend christmas.
http://www.sunniforum.com/forum/show...ight=christmas

[Reocourgigiot]

Assalamu Alaikum,

A scholar was invited to a gathering which would be mixed (male and females), and he wanted to avoid it but he also did not want to cause disrespect. So he took some pills which caused him diarrhea and so he called the person and told him that he couldn't attend because of illness. And he took the pills, because he did not want to lie.

[Fiesialenp]

First Mabrook! (Congratulations!) dear sister, when Allah guides someone, it is truly a mercy and a gift from Him. I became Muslim last year so I have experienced a holiday dilema to a certain extent. Your family has rights over you. What I would suggest is giving your family something special (gifts) before christmas not on christmas and make it a normal occasianal habit so it will not be associated with any specific non-Muslim holiday, make your intention to follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad SAW and give gifts and show kindness to your family. Give them things that are useful and non-christmas related. If they usually have a dinner, I sit with them and eat with them (as long as theres no alcohol or pork) and I make sure that I dont act unpleasantly, then I get away as soon as possible before things start to get religious for them. For example its traditional for some families to sing christmas carols or hymns after dinner, i'd find a way to slip away or politely excuse myself to get to bed early or do something important.