Bars and clubs almost empty for Midnight Mass on Chistmas Eve

by Robyn
(Australia)

Hi,

Australian Christmas Traditions anyone?

I live in rural Australia and can say that for as long as I remember almost every town has had a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.

When younger we would be out at local pubs or clubs enjoying ourselves with friends and family. But come about 11.30pm these would just about empty as most people started to wander slowly to the local Catholic church.

People of all religions came, it didn't matter. Often it was the only time of the year they went to church. Many were not even Catholic. It was and still is a Christmas tradition to make your way to the local Catholic church on Christmas Eve. It is actually considered 'cool' by the young to go to Midnight Mass, regardless of their religion.

Most times the Mass was standing room only and I do remember many Masses with people outside the doors as there was no more room inside, it is still the busiest Mass of the year for most Catholic churches here.

The Mass was attended by Mums and Dads, grandparents, children of all ages and quite a few who had been drinking the night away. It is a special night here and this year we will be in a new town. Even so I know the people at Mass will be a mix of ages and stages from my past.