Is it a sin to go on a date on Christmas Eve?

[missj0101]

Hey guys, I wasn’t sure if I should call my priest to ask about this but someone asked me out on a date on Christmas Eve (after mass) but I’m not sure if I should go or not.Is there a sin in that? It’s just dinner but idk…

 

[mythbuster1]

Why would it be a sin?

 

[runningdude]

On a Sunday or Holy Day, one is requested to rest and spend time with loved ones.

Christmas Eve is not a Holy Day of obligation, but there would be nothing contradictory about spending time with a potential loved on on Christmas itself!

 

[missj0101]

Thanks guys! The reason why I thought it might be a sin is because this would be our first date and it is right after mass so I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to go straight home after that and like… think about Jesus and stuff. If that makes any sense?

 

[TheLittleLady]

Not a sin, however, it is a little bit out of the ordinary to schedule a date on Christmas Eve, as that evening is usually spent with family/friends. I’m the most laid back, free range mom in the world and even I would find it odd if my adult child scheduled a first date on Christmas Eve.

 

[DivineMercy01]

I was once asked on a date on Holy Saturday. I declined for a few reasons, but the thing that put me off most was that he did not realize it was a Holy Day (obviously not a devout Catholic).

To each their own, but this may mean that the person you are going on a date with does not see Christmas as a Holy Day. Essentially it’s a question of wisdom and not of sin-do you want to date someone who does not observe the liturgical calendar (if that is something you desire in a life partner).

 

[TheLittleLady]

As said above, there is nothing that forbids leisure, eating out, going to a movie or a museum or dancing on Christmas Eve. This does not mean the person on a date

does not observe the liturgical calendar

Perhaps they have no family or friends with whom they can spend Christmas Eve.

 

[phil19034]

Thanks guys! The reason why I thought it might be a sin is because this would be our first date and it is right after mass so I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to go straight home after that and like… think about Jesus and stuff. If that makes any sense?

While it’s a little odd to have a first date on Christmas Eve, I don’t think there is an issue with it AS LONG as you are not doing anything else that is inherently sinful.

If he’s going to Mass with you (or you are meeting at Mass) and then going to dinner, to a Christmas pageant, going out caroling or Christmas lights browsing, this sounds lovely.

But if he isn’t going to Mass with you, and the date is going to be no different than any other day of the year I would be very suspect.

Good luck, Godspeed, Happy Advent, and Merry Christmas!

 

[MarkoB0726]

If you wanna go, then go. Doubt a lot of places are open though.