Expert: Fr. Michael - 12/27/2009

Question
I am a convert from a Baptist back round who still lives with his mother and sister (I am a teenager), anyway, my family is a very devout christian family and every christmas, we make a cake, sing happy birthday to Jesus and blow out candles on the cake. I did not think anything of it at first, but later I thought, "arn't I celebrating a religous celebration with prodestants? Isn't this violating one of the Commandments?" I was wondering it it is a sin for me to do this with them. If so, is it alright for me to continue doing this when I move out.

Answer
This does not appear to be a "religious service" any more than decorating a tree or putting a star on top of it.  Just make sure that you assist at the Traditional Latin Mass of Christmas, at Midnight or during the day.  That is the way a Catholic celebrates the day.