Do you ever experience negative vibes from your family around Xmas?

I'm getting the impression from this forum that religious people in parts of the USA aren't very tolerant.

I live in Wales, UK, and my background is Roman Catholic. Some of my family and friends are still religious - and not just Christian - and I understand and accept that; and they understand and accept that I don't believe in God. I still get hugs and kisses, even from those who are still religious. And we're always pleased to see each other when we get together.

I'm not an atheist but I still get crap for being non-religious.

Like, I believe in what i believe in and someone in my family always has something to say about it.

They say things like "Oh, you need to go to church more," or "If you turn your back on God, you'll go to hell"

And most of the time i feel like responding with "Shut the **** up!" But you know, that would be unacceptable.

Anyways, I get really annoyed when I'm sitting around the table with my family on Christmas and when they pray, they force me to as well.

I think it's ridiculous that family sometimes tries to mold into what they are.

Anytime I tell someone I'm this or that, they always say stuff like "It's just a phase."

But whatever, family is family I suppose.

Apart from my children my 'family live in England.

Not seen them for nearly 6 years and quite frankly if i never see them again it will be a day too soon.