Chronicle poll results: Christmas Day

We asked our readers how they usually experience Christmas Day. Here's what they said.

Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “How do you usually experience Christmas Day?” Of the 237 people who responded, 32% said “as a quiet day off”; 30% said “going out for movies/Chinese food”; 19% said “as a family gathering”; 7% said “as a regular work day”; and 12% said “something else.” Comments were submitted by 64 people. A few follow.

A movie and Chinese food have been our tradition for years, mostly because they are some of the few options open on Christmas Day.

My mom is Jewish and my dad is Catholic, so I celebrate Chanukah and Christmas with each side of the family. It’s less about the beliefs, and more about being together as a family.

I work in the morning, get Chinese food in the evening and go to the movies in between if I feel like it.

As a retired person, the day is not much different from any other day … just more Christmas-themed programming.

We used to do a triple-feature at the bargain movies — when there was such a place in West Mifflin — then go to our favorite Chinese buffet nearby. The theaters were cold (we knew to bundle up well before going, including warm boots), not so clean, and the seats weren’t in the greatest shape — but the price was right at $1/person/movie. Four people times three movies each = $12! Those were the days. Now? We still binge on the movies, but we do it at home. Much more affordable that way, not to mention more comfortable.

I remember as a kid, I asked my mom why we had family get-togethers on Christmas if it wasn’t our holiday. She told me it was because everything was closed, so it made it easy for us to get together. I am 72 and I still think of it as a little bonus day.

I often share Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Christian friends.

As someone in an interfaith marriage, we do stockings and have a nice dinner, and enjoy some cocoa around a fire.

My friends and I always have Christmas parties for anyone not celebrating Christmas.

I cover the office so that my Christian colleagues can have the day off with their families.

Over the years it has been a mix of celebrating with Christian friends/acquired family and going out for Asian food. And making sure to contact those who may be going through trying times, of whatever religion.

I’m sick of the Chinese food fixation. Of course, people should do what they enjoy, but the joke is stale.

I’m going to a Chinese dinner at an Orthodox synagogue and watching a movie.

Great day to travel! Airports, highways, and border crossings tend to be almost empty.

Unless I’m invited to join one of my non-Jewish neighbors, it’s just another day. PJC