Christmas Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of the Madeleine


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SALT LAKE CITY — Christians throughout the world attended worship services Tuesday, with hundreds participated in Christmas Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

Many expressed joy on such a special day. Having a day off is one reason why so many people were smiling this afternoon, but on Christmas Day, it's so much deeper than that.

Jen Swensen wanted to make sure her children understood that. These days, she thinks it's easy to forget.

"It's more about Christ and our savior and his birth," the Salem resident said. "I think we definitely do with society the way it is, so it's nice to have a day where you can really focus on that."

That's why she, and hundreds of others, went to the Cathedral of the Madeleine in downtown Salt Lake City — to remember and feel the spirit of Christmas.

One of them, Sheila Pettingill, couldn't stop looking and smiling at her sons.

Christmas Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of the Madeleine

"It's all about family," the Stansbury Park resident said. "I mean, you're going to start me crying, but I'm just glad my family is with me."

And that's what a big part of Christmas is all about: family. That's why her son visited her, coming all the way from Nebraska.

"To me, Christmas is family and friends and the season," Ammon Satterfield said. "It just feels right."

It's the presents when you're young, but family when you get older. And for many of these families, just being together at Christmas Mass is good enough.

"It's always fun to have the gifts and everything, but it is more about Christ," Swensen said.

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