At this festive time of year, we won’t call you a greedy, materialistic bastard for not taking time out from all of the shopping and parties just to attend a carol service celebrating the eve of Our Lord’s birth. No, no, no. Instead of calling you naughty, we’ll focus on how nice it would be if you did go. We’re taking the approach that Christmas Eve gives you an opportunity to finally be done with buying all that crap nobody really wanted in the first place—and you were only buying because you felt like you had to—and actually enjoy yourself for a couple of hours by listening to talented people sing beautiful songs in a stunning setting.

Don’t forget, the reason this whole “holiday season” thing got started in the first place is that in the absolute dead of winter, people were looking for a little light and hope—literally and metaphorically. They found both, through singing and listening to songs about the coming of someone who was going redeem the world and let them think that peace on Earth might actually become a reality. There’s a reason the tradition has been around for hundreds, even thousands, of years, and it’s still available this Christmas Eve in the beautiful Cathedral of the Madeleine.

The Cathedral Choir, including students of the Madeleine Choir School, will perform, but the highlight for the audience comes when attendees get to join in on familiar favorites. So drop that shopping bag and get over to the cathedral … you greedy, materialistic bastard.

Christmas Carol Service @ Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 E. South Temple, 801-328-8941, Thursday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m. SaltLakeCathedral.org