“Christmas may be different this year, but it’s certainly not cancelled” – that is the message from churches in Aberystwyth.

The Church in Wales LMA of Aberystwyth, which is made up of St Michael’s, Holy Trinity, Santes Fair, St Ann’s and Llanychaearn, are preparing a number of services and events to take place in the weeks ahead.

However, due to the impact of Covid-19 and social distancing many of the usual services and events will take place in a different way.   

Speaking about the changes, Rev Cei Rees said: “This year services will be taking place in a combination of in-person and online content.  Some of the bigger carol services will be taking place online, though people may be able to go to church for things like Midnight Mass and Christmas Day.

“We know a lot of people enjoy making a trip to church at this time of the year. It’s a big part of so many family traditions.

“Normally our Nativity and carol services are jam-packed as people come together to remember the Christmas story and sing familiar carols. Sadly, as I’m sure everyone understands, this year it just isn’t possible. 

“However, we are not giving up! Our Mega Nativity service will be taking place on Facebook and YouTube on 13 December at 4pm.

“A week later, on 20 December, we will have our traditional carol service. Again, this will be on Facebook and YouTube. 

“We are encouraging people to dim the lights, light a candle, grab some mulled wine and join in from the comfort of their home. It’s a great way to feel Christmassy!”

The churches will also be using Zoom to help people get in the mood.

Rev Liz Rees added: “We normally have a special Christmas Messy Church and a Christmas Eve Christingle service. It’s disappointing that we won’t be able to do them in person this year. However, we will be able to do Christingle via Zoom.”

People can sign up by emailing us [email protected] by 10 December.

One of the highlights of the Christmas season is the annual Stable Trail at St Michael’s Church, which usually attracts over 1,000 children and their families.  

This year it too will look a little different, as Hannah Bunting, children’s worker, explains: “We thought there was no way that Stable Trail was going to happen at all.  Then we had a different thought – let’s just take it outside!

“So this year, Stable Trail will be happening around town on Saturday, 19 December.”

Rev Mark Ansell, area dean, said: “We know how important church is to people, so we will be open for key services such as Midnight Mass and Christmas Day.

“People will be able to come along, hear the Christmas story and receive Holy Communion. Sadly, however, due to the distancing rules, we will not have as much space as usual. Nor will as many churches be open. 

“We will have a special Communion service at St Ann’s in Penparcau on 23 December at 9.30am. Midnight Mass will be happing in Holy Trinity Church at 11.30pm on Christmas Eve. And Christmas Day services will be happening at St Mike’s, Llanychaearn and Santes Fair.”