Don't go. Spend the day doing something else. I'll join you.

Avoidance and running help me.

I never had a problem with my family on that. Not all of my family were that religious My family were close and didn't let it get in the way. We were there to have dinner. I don't know how families can become divided. We felt blood was thicker than anything else.

If you intend to stay in touch and see your family more than once every five years, use lots of platitudes and change the subject. Don't engage directly and have a nice holiday (as best as you can).

My parents died when I was younger, and my differences have kept me away from my siblings - and even though I miss talking to them at the holidays, I certainly don't miss their religious attitudes and proselytizing. I like my choice, but most people would feel guilty about not "staying part of the family", I think.

I just laugh when I think about how 90% of these "Christmas decorations" (decorated pine trees, pine cones, reindeer) are acctually celebrating Yule which is a pagan tradition.

Just remember you have the right to have or not have any conversation. If you don't want to talk about your atheism, or their theism, then don't. If they push that's on them...not you. You're smart and capable. You've got this.