Churches altering Christmas services to accomodate COVID

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been almost one year since the first cases of COVID sickened people in China. The pandemic has changed just about everything since, including how people are celebrating the holidays.

Christmas Eve is one of the holiest nights of the year for Christians.

Churches have had to change how they celebrate with their congregations.

Some of 2020's hottest tickets are for church services.

"Probably a couple weeks ago," said Marie Kosczuta, explaining when she got her tickets.

She got two to take her mother in law to Christmas Eve Mass at the Basilicia of Saint Josaphat.

"I love being here, its beautiful, peaceful, its a house of God," said Kosczuta.

The church has limited attendance to 250 people, when it normally holds 1,200, to follow Milwaukee's health rules.

At Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Menomonee Falls, Christmas services were held drive in style.

"It seems pretty cool, kind of exciting don't you think," said Peter Haise.

He said being able to attend church, even in the parking lot, matters.

"It's something important, I have my kids, and the family together to be able to at least go through the motions, it's important," said Haise.

Congregants watched the service on an outdoor screen, listening to the pastor through the radio. Communion came prepackaged.

"Just being here with everybody and celebrating it, that's what Christmas it all about for us," said Charissa Peters.

The pastors began planning for these Christmas drive ins months ago.

"You think, how can you do Christmas without singing Christmas carols and being in the sanctuary, and packed up close together," said Holy Cross Lutheran Church Pastor Meredith Musaus.

Churches have been finding solutions.

Wade Peters I think it's the best way to do it, everybody can be safe, be with people, for Christmas," said Wade Peters.

Churches are also offering live streams of their service. Some also broadcast on TV.