It’s no myth the holiday season can be stressful. The pressure to decorate. The anxiety that comes with cooking another tasty holiday meal. Buying gifts coworkers, friends, relatives and begging children will love, while, much like an alarm clock, the nagging reminder of a recession intermittently sounds off in your head. However, these are all just distractions to what Christmas is all about. People tend to forget the purpose is to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s a time to express love and to fellowship, and churches in Covington have the right idea. Here are some with events still available in the coming week for community members to attend:

• Church of Good Shepherd will be having two Christmas Eve services at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Those attending the earlier service can expect an entertaining pageant performed by youth members. Both services will feature carol singing. 4140 Clark St. S.W. (770) 786-2713

• First Presbyterian Church will have its Christmas Eve worship service at 7 p.m. According Dan Walden, director of the youth and children ministry, it is a casual event that incorporates music from church members, including duets and worship songs. After scripture reading, passing of candles will bring the program to a close. Each of the 300 or more people who attend annually will be illuminated by candlelight, singing "Joy to the World." "It’s the best attended worship service and a great time to reacquaint the church family and for folks to bring others to celebrate Christmas," Walden said. 1169 Clark St. S.W. (770) 786-7321

• First United Methodist Church will have an 11 a.m. service Sunday, presenting a Christmas cantata created by the church’s music program. Titled "How Great Our Joy," the service will feature a 13-piece orchestra that church and community members can enjoy. Its Christmas Eve candlelight services will be at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. In conjunction, there will be a live nativity before and after each service. Passersby can view the scene on the church’s front lawn. "I would like to emphasize we are inviting the community to celebrate the good news of God’s presence with us," said pastor Doug Gilreath. 1113 Conyers St. S.W. (770) 786-7305

• Harmony Baptist Church on Sunday is celebrating "Happy Birthday Jesus Sunday," which will incorporate the church’s annual Christmas dinner after the evening service, which begins at 6 p.m. 10818 Highway 36. (770) 500-4088

• Covington Christian Church‘s Christmas Eve service will be at 6 p.m. 141 Highway 142. (770) 786-1021

• Grace United Methodist Church will feature a live nativity on its lawn. For the givers in the community, the church’s stewardship committee welcomes everyone to sponsor a child on its angel tree with a Christmas gift. Names are received from the Division of Family and Children services. On Christmas day from noon to 1 p.m., a free fellowship meal will be served to community members, retired senior citizens and the homeless. According to Juanita Mullins with the soup ministry, "The meal is a way to talk and have a good meal of freshly made soup, and (the church) would like community to come out and be a part of it." It began in mid September and is scheduled to continue into 2010 every Thursday. 3541 Washington St. S.W. (770) 787-0517

• Saint Augustine Catholic Church will have a children’s nativity play today at 7 p.m. after a spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. 11524 U.S. 278. (770) 787-1064

• First Baptist Church’s community carol sing will be Sunday at 5 p.m. It will be on the square in downtown Covington. There’s no need to worry about freezing because Edwin Bean Coffee Bar will be catering. Pastor Jason Dees said to expect to come and sing carols at a "good old fashion carol sing." The church’s Christmas Eve services will be at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. "It’s just a time to come and celebrate Christmas," Dees said. 1139 Usher St. N.W. (770) 786-9031

• Salem United Methodist Church will have its children’s musical and play on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Carols will be sung by city cousins and country cousins alike in the church’s continuing series of "A Cricket County." This year’s "A Cricket County Colorado Christmas" will evoke a message about the elderly. The Christmas Eve service, titled "Lessons and Carols," will be at 7 p.m. The church’s administrative assistant Annette Harmon said there could be as many as seven different bible lessons, each accompanied by a Christmas carol. 3962 Salem Road. (770) 786-6027