Ask yourself to what extent you wish to withdraw from the festivals that punctuate our lives. If you wish to continue practicing the traditions in your home, be sure that your parents know that your beliefs will not separate you from these family activities. If you are unsure of how your parents will react, try testing the waters first. Discuss with them a topic that is not directly related to religion but influenced by it, such as abortion, same-sex marriage, or other religiously charged political issues. That might give you more of an idea of how they would react to outright atheism. If you feel that admission of atheism would put you in danger, don’t tell them. Remember that you’ll have to live with them only until you are able to move out on your own. In extreme cases, it may be better to just fake religious belief until you are more independent.
