I'm an atheist or "freethinker" (as they like to call themselves now) and I think it's a bit ridiculous as well. It isn't mandatory for her child to attend the play. And it's a friggin' PLAY. If she doesn't want her child believing in Christ, all she has to do is teach him Jesus is a ficitional character just like Charlie Brown is. If the kid wants to go, let him and if doesn't it is his choice to take the "ridicule" if it is even noticed he's not there. I was raised with religous parents and came to my own conclusion on my own, her child will do the same. We're all "freethinkers" and make our own choices what to believe and not to believe.