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Why do we celebrate Christmas? give gifts?

Should I give a gift to my co-work who doesn't celebrate Christmas?

  • My coworker is a Jehova Witness and doesn't celebrate Christmas. I planned on bring in little gift baskets of cookies for some of the other co-workers as Christmas gifts. i don't want to make this on coworker think I am leaving him out, but I do not want to offend him. He's a nice guy and we discuss our religous view all the time civilally. As long as I don't make is basket look all Christmasy do you think it would be the right think for me to give him one too? Or do you think I should try something else for everyone as group (such as bring in breakfast) to show respect for him?

  • Answer:

    My best friend is a jahova witness.. and he still buys presents for those who celebrate christmas.. and accepts the gifts as well. Im sure he isnt celebrating Jesus's birth, but merely having fun with his friends. He's a little more lax in his beliefs though.. on the other hand another gentleman i knew grewing up.. wouldnt even accept the soda that the teacher gave out on birthdays, because it went against his beliefs. I'd say, you know this man better than any of us.. gage how much his religion means to him. I dont think he'd be offended by the offer, but just dont take it to personally if he politely declines taking the gift (plus if he does you got some extra goodies to snack on during the day). no one likes to feel left out, and even the thought, would probably be appreciated.

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I was a JW and I would graciously accept a gift to not offend anyone but I would have prefered nothing. I wouldn't do it. If you are truly sincere about the gift of giving, it doesn't always have to be on Christmas. Surprises during the year make it even more special and meaningful.

Sugar

yeah but instead of putting merry christmas on it, put happy holidays or your apreciated on it.

Catholic 14

I think the "non-holiday" would be a good idea. I don't celebrate Christmas either. I'd love to give you my address so I could get some cookies!!! You're a very respectful person, Godblessya, honey!

Sassy OLD Broad

No you shouldn't he could go to HR and file a complaint. Hand out the baskets to others, and if it seems like he feels left out take them aside and explain that you didn't want to offend his religion by giving them a gift.

melly

I think it would be a lovely gesture. Don't make them look Christmasy, as you said. If he's as civil as you say, then he won't feel that you're trying to push your religion on him. All you're doing is giving him a gift.

Esma

it is his choice not to celebrate CHRISTMAS, so i would not bring him a gift. he will surely understand why he did not receive a gift as this is his own preferance and his religion by choice. celebrate CHRIST with your fellow co workers and have a merry christmas.

lrfoster7

it would be nice

ebuythismobile

Try asking him what he would prefer. As one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I'm not hurt or offended when people don't give me something for the holidays. My mother who wasn't a JW would once a year show up with a gift, usually in the spring We are not opposed to gifts but the reason behind them.

TeeM

Jehovah's Witnesses well-understand that they are a religious minority, and they are generally unoffended by the personal religious practices of their neighbors and coworkers. There is no need to tiptoe around the situation, and it would be a kindness to explain your reasoning frankly with the Witness. Even around "Christmastime", many Jehovah's Witnesses would accept a modest gift if the giver made it clear that he understands and respects the Witness's feelings about Christmas, but the giver does not intend this particular gift to commemorate Christmas. The giver might explain that it is his wish to give a gift because the person is appreciated and this happens to be a convenient time and manner to give. It must be admitted, however, that many Witnesses would conscientiously refuse such a gift anyway, particularly if they feel it would confuse others or seem to demonstrate a religious compromise. The matter is a personal one, and each Witness will act in a way which seems best to him personally. Learn more: http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/article_08.htm http://watchtower.org/e/rq/article_11.htm http://watchtower.org/e/20041215/article_02.htm http://watchtower.org/e/20011115/article_02.htm http://watchtower.org/e/20050101a/ http://watchtower.org/e/jt/

achtung_heiss

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