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?
2006-12-03 05:24:37 · 14 answers · asked by bamagrits84 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
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.
2006-12-03 05:33:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
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/
2006-12-04 17:23:52 · answer #2 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-12-04 07:57:10 · answer #3 · answered by TeeM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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.
2006-12-03 05:38:41 · answer #4 · answered by Sugar 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
suggest whatever you do you do " all or none. " when I was a manager I gave each person " a little something " at Christmas with a note and all I gave was a pocket planner - calendar, a scenic calender, a gift certificate etc. since we had a high turnover purchased gender friendly gifts and nothing really expensive. but these were always wrapped in plain paper and with a Christmas card unless there was a person who didn't celebrate Christmas and then I used a plain " write your own note " card.
2006-12-03 05:43:37 · answer #5 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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!
2006-12-03 05:34:35 · answer #6 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would bring a basket in for the whole group. Personally, I don't eat sugar, so cookies wouldn't be a good gift for me, even though I celebrate Christmas. I wouldn't want to turn them away, because your offer is sweet, but it would be awkward.
So, like I said, bring it in for the whole group and those who want to partake, will and those who don't won't! Easy-peasy! :-)
2006-12-03 05:35:58 · answer #7 · answered by Blooeyes 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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.
2006-12-03 05:32:57 · answer #8 · answered by melly 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
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.
2006-12-03 05:27:57 · answer #9 · answered by Esma 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
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.
2006-12-03 05:32:10 · answer #10 · answered by lrfoster7 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋