Ok, as some know, I am a Druid, and that I celebrate the holiday of Yule instead of Christmas. I have a couple of family members who have been asking what I want for Christmas. How should I answer them without offending them?
2006-12-03 10:55:54 · 7 answers · asked by lavos1412 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Just tell them what you want. If they celebrate their holiday by buying people gifts and they want to buy you one, then let them. It in no way affects you or the holiday you choose to celebrate instead.
2006-12-03 11:04:49 · answer #1 · answered by The Man In The Box 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just tell them what you want and say Merry Christmas back. So they give you your presents a few days late and you give them theirs a few days early. Some things just don't need to be explained. I personally see Yule/Christmas as a unique time of year to bridge the distances between the two religious families with a shared celebration.
2006-12-05 12:10:35 · answer #2 · answered by kaplah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the assumption that buying gifts for each other is a distinctly Christian act? Since Christianity co-opted Yule from the Pagans (along with the tree, mistletoe, feasting, etc), perhaps you could share the common customs and give and receive in good cheer for the solstice. It doesn't sound like anyone's asking you to go to church in return for said gift.
2006-12-03 20:45:39 · answer #3 · answered by Jacob F 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wasn't aware that gift giving was solely a Christian practice. Atheists, agnostics, Jews, etc also give gifts at that time of the year all the time and have done so for years on end. Why would that be offensive to a Pagan?
2006-12-04 01:03:29 · answer #4 · answered by Cinnamon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they know that you are a Pagan and don't do Xmas yet still want to get you a gift then you should ask for them to donate money in your name to a worthy cause. Like the Wildlife Fund or ASPCA or whatever. I am a Christian/Wiccan and so I don't have this issue but that is my opinion.
2006-12-03 20:25:54 · answer #5 · answered by MindStorm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just let them get you presents. It's just as much a gesture of generosity on their part as anything else. Treat it as if they asked you what you want for your birthday.
2006-12-03 19:05:19 · answer #6 · answered by Don M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
please accept their offer as a sign of love for you. after all giving to another is a sign one cares enough to get something for another. just tell them something you would like and be gracious about whatever they do -- as I know you will.
2006-12-03 19:20:53 · answer #7 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋