I'm a Christian
Would you accept a Christmas gift from a co-worker?
I have an Atheist friend that I work with. I want to get him a Christmas gift.
It would be a stocking with candy and a gift card in it.
I just want to make sure he would not get offended by the gester.
2007-09-27 19:10:32 · 19 answers · asked by dream catcher 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would, yes... but I'm an atheist who celebrates the harvest season on Christmas. I do holiday cards and I give gifts to all of my friends and relatives, to celebrate a season of giving.
Ask him if he celebrates Christmas, in a casual way. If he says yes, then get him something for the holiday. If he says now and you still want to give him something, give it to him around Thanksgiving, which is a federal holiday with less religion attached to it.
2007-09-27 19:15:25 · answer #1 · answered by Rogue Scrapbooker 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Exchanging Christmas gifts nowadays is religious to some but not so to many others. I know many Jews who exchange gifts. Christmas has no religious connotation to them but they look at the holiday as friendly and caring. If you give an atheist a gift without a religious card but one of friendship I do not think he/she will be offended.
2007-09-27 19:17:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I would certainly not be offended by a gift. With all I know about the winter holiday I barely associate it with Christianity any more. Some cards are a bit preachy but I'm sure you'll choose an appropriate one.
2007-09-27 19:18:25 · answer #3 · answered by Voyager 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds fine, unless the card is uber-religious and trying to convert him.
I don't know where you live, but in most Western countries (and probably some others) Christmas is now a social/cultural thing...most people celebrate irrespective of their beliefs of lack of. And if they don't, they should appreciate that it's part of your celebration to give gifts, and accept gratefully.
2007-09-27 21:22:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a sincere gesture and you should ask him. It might open up a whole new dialog and lead to a new, mutual understanding and respect for each other's beliefs. He should at least appreciate that you cared enough to ask.
Do not do it without asking. I have a co-worker who is an orthodox Jew. He doesn't say anything, but will ignore you if you wish him a "Merry Christmas". "Happy Holidays" seems to be okay, and he seemed quite pleased one year when I wished him a "Happy Hanukkah
2007-09-27 19:23:34 · answer #5 · answered by Skeff 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would. Atheists (and most other people for that matter) would respect the thought behind the gift, not the religious significance of the holiday. Would you accept a gift from a Muslim coworker for Ramadan, for example? I assume you would.
-Atheist
2007-09-27 19:25:29 · answer #6 · answered by eV 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am an atheist and I exchange presents with friends on Christmas. Some of them are Christian and some are from other religions. I sincerely doubt your friend would be offended.
2007-09-27 19:19:22 · answer #7 · answered by qxzqxzqxz 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have and will continue to accept gifts from Christian friends during the holidays. The tree and wreath decorating, log-lighting, caroling, feasting, and gift-giving are pagan traditions. I know a few (albeit very few) Christians who would take offense to decorating trees and exchanging gifts because they hold fast to scripture that forbids them to learn or practice pagan traditions.
2007-09-27 19:33:47 · answer #8 · answered by Quiet Tempest 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes of course. Christmas has nothing to do with Christianity , it's an old pagan festival which has been recycled.
The birth of christ was originally celebrated in March in the early church.
2007-09-27 19:40:38 · answer #9 · answered by brainstorm 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would. Most atheists I know celebrate Christmas. I don't celebrate it as the birth of Christ, I just celebrate it as a time to get together with the family. And besides, you know Christmas wasn't originally a Christian holiday, right? It's actually a Pagan one.
2007-09-27 19:15:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋