Jehovah's Witness?

Question

I have recently been re-acquainted with an old school friend who is a Jehovahs Witness. I know she doesn't celebrate Christmas, but is it acceptable for me to send her a "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings" card instead. I don't want to offend her with my ignorance. Help.

Answer 1

No true Jehovah's Witness would be offended by a sincere note of greeting and affection.

Many Witnesses in the United States have grown accustomed to and fully understand that their non-Witness relatives, coworkers, schoolmates, and neighbors generally intend no offense by including the Witness on a "Christmas card list", perhaps with an annual family photograph. When these photos and greetings are sent automatically by a service, there is no need to prepare a special card for one's Witness friend or relative.

Of course, there are no "holiday" or "seasons" around Christmastime which Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate. When cards are prepared individually, it is a gesture of particular friendship and good will to omit references to holidays or "seasons greetings" in a card sent to a Jehovah's Witness.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/19981215/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20001215/
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20041215/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/19981215/
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_11.htm

Answer 2

Since they do not celebrate Christmas then there is no need to send her a card. JW do not celebrate any festival around the holidays even New Year.
Now you know this personally it is good taste on your behalf that you do not bother with giving her a card that commemorates any of the holidays.
She will be mature enough to not be offended as most JW are but it would be more friendly for you not to force one on her and put her in an awkward position.
She may say thank you but she will not display the card as she has strong convictions to Jehovah and to obey Him first.
Jehovah's Witnesses take pleasing God first before anything else before family and friends and not observing Christmas that has pagan influences is something Jehovah's Witnesses feel very strongly about.

Answer 3

Honestly the simplest thing when wondering whether or not a card is inappropriate is to not send it.

Since we don't celebrate "the holidays" then sending a Happy Holidays card, knowing she doesn't celebrate them doesn't seem a good idea.

Your best bet is to ask her how she feels.

I will give an example.
My brother's father-in-law (what does that make him to me, my father-in-law, once removed?) knows I am a Witness. He and his wife sent us a seasons greetings card, and invited us for thanksgiving dinner.

I felt honored that he would want us at his table. I knew his heart was in the right place and that's what mattered to me. I didn't take him up on his offer, and we tried explaining things so there were no hurt feelings.

All in all, no damage done.

Answer 4

I get several of those and do not take offense. I realize most people do not understand the reasons we do not celebrate Christmas. and I also know they only wish me the best.
I am sure she has told you it comes down to us from very pagan orgin. Sun worship, and it was celebrated long before Jesus ever came to the earth.
It is a nice way to keep in touch and I actually prefer when she made up cards that said, "just to let you know how we are doing and we are thinking of you."
Enclosed was a picture of them.
That was so thoughtful and let me know she was careful not to offend anyone.

Answer 5

You are very sweet & thoughful to even ask.
It would be better to
not send a holiday or seasonal type of card.
I believe it would not be a good way to
restart your friendship w/ her.
{ in affect: it's as though you are saying
'I don't care what you think, believe,
what I want / feel is more important' * }
A thinking of you card; a friendship card
would be greatly appreciated.
Right from the start, she will know you do care about her,
her beliefs, her feelings....
and it that not what a true (or) real friendship is based on?
You said you don't want to offend her.
Err on the side of caution.
We don't know her....or at least
we don't know if 1 of us knows her...chuckle, chuckle.


* All Witnesses may not think of it the way I do.
Some already stated they are not offended by it;
while I on the other hand, am....
when it's some1 that knows
I don't want any part or share of it in my house.
Or in my life.

Answer 6

I think it is admirable that you are taking someone elses' feelings and beliefs into consideration, a very fine Christian quality.
You obviously are not ignorant as you say in your question.
If you feel that based on your personal belief system and holiday traditions a card is in order, send her one. I do not believe she will be offended. This is how YOU express appreciation for her friendship during a season that YOU feel deeply about. Your friend should show the same consideration, a fine Christian quality, for your right to believe and practice as you understand as you do towards hers.
What she does with the card will be entirely up to her, though. She might possible dispose of it, but your sentiments were expressed and she will understand your intent if she truly has Christian qualities.

Answer 7

haha i get asked this all the time at school around birthday and xmas time. Well first of all i doubt a card would offend your friend. I just get embarrassed as when i receive cards at occasions as i may think 'do the expect one from me?'

You are not obliged to get your friend anything, but if you want to make her feel more at ease (if she's anything like me) make sure she knows that you respect her belief's and know that you do not expect one. I always fee better when my friends let me know.

And you are certainly not being ignorant! :D

Answer 8

Thank you for your kind thoughts. As a general rule JWs do not get much of them here. No, we are not offended by cards. I usually accept them with other mail. It is good to hear from people we know always. We would never be offended where no offense is meant.

Answer 9

I was brought up as a JW and my parents still are.

It depends really. If my parents are given cards they graciously accept and feel appreciative for having been thought of although they wouldn't display the card at home.

However, I also know some more fanatical witnesses who would refuse to accept the card, and would probably go to great lengths to explain why.

But I don't think any of them would be offended. You're more likely to be offended if she gives it you back.

Answer 10

A J.W. is not offended if you don't seen us a "card" because it is a certain time of the year, such as: holidays, birthdays, etc.

If you feel you need to send a card,

I would recommend a

'Thinking of You' card,

Any thing non religious or non holiday, would be best.

I wish more people were as thoughtful as you.

.