The pressure has already started for me at work to dress for Halloween, decorate my work station for the holidays, attend parties for Christmas and New Year etc... I have repeatedly said (kindly) that I simply don't do the holidays. I don't discuss religion at work, but they all know what I believe and practice. Many feel, however, that I should do as society dictates and I should participate. When I refuse I get funny looks and even more pressure. I will stand strong in my beliefs, but it makes me wonder: how do others handle this situation?
2007-10-10 01:46:01 · 22 answers · asked by ♥ terry g ♥ 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
LabGrrl [initiatrix]- I don't attack anybody for what they practice. I don't care if they want to celebrate, I just choose NOT to participate.
2007-10-10 02:03:40 · update #1
evolvedk... You are the kind of person who makes it hard for the rest of us. A little tolerance goes a long way. I don't celebrate, many do.. to each his/her own.
2007-10-10 03:11:53 · update #2
I was a JW for 22 years but no longer practise as one, however I still do not bother with Christmas etc either, I simply say I have a prior engagement, or sometimes I just say "Christmas is not my thing". Don't feel pressured, those parties are not part of your work contract, they cannot force you to go, and it is your choice not to go, just smile and be polite as you have been doing and stick to your guns, if you start going now they will all talk about that as you have never been before and always said that you didn't attend, that would look really odd.
2007-10-10 01:51:49 · answer #1 · answered by sparkleythings_4you 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is not a Christian issue. Halloween and New Year are not Christian holidays. Christians such as myself feel the same pressures about Halloween so I can relate. The best thing for you to do is just ask politely for your co-workers to respect your wishes. If they refuse to do so, you need to talk to your supervisor. If your supervisor can't or won't help just keep going up the food chain till someone will help. On the other side, unless these holidays are against your beliefs, there is nothing wrong with taking the time to celebrate with the people you work with...but do this on your own terms. If your co-workers can't accept this, you might need to look for another job. ;)
2007-10-10 09:06:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You shouldn't do any of it if you don't feel comfortable. Personally, I am an Atheist and I go with it. Christians stole these holidays from pagans anyway. Why not steal them back? I do Christmas because, well, it's a good idea. Screw the whole Jesus thing. Easter is a great time to celebrate the coming spring, Halloween is a great time to celebrate the harvest.
2007-10-10 08:54:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
What has Halloween to do with Christians? It is more of a custom in the US anyway, something that anyone can partake of.
Christmas also is more of a habit for most people than anything else. It is a time to spend money, get together with friends and family, possibly for the only time per year and celebrate that closeness.
As for New Year, last time I checked that was the same for everyone in the West, regardless of religion or lack thereof.
Seems to me you just are a bit of a sour puss. Get over yourself and have a cocktail.
Atheist.
2007-10-10 09:44:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can still celebrate Christmas and Halloween as secular holidays. The Japanese people are mostly Non-Christians, yet Christmas is a major celebration in Japan. They have no problem wishing "Merry Christmas" to all their Non-Christian friends and relatives.
2007-10-10 12:58:01 · answer #5 · answered by Duke of Tudor 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Jon M. There have been people that I've had to be *very* firm with, and others that thought if they tried in some way to observe my traditions with me that I should reciprocate--whether or not I had invited or encouraged them to continue. I have no problem explaining things about my religion if asked, but since I don't discuss or otherwise promote my religion at work/school I expect that to be respected.
Fortunately my school is more religiously diverse than most workplaces, so it's not an issue there.
2007-10-10 08:59:49 · answer #6 · answered by Cathy 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Keep doing what your doing, to "join in the reindeer games" would just be a bad testimony. Who cares what they think or how they look at you, trust me if you show them massive amounts of love, and respect they might actually begin to wonder what you have that is so wonderful. Educate them maybe? Hang up what the real meanings are behind them, except for halloween of course, that would just be wiccans or pagan w/e. Remember they can't make you do it and if you would get fired for it than that is discrimination, and illegal.
2007-10-10 08:53:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Non- Christians have holidays too. Pagans have Samhain - Halloween, Yule - Christmas. etc...
People should respect your wishes and what you choose to celebrate no matter what you believe. .
2007-10-10 09:06:44 · answer #8 · answered by MotherB 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I normally ignore the holidays that are not part of my religion and only observe the ones that are. They can't make you observe a holiday that you don't believe in.
2007-10-10 08:57:37 · answer #9 · answered by Victoria Sparda 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask if they would like to participate in your holiday by being the human sacrifice. It should shut them up. Or, tell your boss that you're considering filing harassment charges if they don't abide by the laws that allow you the right to practice religion as you choose.
2007-10-10 08:53:03 · answer #10 · answered by Keltasia 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋