My brother is bringing his girlfriend home and she has 3 kids and they are Jehovas Witness... so they don't celebrate Christmas. I don't mind her religon... but I'm not going out of my way to take out all the tree and not decorate the house. This will also be the first Christmas for my newborn and I want it to be really special. Is this a bad time for us to meet? Should I buy her a present anyways... I'm a little confused. Are there any Jehovas Witness out there who can help me out?
2007-10-30 15:01:09 · 14 answers · asked by ******* 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Is your brother one of Jehovah's Witnesses? Is this woman really JW or one who is studying? See, it doesn't make sense to me that a baptized sister is 'dating' your brother if he is not also a witness. The way you phrase the question it doesn't sound to me like he is JW. So I find this a bit odd, although it does happen.
I would double check with your brother to see if he's fully explained to her(the JW) that you're family will be in full holiday mode. Does she really understand that she's coming into this celebration. She may not know this or understand fully. She will do what her conscience allows.
Do not buy her a gift. It's also your home, you don't need to take anything down.
2007-10-30 15:27:06 · answer #1 · answered by Suzette R 6 · 6⤊ 2⤋
Good question. As long as everyone is on the same page about what time of year the event is taking place and why, there should be no problem. If everyone is mature enough to accept the time, location and theme, this is the way it should be. Obviously you celebrate the holiday and you are under no obligation to change for anyone no matter whom it might be. If they do not celebrate Christmas in any way it is best not to buy gifts or do anything in their direction that will force them into your mode of celebration or thinking. Allow the decor of your home to speak for itself. Keep the conversation light and without religious overtones if at all possible. Be plain and simply courteous and rely on your own character to carry the evening. Make no issue out of what your brother and girlfriend might be, just be brother and sister. This is something you have always been - build on that familial strength.
2007-10-30 15:17:02 · answer #2 · answered by fierce beard 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'm not a Jehovah's Witness, so I'm just guessing...
But if they are coming to your house for Christmas, one could assume they're going to keep an open mind. I'd get them gifts as courtesy--but it's up to them to accept it. If they are uncomfortable accepting it as a Christmas gift, you could say you're offering it because you love them and you wanted to give a gift to show your appreciation for all they do. If still uncomfortable accepting it, you always have the option to take the gifts back to the store.
I doubt they would be offended if your house is decorated for your holiday--if they know that you're Christian, they are probably expecting it. You SHOULDN'T have to go out of your way to properly accommodate their beliefs--it is your house and your family after all. Most people would know and respect that.
2007-10-30 15:10:25 · answer #3 · answered by Stardust 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
JW don't celebrate Christmas, and I'm sure they've seen Christmas trees when they shop at Wal Mart. Don't take down your tree, its your home. Depending on the kids' ages, they are probably used to not celebrating Christmas, from my past experience with a former friend who is JW, they get uppity if you send them a card or gift, so ask your brother and see if he can find out if she will freak out on you or not.
2007-10-30 15:07:25 · answer #4 · answered by the pink baker 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd suggest that if this visit is taking place during Christmas, do not wish this person a Merry Christmas. Since she is visiting your house, she will expect all the decorations and such. Don't buy her or her kids a gift, since they won't be expecting one. Also, talk to your brother and see if he has any suggestions.
I have several JW friends. I don't send them Christmas cards or birthday cards, like I do my other friends. But, I still use my holiday stationary when I write them letters.
If you are really uncomfortable, though, I'd suggest that you change the time of their visit to a couple weeks after Christmas. That way you would be more comfortable.
2007-10-30 15:17:22 · answer #5 · answered by nymormon 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You can celebrate your Christmas the way you want. Even if she was your brother's wife, she would have to understand that you celebrate Christmas. She can always not to show up on Christmas. You can buy her and/or her kids gifts. I think they are allowed to receive gifts, it is that they do not buy you a gift.
Remember, they love Jesus. It is just that they do not think Jesus is God. I think if you show that the Christmas celebration is Jesus' birthday instead of Santa and stuff, she might feel more comrotable. Who knows. Be nice to her and make her children feel special.
2007-10-31 04:54:22 · answer #6 · answered by Nina, BaC 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i understand your concerns..and many times the holidays have to be the days we visit relatives not cause we want to celebrate the holiday...but most likely we have the day off from work....and that's the time or day most likely we can join are non-JW family, but just don't make it into a celebration of x-mas just a dinner. once's they leave you can do all your gifts and singing and stuff...okay that goes also for thanksgiving cause kids have more days off..from school or you can tell them to go the 26 of DEC...and do the meal then...
2007-10-31 05:52:40 · answer #7 · answered by SoL 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
you don't need to take down any tree or anything. we go into stores, like walmart and see xmas trees. don't feel uncomfortable around her. don't wish her a happy holiday or bring it up. see what we are all about at www.watchtower.org. just be yourself and have a good time. also do not give her a gift
2007-10-31 01:51:03 · answer #8 · answered by lover of Jehovah and Jesus 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Your meetup can be quite comfortable regardless of the holiday. The Witness should respect your home and your choice to observe the holiday. She wouldn't be coming if it bothered her.
Simply recipricate the same respect by not trying to push and Christmas traditions onto her. That is, don't buy her or her kids a Christmas gift or holiday oriented card, nor push her to join in singing carols and the like.
With that in mind, everything should be fine, like meeting on any other day.
- Bob
2007-10-30 15:17:33 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 3⤋
Of course you can buy her a present as long as its not a christmas present(give it to her at a different time) ( we and my aunt's family bu stuff around that time because stuff goes on sale (ie: makeup kits, toys etc.) then give them to eachother next time we see eachother (wich is like 2x a year) Ask her why she doesn't celebrate it, it will show her that you really care and you may learn something.
2007-10-30 15:12:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋