What suggestions do you have for a Catholic & Jehovah's Witness relationship especially during the holidays?

Answer 1

Rather than attempt to follow some Catholic catechism or Jehovah's Witness publication, it would seem that both persons would be happy to compromise and accept only what the bible actually teaches.

Jehovah's Witnesses have good reason to believe that nearly everything involved in Christmas is of pagan origin. Yet, aach individual Christian (Witness or Catholic) must weigh each circumstance for himself, and decide for himself whether his presence at a particular event might constitute "celebrating" paganisms, or whether it might seem to indicate to onlookers that the Christian was compromising or demeaning his own religious convictions, or whether it might confuse impressionable children in his household.

Significantly, to a large extent that depends on the tolerance and cooperation of relatives who may have sincere religious differences with Jehovah's Witnesses. So-called holidays may simply be the most convenient time for a family reunion because the majority of businesses and government agencies are closed, but a Witness will still keep in mind to avoid any gathering which he believes will tend to work toward compromising his religious beliefs and the upbringing of his children, or would give fuel to those who would reproach Jehovah and Jehovah's Witnesses.

A non-Witness family which values its Witness family members can do much to make them feel comfortable attending a family function which happens to be scheduled during a government/business holiday. As long as it is true, a non-Witness host could plainly communicate that his gathering is about family, and the timing is simply when most of the family has free from work and school and other responsibilities.

Whether the host communicates such sentiments proactively or not, a Jehovah's Witness such as the questioner might share her concerns with the hosting relatives. She might explain that she certainly does not want to "celebrate" Christmas, but she does want to spend time with the family and she hopes to do that without having the trappings of the holiday overwhelm the reunion. The questioner can ask the hosting relatives if they believe that is possible, or if they can suggest another date when the family can have a nice reunion that focuses on the family rather on a particular religious festival.

If the hosting relative agrees that a reunion is possible which will not be overwhelmed by the holiday, then the questioner should thank the host sincerely, and mention seriously that the questioner is relying upon the host's word on the matter. Perhaps the questioner might remind the host how discouraging and disappointing it would be to the son if they traveled all the way to the host's home only to stay for just a few minutes because of an atmosphere of holiday trappings or intolerant comments from the other guests.

Perhaps the most saddening thing for a true Christian is the unwillingness of his non-Witness family members to associate on any basis but in connection with their religious holidays. Of course, when the choice is between acting to please God and Christ or acting to please one's family, the bible's principles are unmistakable.

(Matthew 10:35-37) For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law. Indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household. He that has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and he that has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.

(Luke 12:53) [Households] will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_08.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_11.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20041215/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20011115/article_02.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20050101a/
http://watchtower.org/e/jt/

Answer 2

Mixed-religion relationships are always a challenge, because religion and everything attached to it is so important to us. In order to deal with the holidays, and other problems, the key is to practice forsight, patience, tolerance, and understanding. It's important to plan for problems *before* they arise, and discuss them while the actual event is in the future. This will assure that emotions aren't running amok. It will also give all parties time to come to terms with the situation. Avoiding dealing with this stuff until it happens will only make it worse. Remind yourselves and each other that you have very different beliefs, and that both of you hold your beliefs dear. Be respectful and understanding of differences. Be flexible about traditions and expectations. DON'T expect the other person to simply bend to your wishes. Compromise where you can. And remember that sometimes you will have to just agree to disagree.
No relationship is perfect, but with work and willingness, every relationship is workable.