Which way around should it be?

borokat

The OP never did respond to the post about telling the child their baking was rubbish, or that their home made card was sub-standard...(unless I missed it in which case I apologise).
For a child, learning to lie is an important stage in their development. It marks a degree of socialisation as they learn about the effect of the lie on the listener, as to what will be believed and what is implausible. It will also help them to spot when others are lying!!
In answer to the original post, I think you should just accept the christmas cards/gifts. In the future you could always keep the gifts and give them out at another time.
As for being annoyed at non-christians celebrating at Christmas with the christian element taken out - how exactly does this affect you? I couldn't give two hoots what other people are doing on Christmas day as long as they aren't sad or hurting anyone else.

Any

I only read first three pages, so sorry if this is repeated..
You don't send anyone Xmas card, but somehow it is different the other way round?????

Sorry, they came to the Bday party. People always have something they can't have. If you got a cheque you would say "I don't want money, I want them to meet him" etc..

I do find all this card thing a bit weird to be honest.. They are older generation, I don't think it was that wide "sending cards" to people all the time, people were more about being there then making business to card manufacturers and Post Office..

BTW - No Xmas - well.... all I have to say is that I am glad you are not my mother. Sorry.

LoopyLil_2

mildred1978 wrote: »

Our usual response to Christmas cards is to chuck them straight in the recycling.

They probably think this is what you do with birthday cards etc so they don't bother sending any!

FWIW my OH's grandparents didn't send us a card when our children were born, they never bothered with their birthdays either. I didn't see a reason for me to get my knickers in a twist over it.

Also I have 'lied' to my children over santa, the tooth fairy.
The looks on my childrens faces over such 'lies' was magical and they are treasured moments for all of us.

jellyhead

If you don't see much of them is it possible that they think you are Jehovahs Witness? They might think you don't celebrate birthdays.

Jinx

Torry_Quine wrote: »

If you want to celebrate a pagan festival no-one least of all me is stopping you. The problem is when people celebrate at Christmas but take out the Christian aspect. Have your celebration on a different day, not Christmas.

Well thats not going to do my family harmony much good! My grandparents and other parts of our family are Christian. My daughter and I are atheist and my hubby is so-so.

So the Christians all go sing carols and enjoy the religious aspect, then they come to my house for food, drink and pressies which we all enjoy. So does that mean I now need 2 special days? :j

Next you'll be telling me I cant eat chocolate at easter....:p

jellyhead

As it's pretty much the only time of year you will get me or my children into a church I think you should be glad of the opportunity to spread the christmas story along with a bit of God's message If the kids didn't go for christingle service none of us would ever enter a church ... think of it as a chance to spread God's love and show us heathens how welcoming and accepting you all are, you never know we may one day come back to hear more ...

Jinx

The last time I went to church there was a power cut........ LOL Even the minister who knows I am atheist laughed. sorry off topic....

JC9297

Lunar_Eclipse wrote: »

I'm sure this gets trickier with age, but I have already managed questions such as 'have you taken drugs' and 'does sex feel nice' without lying.

But why would you need to lie about them, answer in an age appropriate way yes, but no need not to be honest.

Torry_Quine

Jinx wrote: »

Well thats not going to do my family harmony much good! My grandparents and other parts of our family are Christian. My daughter and I are atheist and my hubby is so-so.

So the Christians all go sing carols and enjoy the religious aspect, then they come to my house for food, drink and pressies which we all enjoy. So does that mean I now need 2 special days? :j

Next you'll be telling me I cant eat chocolate at easter....:p

I'm not saying that anyone can't celebrate at Christmas, I'm saying that they should at least acknowledge 'the reason for the season'.

Sharing a meal together is a very Christian thing to do actually.

I enjoy chocolate at Easter as well but the most important aspect is Christ's death and resurrection which is very overlooked by many.

jellyhead wrote: »

As it's pretty much the only time of year you will get me or my children into a church I think you should be glad of the opportunity to spread the christmas story along with a bit of God's message If the kids didn't go for christingle service none of us would ever enter a church ... think of it as a chance to spread God's love and show us heathens how welcoming and accepting you all are, you never know we may one day come back to hear more ...

I very much welcome anyone to come to church at any time of year not just Christmas. It is as you say a chance to tell of the love of God and His people.

Lotus-eater

JC9297 wrote: »

But why would you need to lie about them, answer in an age appropriate way yes, but no need not to be honest.

You mean lie?