Should I send my Muslim colleague a Christmas card?

Hedgehog99

I restrict work cards to actual friends & the few "obligational" ones, but, in your office of six, it sounds nice to exchange cards between you.

My Muslim friends send me "Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year" cards rather than "Season's Greetings" (even to the extent of hand writing MC&AHNY in SG cards), and I do the same in return - like someone said earlier, they do believe in Jesus as a prophet. I know some Christians who avoid Christmas for their own religious reasons, so you can't always go on someone's religion or atheism!

BarryBlue

Andypandyboy wrote: »

We got our first card of the year off an old friend who is Muslim.

We have had a couple already from local curry establishments. Both are corporate style cards that they have commissioned themselves. They both wish us a merry Xmas and happy new year.


One of them did make me smile. It read "Wishing you have a Merry Christmas". I can just hear the waiter there saying exactly that.:)

Edwardia

I'd give a Season's Greetings card with a snowy scene or something.

Chlorine7

Seriously? It's Christmas. Why wouldn't you give him one if you're giving everyone else one!?

Would you even think twice if he was Hindu/Jewish/Sikh/Atheist etc?

It's just gonna go in the bin like everyone elses anyway.

Buzzybee90

Chlorine7 wrote: »

Seriously? It's Christmas. Why wouldn't you give him one if you're giving everyone else one!?

Would you even think twice if he was Hindu/Jewish/Sikh/Atheist etc?

It's just gonna go in the bin like everyone elses anyway.

Yes, I would think twice before giving anyone that's not a Christian or obviously celebrates Christmas a card. I don't however have this issue as I don't know any Hindus/Jews/Sikhs etc etc.

Jagraf

My brother's wife is Hindu. Both extended families are together for church nativity on Christmas eve, and then on .christmas day. We will be sitting around a very big table eating turkey or Veggie delights, pulling crackers and having lots of wine and beer.

We tend to do that for all celebrations. It's a double whammy. Yeay!!

I send Christmas cards to all. They can keep them or not, that's up to them.

anamenottaken

The one (and only) Christmas party I've been invited to this year is organised by a non-Christian religious group. I'm told there will be carol singing too.

Nick_C

Chlorine7 wrote: »

Would you even think twice if he was Hindu/Jewish/Sikh/Atheist etc?

I used to work with a Jewish convert who insisted that we did not put Xmas decorations over her desk! It always looked so peculiar, as the rest of the office was decorated.

[Deleted User]

Nick_C wrote: »

I used to work with a Jewish convert who insisted that we did not put Xmas decorations over her desk! It always looked so peculiar, as the rest of the office was decorated.

Yep, Don't bother giving anyone Jewish a Christmas card. It instantly says "You know nothing about me or my culture". We don't do Christmas. In any sense, at all. Sure, you might find a Jewish family having a meal on December 25th - but you won't find a Christmas tree, decorations, presents or cards.

Someone who's converted will be even stronger in their 'anti-Christmas' views (since they have to give it up.. its part of the conversion process and is a fairly emotional thing for some). Personally I'd have them on my desk and not worry (And I'm technically Orthodox, just not very observant).

If you want, wish them a happy Hanukkah tomorrow (it's the first of 8 nights). Maybe get them a doughnut. Finding a card will be hard unless you live in certain areas of London or Manchester. The fact you know about it will delight them.

tomtontom

ringo_24601 wrote: »

Yep, Don't bother giving anyone Jewish a Christmas card. It instantly says "You know nothing about me or my culture". We don't do Christmas. In any sense, at all. Sure, you might find a Jewish family having a meal on December 25th - but you won't find a Christmas tree, decorations, presents or cards.

If you want, wish them a happy Hanukkah tomorrow (it's the first of 8 nights). Maybe get them a doughnut. Finding a card will be hard unless you live in certain areas of London or Manchester.

Perhaps you don't speak for every Jewish person? I know several Jewish families that celebrate Christmas, have decorations, trees, presents etc - one even sends personalised cards!