Umm... what if we were jewish?

Okay so they had a gift exchange at my DS's daycare. All the parent were asked to bring a in a 'Golden Book' for a gift swap. I stuck to the rule and got specifically a 'Golden Book'.
Some of the moms didn't cause DS got a book about Jesus and christmas.
What If I were jewish?? Were not but what if?? I'm very angry at there insensitivity and general ingorance.

I am a firm non believer in Catholisicm, and found the book extremely insulting. I dropped it off at goodwill this morning, but I'm still stewing over it.
I'm so insulted that someone would give me that to bring into my home. To me it's so not an appropriate gift.
UGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH Stupid people suck!! I would have rather they had not bothered at all!!
I was planning on bringing a second book just in case one of the parents forgot. I should have. I will next year and have them give it to my son if only to ensure that no one try's to place there beliefs in my sons life!!

Actually, my aunt converted from Catholicism to Judaism so she could marry my uncle (Mom's older brother). The first Christmas after they had adopted two children from Russia, my aunt's mom bought the little girl a book about the Baby Jesus. My uncle went THROUGH THE ROOF!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I appreciate your concern, as a Jew. The sad thing is that people are never going to stop pushing their beliefs on those who aren't interested. It's just a fact of life. Besides, they think they're doing a good deed, and don't understand how terribly disrespectful they're being. But it's awesome to see someone cares.

Happy Holidays to you too.

PS - Sleeping Beauty is awesome.

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Posted by BriarRose

I am a firm non believer in Catholisicm

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I really dont want to sound mean or anything like that, but I noticed that you were married in a Catholic church, how can you be a firm non-believer of Catholisicm. I agree with you on the book though, no one should be forced into someone elses belief.

does the day care have any ties to a Chursch at all? If yes...then I think it would be acceptable...


If not then I would be steaming as well...since I am not christian...My best thought is to mention to the teachers or the coordinator that next year they should be specific about telling parents the book should be non religious

FYI... I am a firm non believer who's inlaws died before I met them. And as a compromise for my husband I agreed to be married in a church since my parents were able to celebrate the day. It's what my DH parents would have wanted.

Yabbo-
My daycare is non affiliated with a church, one of my stipulations for care for my son. I want him to make up his own mind as an adult as to which faith he felt he belonged in. It's way too personal a decision for me to make for him.

I understand how you feel.
I am a jew and everyone in my office knows I am jewish. I cannot tell you how many christmas directed gifts I received this week at work

If I were in your shoes I would be upset too. I don't like people pushing their beliefs on me. I don't push my Catholicism on anyone else. As long as people are nice to each other they can believe in whatever they want.

I'd mention it to the teacher, asking that next year they emphasize bringing in a Golden Book (It took me a moment to realize what you meant so maybe that lady didn't know that a GB was) that is NON-RELIGIOUS.

However don't stew on it. You never know, maybe she wasn't even thinking when she got the book. I've come to realize that sometimes people just don't think. Don't let that one thing ruin your day/week or holiday spirit

I cant understand why people do that. I also always say happy Holidays to people for that reason. You dont know what holidays they celebrate. They might not even celebrate either Chanukah or Christmas, you never know.

Just the other day I sold something on ebay and the woman emailed me back 'wishing that you have a wonderful Christmas!! Remember, Jesus
loves YOU very much'.

I emailed her back...Happy Holidays to you. I am jewish, I do not celebrate Christmas but thankyou anyway.

Even with ebay people are pushing their religion on me, not really pushing it but you know what I am trying to say.

My family doesnt celebrate Christmas, but Danielles family does, and when we get married we will celebrate both holidays...Which I look foward too....

What about the people who celebrate Christmas but are not religious? I am Catholic and I personally am totally confused by people who don't want to hear anything about religion on one of the most important days of the Christian faith, but who celebrate the holiday.

Of my two best friends from HS, one is jewish and one is some compromise between the two because she celebrates ALL of the holidays. I have always made sure that I had the correct wrapping paper, cards and day that I gave my one friend her gifts. But I used to really butt heads with the other friend who took the position that Christian people are forcing their religion on you by injecting Jesus and God into a 'commercial holiday.' To a person with strong belief in the Christian faith (like myself) the religious aspect of Christmas is much more important than the presents.

I am offended by people who trivialize the religious aspect of Christmas. Don't call the day Christ was born a 'commercial' holiday and don't assume that a non-Christian can't have a Merry Christmas My best friend who is Jewish comes to my house every year to celebrate with my family on Christmas Eve or Day because she recognizes the importance of the holiday to us, even though it is irrelevant to her.

I wouldn't give ANYONE a children's book about Jesus unless I was very close to the family, or it was a member of my own family. Even for a practicing Catholic, when and how you introduce your child to the faith is is a deeply personal parental decision.

Briar Rose - I think that parent was out of line by purchasing a religious book that goes against the specific directions of the school. In your shoes I would probably say something to the teacher or the parent.

Generally speaking though, I don't feel that because someone wishes me a Happy whatever holiday you are celebrating is pushing their religion on me. I try to say Happy Holidays to people but if I slip and say Merry Christmas, believe me I am not trying to convert anyone. The same as when someone in my office says Happy New Year to me for Rosh Hoshannah (sp?) I don't feel like they are pushing their faith or religion on me.

Thanks for the support ladies!! I knew my girls, regardless of their faith would understand where I was coming from.
I will definitelty make a note for the Director of daycare.
I'm way over the whole thing. I'm getting excited to see my son open al his gifts and looking foward to seeing my family for the New Year.

Happy Holidays and Healthy New Year to all of you!!