STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Kiz · Nine West

Question for the Jewish ladies...

cc · Marc Jacobs

I'm not Jewish but why don't you just make it a New Year's present? That way you don't have to bring religion into it at all. I'm pretty sure you can find New Year's cards (although sometimes it's difficult to find ones with no mention of a religious holiday) or you just get something with a wintery picture that's blank inside and thank her for a great year and wish her a Happy 2006, etc. In recent years I've been sending out non-religious New Year's cards instead of Christmas cards and my boyfriend and I aren't really that into Christmas presents so I'm giving him his little gift on NYE instead.

-- Edited by cc at 12:23, 2005-12-08

Kiz · Nine West

I love that idea, cc. Perfect - plus I won't see her until after the New Year (we get the week between Christmas and New Year's off). Thank you!

~D

JMR · Dooney & Bourke

D- I am a little confused...why can't you give it to her as a Hanukkah gift? As a matter of fact, Hanukkah falls ON christmas this year - so you don't have to worry about the timing of your gift.

cc · Marc Jacobs

JMR wrote:

D- I am a little confused...why can't you give it to her as a Hanukkah gift? As a matter of fact, Hanukkah falls ON christmas this year - so you don't have to worry about the timing of your gift.

I was wondering about that as well but I thought perhaps there are certain Jews who don't do gift-giving in connection with Hanukkah. Is that the case with people who are more strict? I know some Christians who prefer to just celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday and family event and don't exchange presents for Christmas. Like my bf is Eastern Orthodox and I think his family doesn't really do Christmas presents.
It seems like most people wouldn't be offended to get a gift but you never know, some people are really sensitive.

Kiz · Nine West

JMR wrote:

D- I am a little confused...why can't you give it to her as a Hanukkah gift? As a matter of fact, Hanukkah falls ON christmas this year - so you don't have to worry about the timing of your gift.

well, I was thinking of this, but I didn't know if it was crossing the line giving her a gift for a Jewish holiday when I'm not practicing that religion... I guess it would be like her giving me a Christmas gift - which would be odd because she doesn't believe in the celebration of Christmas - do you know what I mean?

bumblebee · Coach

when i was at target the other day, they had a really nice (surprisingly large) selection of new year's cards. i'd hurry and go before they sell out, though.

Kiz · Nine West

cc wrote:

It seems like most people wouldn't be offended to get a gift but you never know, some people are really sensitive.

well, for example, red and green is not cool with her in reference to holidays because of their association with christmas, which is a christian holiday, it has actually effected work projects and office decorations if that gives you any insight...

Elle · Hermes

Well, then! I think a 'Happy New Years' gift/card sounds right on, since it sounds like even a relatively harmless 'Happy Holidays' might rub her the wrong way. Good luck, Kiz

!

Kiz · Nine West

Elle wrote:

Well, then! I think a 'Happy New Years' gift/card sounds right on, since it sounds like even a relatively harmless 'Happy Holidays' might rub her the wrong way. Good luck, Kiz !

and you know, I am always sensitive to this - I only send out "happy holidays" or "season's greeting" cards so it's neutral - but this level is new to me... yeah - starting to lean toward the new year's idea, unless there would be no chance of strange perception with giving her a Hanukkah gift... man, I wish I could tell you guys some stories, but they're too recognizable...

cc · Marc Jacobs

Kiz wrote:

cc wrote:
It seems like most people wouldn't be offended to get a gift but you never know, some people are really sensitive.
well, for example, red and green is not cool with her in reference to holidays because of their association with christmas, which is a christian holiday, it has actually effected work projects and office decorations if that gives you any insight...

Yeah I am fairly in tune with this sort of thing lately because I know a woman who is very sensitive about religious celebrations and gets upset if people call something a "Christmas party" instead of a "holiday party" etc. and while I don't know for certain I think she might not really like a non-Jewish person giving her a Hanukkah gift. I tend to try to be non-denominational anyway like with sending the NY cards instead of Christmas but I try to be extra extra careful when interacting with this woman around this time of year. So yes, I think err on the side of caution and just make it a "thanks for a great year!" present.

-- Edited by cc at 18:24, 2005-12-08

JMR · Dooney & Bourke

I would give her a hanukkah gift...I feel like giving her a NY gift is almost awkward and not recognizing that she is jewish at all.

it's not at all odd to receive a hanukkah gift from someone not jewish....its the same as me giving christmas gifts - I have no problem with it.

Now - I wouldn't give a xmas gift wrapped in hanukkah paper - with a happy hanukkah card...to me that is tacky - so as long as you give her the gift with proper wrapping and a nice card, I think she would really appreciate it!