Quoting teaschip1:

I don't think it should be down-graded. If other cultures want to up-grade their own holidays, more power to them. Were always trying to accomadate the minority instead of the majority, I find.

Quoting libralady:

Please dont take any notice of the Daily Mail, it is one the UK's most racially motivated papers there is, so any chance there is they will take it.

As for Christmas, it is how many weeks away? And the shops are already full of Christmas products and have been since September, lights are being put up in the streets. Christmas sales started today too! The commercialism of Christmas over shadows any religious theme that it should be about. You ask children in primary school and I guess only a handfull will know the real reason for Christmas, to them it will be about what presents they will receive.

Quoting AEnigma III:

Well - the US have the politically correct version called "holidays" (our word for vacation!). Just call Christmas "holidays" instead and then everyone will be happy....

Regarding commercialism, as Christmas is mostly spent with your family, I always think its strange that people complain it is "too commercialised". If its too commercialised for you, then its because you, yourself, made it that way!

Spend less money on presents, turn off the TV, have fun, play silly games with your family, eat wonderful food....what is so commercialised about that?

Quoting alameda:

Some people get caught up in the propaganda to buy buy buy...you don't really love enough unless you spend spend spend. Children are "taught" to nag for the latest fad toy. It's really quite disgusting

Where I work we have a mix of Athiest, Buddist,Christian, Hindu and Muslims (note alphabetical line up there)...and we have a Holiday party.

The sentiment is still Peace on Earth, Good Will towards all.

Quoting alameda:

Some people get caught up in the propaganda to buy buy buy...you don't really love enough unless you spend spend spend. Children are "taught" to nag for the latest fad toy. It's really quite disgusting

Where I work we have a mix of Athiest, Buddist,Christian, Hindu and Muslims (note alphabetical line up there)...and we have a Holiday party.

The sentiment is still Peace on Earth, Good Will towards all.

Quoting femme_fatal:

does it also work so in islamic coutries? do they also give up their religious celebrations to show respect to other religions?

Quoting AEnigma III:

EXCEPT...I wonder do the Buddists, Hindus and Muslims share and modify their religious days and make them non-religious holiday parties too?

Quoting AEnigma III:

Quoting AEnigma III:

Great minds think alike

Quoting alameda:

...Yes...at least in my place of work.

Quoting alameda:

At least the Christians, Hindus and Muslims do. The Jewish holidays have been subdued. I wished our Jewish co-workers well, but there was no recognition of the holidays on their part. Tomorrow is the Hindu Diwali celebration. Some of our Hindu co-workers are bringing in something to celebrate it.

For the , Kurban Bayram Kurban meat was brought in.

Quoting femme_fatal:

we are not talking about your working place in USA but about islamic states!

Quoting AEnigma III:

Quoting femme_fatal:

shut up, you british communist!

Quoting AEnigma III:

Quoting AEnigma III:

Quoting teaschip1:

But they have no problem receiving gifts.. But have a problem with the giving part..

Quoting teaschip1:

But they have no problem receiving gifts.. But have a problem with the giving part..

Quoting teaschip1:

Interesting, since we are multi-culture in the work place. However, companies in the U.S. do not give them specific holidays designed around their religon to Jews, Muslims etc.. If they request time off, most do accomadate. However you will not find this on any companies holiday calandar as the standard days off.

Here is what I also find interesting..In some religions they do not celebrate Christmas or do gift exchanges. But they have no problem receiving gifts.. But have a problem with the giving part..

Quoting alameda:

Regarding generosity in Islam....

GENEROSITY

"Give of the good things which ye have (honorably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you." (2:267)
"If ye disclose (acts of) charity, even so it is well, but if ye conceal them, and make them reach those (really) in need, that is best for you ." (2:271)
"By no means shall ye attain righteousness unless ye give (freely) of that which ye love." (3:92)
"Those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, they are the ones that achieve prosperity." (59:9)
"[Do not] expect, in giving, any increase (for thyself)!" (74:6)
Virtues of Islam

Quoting AEnigma III:

Alameda on reading your posts again today, I dont think you quite got the point I was making.

You said that in your office you have a "Holiday Party" instead of a Christmas party. This word of "holiday" instead of Christmas is what concerns me.

If you choose to live in a multi-cultural society then that means you accept and respect all other religions. If this is the case, why do we have to change the name of our national religious celebration to suit other religions?

You said that the muslims, hindus etc invited you to join in their celebrations..BUT...the main difference is that they did not change the name of those celebrations or make them non-religious. You were invited to join in, and respect their holy days.

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY can't we do the same with OUR religious holidays?

(PS I dont think anyone can say that Muslims are any more generous than other people. If people do something just because it is in their holy book, then it is not from the heart. Many people with no religion whatsoever give generously and regularly to the poor, unfortunate and disadvantaged)

Quoting AEnigma III:

Alameda on reading your posts again today, I dont think you quite got the point I was making.

You said that in your office you have a "Holiday Party" instead of a Christmas party. This word of "holiday" instead of Christmas is what concerns me.

If you choose to live in a multi-cultural society then that means you accept and respect all other religions. If this is the case, why do we have to change the name of our national religious celebration to suit other religions?

You said that the muslims, hindus etc invited you to join in their celebrations..BUT...the main difference is that they did not change the name of those celebrations or make them non-religious. You were invited to join in, and respect their holy days.

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY can't we do the same with OUR religious holidays?

(PS I dont think anyone can say that Muslims are any more generous than other people. If people do something just because it is in their holy book, then it is not from the heart. Many people with no religion whatsoever give generously and regularly to the poor, unfortunate and disadvantaged)

Quoting alameda:

You see AEnigma....perhaps we have a different perspective because Brittan has a national religion called the Church of England? The US does not, and never had an official state religion. There are some who would like to claim it's a Christian nation, that is not true.

In some places, like New York City, many places close down for the Jewish holidays. In my place of work, I don't think there are very many Christians here, so to say OUR religious holidays, I have to say just who are the OUR you talking abut? It reminds me of the Lone Ranger and Tonto "what do you mean "we" white man?"

Quoting alameda:

You see AEnigma....perhaps we have a different perspective because Brittan has a national religion called the Church of England? The US does not, and never had an official state religion. There are some who would like to claim it's a Christian nation, that is not true.

In some places, like New York City, many places close down for the Jewish holidays. In my place of work, I don't think there are very many Christians here, so to say OUR religious holidays, I have to say just who are the OUR you talking abut? It reminds me of the Lone Ranger and Tonto "what do you mean "we" white man?"

Quoting alameda:

because Brittan has a national religion called the Church of England

Quoting AEnigma III:

Quoting libralady:

For someone who claims to be Agnostic, you dun alf go on a lot about Religion!

Quoting libralady:

For someone who claims to be Agnostic, you dun alf go on a lot about Religion!

Quoting femme_fatal:

Quoting femme_fatal:

Quoting Elisabeth:

Quoting AEnigma III:

Alameda on reading your posts again today, I dont think you quite got the point I was making.

You said that in your office you have a "Holiday Party" instead of a Christmas party. This word of "holiday" instead of Christmas is what concerns me.

If you choose to live in a multi-cultural society then that means you accept and respect all other religions. If this is the case, why do we have to change the name of our national religious celebration to suit other religions?

You said that the muslims, hindus etc invited you to join in their celebrations..BUT...the main difference is that they did not change the name of those celebrations or make them non-religious. You were invited to join in, and respect their holy days.

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY can't we do the same with OUR religious holidays?

(PS I dont think anyone can say that Muslims are any more generous than other people. If people do something just because it is in their holy book, then it is not from the heart. Many people with no religion whatsoever give generously and regularly to the poor, unfortunate and disadvantaged)

Quoting Elisabeth:

Quoting teaschip1:

What kind of accomdation for Duduholics are there? They have rights too.

Quoting AEnigma III:

Quoting alameda:

In light of the previous comments, I thought this joke email would be amusing.....

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 01, 2005

RE: Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along.

And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A

Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 pm. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 02, 2005

RE: Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians or those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree present. No Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 03, 2005

RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table .. you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?

Forget about the gifts exchange, no gifts exchange are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.


FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 04, 2005

RE: Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving

your meal until the end of the party- or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?

Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.

Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower

arrangement for the Gay men's table.

To the person asking permission to cross dress, no cross-dressing allowed, though. We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest for those people with high blood pressure to taste first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?

Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All F**king Employees

DATE: October 05, 2005

RE: The F**king Holiday Party

Vegetarian pr**ks, I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f***ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They

scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! I hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,

The B**ch from HELL!!!!!!!!

FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director

DATE: October 06, 2005

RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party

Quoting alameda:

In light of the previous comments, I thought this joke email would be amusing.....

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 01, 2005

RE: Christmas Party

I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along.

And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A

Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00 pm. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 02, 2005

RE: Holiday Party

In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians or those still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree present. No Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment.

Happy now?

Happy Holidays to you and your family.

Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 03, 2005

RE: Holiday Party

Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table .. you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I supposed to handle this?

Forget about the gifts exchange, no gifts exchange are allowed since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and executives believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.


FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All Employees

DATE: October 04, 2005

RE: Holiday Party

What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving

your meal until the end of the party- or else package everything for you to take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work?

Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.

Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with Gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower

arrangement for the Gay men's table.

To the person asking permission to cross dress, no cross-dressing allowed, though. We will have booster seats for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest for those people with high blood pressure to taste first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?

Patty

FROM: Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

TO: All F**king Employees

DATE: October 05, 2005

RE: The F**king Holiday Party

Vegetarian pr**ks, I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so quaintly put it, and you'll get your f***ing salad bar, including organic tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They

scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! I hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,

The B**ch from HELL!!!!!!!!

FROM: Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director

DATE: October 06, 2005

RE: Patty Lewis and Holiday Party

I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy recovery and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party.