To preface: I'm not one of those who believes we should pull Christmas trees out of public spaces or schools. I think people should be able to say Merry, Happy, Have a Great (fill in the blank), whatever they are comfortable with saying without people getting all worked up. I do, however, think that when an employer or school decides to celebrate a holiday, we have to be willing to go a bit more general. E.g. Holiday Party. Either that or be willing to have more than one celebration. Let's get to the matter at hand shall we.
My mom, for years, has advocated for the Holiday Party at her place of employment. As many of you know, I subscribe to more of an Earth based spirituality which I gained from my mother. Because of her "religious affiliation" and others that she works with, she felt perhaps it was more appropriate to have a Holiday Celebration rather than a Christmas Party since not everyone in the organization celebrated Christmas. This has been like pulling teeth. And in fact, the request fell on deaf ears.
Well, it is 2008 people. The holiday season is upon us, and mom is finally getting her wish. However, it is not due to her request. Apparently, there is now a Jewish employee working for the company. UH-oh! Apparently it is now a HUGE deal to have a Holiday Party instead of a Christmas Party so as not to offend. Although Judaism is still not the "right" religion, it apparently carries enough clout to change the work environment a bit. So, mom kind of wonders...why? How is it different?
She is still struggling with whether to actually ask this question of the powers that be. I can't wait to hear the answer if she does.
1 comment:
Interesting post. I think things generally fall in the middle somewhere...if people wish you a Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays...so be it. However--the workplace is supposed to be free from these types of classifications, and celebrations should be of the holiday variety.
I wonder if people feel your mom's beliefs are more 'spiritual' vs. 'religious', and thus felt more compelled by someone associated with an organized religion?
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