And indeed this event was simply described as a dinner party with no suggestion it was a holiday party of any denomination.
1 Like
It’s also over. And the OP couldn’t even go!
4 Likes
Feh. Why get some pesky lil details like that get in the way of a debate?
3 Likes
I guess it could be worse. I was in a discussion about dim sum that is now a debate about the ending of White Lotus.
4 Likes
Oooh. I have thoughts.
But… 
I don’t think this is an either or. I don’t go around being offended by everyone all the time. I’m pretty much a live and let live person, and have tried to work on that in my adulthood. But if people are actually tried to be good, be kind, express the type of openness and welcome and good cheer that they claim to, then say Happy Holidays. Don’t say Merry Christmas when you don’t know. The point I was trying to make is that there are a lot of people that treat all of December as the month of Christmas, and every single person they encounter during December as fellow Christmas revelers. That can be really hard when you don’t fall into this bucket. The assumptions that we are all the same. People said thread drift but in fact I think it’s very similar. If you are a guest of someone you know well, then by all means bring a specific gift that they’ll enjoy. If you are primarily acquaintances and you don’t know much about them, then get a little more general and don’t impose your assumptions about what is a nice gift on them. If your goal is to bring pleasure or show appreciation, then do no harm with your choice. I’m not asking for mind reading. Just asking for folks not to assume we all want and like and celebrate the same thing.
3 Likes
Thank you for voicing these views.
It appears that the commenters here don’t want to hear what it feels like to have Christianity shoved down one’s throat.
Apparently they don’t know that while Christmas is a national holiday, many Jews must use paid time off for their holy days.
2 Likes
And you might be assuming that all who post here fit into the rather narrow assumption that you’ve drawn.
I can assure you we don’t.
2 Likes
Can you point me to the comments supporting those of us who prefer not to exchange Christmas greetings and/or receive Christmas themed gifts?
As an atheist, I suppose I could feel just as left out or offended or angry or sad at pretty much any display of religious symbolism, or the assumptions you made about mine and other posters’ beliefs.
I am not, but I guess to be offended by things one has to actually be invested one way or another.
3 Likes
What assumptions did I make about your beliefs?
(post deleted by author)
(post deleted by author)
May I introduce some much-needed levity into the discussion?
I’m Catholic, and attended a Moslem high school. I made a lot of Moslem friends there, who have remained good friends, after many decades.
During one class we were discussing our religions, and I stated that the two were essentially the same, that just the names had been changed, Yusuf instead of Joseph, etc… I was asked if I would then willingly change to Islam. I said that that was not the point, but was then asked if for the sake of argument I would change. I said yes, to which some smartass responded, “The first thing we would do is circumcise you.”
3 Likes
I can’t speak for @linguafood , but I don’t like thinking that if I don’t share things (like comments supporting those of us who prefer not to exchange Christmas greetings and/or receive Christmas themed gifts) on Hungry Onion it means I don’t have any thoughts about it.
If I’m going to die on a hill here, it’s going to be about pork belly.
12 Likes
Well, my Mom wasn’t Belgian, but she always had a little something to give people, often for no reason at all. Nothing fancy, just unexpected. She (and her mother before her) often did that with me, even when I was an adult. It was always delightful. I like doing the same thing. And I usually bring something if I’m invited to someone’s house for dinner. (Potluck excepted - then I bring food). Recipients don’t have to serve the wine; they can stash it for later. I try to think beyond “hostess gift” - after all, it’s not expected, so I can use my imagination. 
4 Likes
A Methodist friend once made Matzoh crunch for me for Passover. 
yum!
3 Likes
I continue to be astounded with the idea that bringing flowers is to be avoided. Flowers are life!!!
4 Likes
I think most of us generally have an idea of what our friends and acquaintances will appreciate.
4 Likes
We prefer not to get flowers. We have a cat, which is sufficient life for the household.
1 Like
