Social Etiquette with other faiths at Christmas.

[Davi]

Not sure how to put this without coming across like a moron, so I'll just accept moron status early - I'm not the most "socially travelled" of people so trying to avoid a faux pas...

My neighbours, lovely people who have been really understanding with all our construction work. I thought they were Sikh as they frequently have family round wearing turbans and the iron bracelet. As such I didn't think turning up with a Christmas Card and a bottle of fine wine would be the best idea - I want to say thank you, not offend them.

I was going to just get a box of chocs to be on the safe side, but then this morning a Christmas Card dropped through the post from them. What's the correct thing to do - respond in kind with a card, or just stick with the chocs?

[crofty1984]

If they're nice people, they'll accept your intentions and be pleased that you're thinking of them. If not, the fookem, let them be offended.

[mechsympathy]

Most faiths are (contrary to what you read in the Wail and on here) pretty tolerant and certainly won't be offended by a card.

[Eddh]

I wouldn't give them a card, possiably wait until one of their religious festivals comes up and gift them something for that?

ETA: Thing is you don't want them to be offended by not giving them a card... hmm... give them a card.

Edited by Eddh on Tuesday 23 December 10:45

[hornetrider]

I'd suggest a small nativity diarama on their doorstep.

[Cooky]

F*ck 'em it's Chrimbo integrate or emigrate

if they don't like it, form a Crusade...that'll sort the blighters.

[Digga]

It's not your fault that the Catholic church hijacked a long established and very worty tradition of the mid-winter feast for their own means. IMHO, this time of year is about food, drink, family and friends, the rest - religion, shopping, fking stupid decorations - is all bks.

Get 'em a card - it would be wierd not to - and since they've been good about all your building work, give them the chocs to and thank them for their patience. If you have good neighbours, always endeavour to keep 'em sweet.

Simple.

[Davi]

mechsympathy said:

Most faiths are (contrary to what you read in the Wail and on here) pretty tolerant and certainly won't be offended by a card.

I doubt they'd be really offended, I'd just like to get it spot on - to show appreciation.

[Cooky]

hornetrider said:

I'd suggest a small nativity diarrhoea on their doorstep.

splendid idea

[Murray993]

If they came round to you on their religious festival and said here is something for being understanding about the building work. I think you'd be happy. Same for them, they will appreciate the thought.

If you try and do something for their religious festival most likely you will get it wrong and offend them. Stick to what you know and smile and say thanks.

[kusee pee]

If they've given you a card then they're unlikely to be offended by one in return. I give and receive cars from my Muslim neighbours at Eid - it's just a sign of frienship with no religious ties IMO.

[mically]

Cooky said:

F*ck 'em it's Chrimbo integrate or emigrate

if they don't like it, form a Crusade...that'll sort the blighters.

do you also have "Anchovies" tattooed on your forehead?

Get them a card! wishing them the best!

[Maxf]

Would you be offended if they came round and gave you a 'happy [insert Sihk religious festival] card'?

They will be fine and will appreciate the thought.

[smilerbaker]

Jesus is accepted as a prophet in many religions

[Digga]

hornetrider said:

I'd suggest a small nativity diarama on their doorstep.

There's a lifesize one of these outside the curch in our village. It's not very good. Whoever made it was better at the carpentry bit than drawing faces.

My wife thinks it looks like a bus shelter for the 'special bus'.

[13th]

One of my best friends is sikh and I usually send him a christmas card and in return he sends me a bottle of vodka!

Bloody good exchange if you ask me!


(eta he imports vodka it's in no way a reflection on my drinking habits! )

Edited by 13th on Tuesday 23 December 10:55

[MrV]

If they are anything like the Sikh guys who work with me a bottle of whiskey will go down a better than a bottle of wine

[Davi]

right, that's fairly unanimous then - I'll go for the Nativity Diorama left on the doorstep box of chocs and a card.

Cheers all.

[chris watton]

My wifes' website customers, especially the ones from the US, almost always end communication with 'Happy Holidays'! I hate that term! I tell her to increase their postage by 50%, everytime they write that crap.

[Cooky]

mically said:

Cooky said:

F*ck 'em it's Chrimbo integrate or emigrate

if they don't like it, form a Crusade...that'll sort the blighters.

do you also have "Anchovies" tattooed on your forehead?

Get them a card! wishing them the best!

Quick, call the sense of humour Police...we have a failure here!