by Jellybean 3 Replies latest jw friends
Good evening,
I have a new friend whom I know used to be JW; not sure if he is still affiliated or not. I know JW's don't celebrate Birthdays or Christmas, but how about New Year's? I found a perfect gift--if I can't give it to him for Christmas, would it be appropriate to give it "just because", or is gift-giving out of the question??
Thank you,
Jellybean
JWs are proud to declare they don't need a reason to give a gift. That "anytime" philosophy actually turned me into a generous person, I think.
That being said, JWs don't officially celebrate New Year's. I say "officially" because the end of the year is a time to look back, and the start of a new year breeds anticipation (Witness publications have even admitted as much.) So give him/her the gift "just because." You really don't need an occasion to be a generous friend, do ya?
Have you ever had a Jewish friend that you have had to ask the same question? Honor your friends beliefs, and just give him the present later, Christmas/New Years are within the same 7 day period, just wait a few weeks and guess what, you neither have to bother with the question, and you don't put your friend in an akward position. Or, if your the type that likes to cause problems, give a ham to your Jewish friend, just because you found a nice one on sale.
"Or, if your the type that likes to cause problems, give a ham to your Jewish friend, just because you found a nice one on sale."
Biogret- I think Jellybean has a legitimate question and I don't think your wording is fair....nor the comparison to Jews. Most of the Jewish people I know wouldn't hold it against a person (even if it was a ham) -nor reject it.
So Jellybean, Mungo is right in saying JWs don't celebrate New Years or at least don't say they do. It might be wise to wait a couple days.
