Christmas Gifts And Bonuses

[Unregistered]

Thank you!! I wanted to say something but I couldn't. I'm pagan and my husband is an atheist, we celebrate Yule/Christmas even though we aren't Christian. Christmas is about so much more than THAT, especially when Jesus was though to be born in the Spring, and the Christians "stole" the Christmas traditions from the Pagans.

I knew there was a reason I didn't like your other posts. Now I know. Interesting idea, incorrect however.

[kidkair]

Not to start a religious debate but.......(flame suit on)...

Do you not give any gifts, receive any gifts, bake any cookies or other treats, decorate with anything but a nativity scene, watch any holiday specials, etc? Do YOU spend the entire season immersed in a reverent celebration of Jesus' birth, with NO secular cares whatsoever?

I'm sorry, but there are SO MANY different celebrations from around the world that occur during this time, that I still can't get my mind around this insistence that Jesus is the "reason for the season" (and I hate that phrase, it takes a lot of effort to type it). The Roman Saturnalia and the religious persecution of early Christians is the actual "reason" for the season.

In our modern world there are as many different meanings for this time of year as there are religions in the world. Almost every culture or religion has a major celebration right now, around the solstice. They differ greatly, but most are very similar in theme--a celebration of life, love, light, happiness, and warmth. Really, when you boil it down, that's what even the Christmas story of Jesus' birth boils down to. THAT is the meaning of the season, thank you very much.

Go ahead; I'm ready for a good char-broiling.

..... and adding to Silver's post, just because someone is a christian doesnt mean everyone is and for some people Christmas IS nothing more than a commercial holiday. Which is their right to participate in without being condemned for "doing it wrong". To each his/her own. I do what is right for MY family and allow others the same right WITH respect.

happyface These posts made my day! Thank you for sticking up for other faiths. I try to do the same and get so tired of those who think only their faith is right and all other faiths are wrong. Every person has a unique look at faith and beliefs because every person is unique.

Thank you!! I wanted to say something but I couldn't. I'm pagan and my husband is an atheist, we celebrate Yule/Christmas even though we aren't Christian. Christmas is about so much more than THAT, especially when Jesus was though to be born in the Spring, and the Christians "stole" the Christmas traditions from the Pagans.

Thanks! Too bad someone had to be so close minded to reply with this:

I knew there was a reason I didn't like your other posts. Now I know. Interesting idea, incorrect however.

Unregistered: I'd like to see your proof that what frgsonmysox is saying is wrong because it is well documented that Christmas traditions were transitioned from Pagan traditions. If Christmas was really honestly just about Jesus being born in a barn wouldn't the traditions revolve more around making houses like barns and spreading sawdust and straw out on the floors for warmth instead of lighting candles and bringing in the pine trees for decoration? I'm sure that Jesus was probably not born under a pine tree no matter how you try and explain that away.

[Texasjeepgirl]

Not to start a religious debate but.......(flame suit on)...

Do you not give any gifts, receive any gifts, bake any cookies or other treats, decorate with anything but a nativity scene, watch any holiday specials, etc? Do YOU spend the entire season immersed in a reverent celebration of Jesus' birth, with NO secular cares whatsoever?

I'm sorry, but there are SO MANY different celebrations from around the world that occur during this time, that I still can't get my mind around this insistence that Jesus is the "reason for the season" (and I hate that phrase, it takes a lot of effort to type it). The Roman Saturnalia and the religious persecution of early Christians is the actual "reason" for the season.

In our modern world there are as many different meanings for this time of year as there are religions in the world. Almost every culture or religion has a major celebration right now, around the solstice. They differ greatly, but most are very similar in theme--a celebration of life, love, light, happiness, and warmth. Really, when you boil it down, that's what even the Christmas story of Jesus' birth boils down to. THAT is the meaning of the season, thank you very much.

Go ahead; I'm ready for a good char-broiling.

lovethis

[wdmmom]

My husband and I both are agnostic. Regardless of your reason for celebrating Christmas, we feel it is a time to reflect upon what the past year has brought to us...some good and some not so good and a time to be around friends and family.

Just because my and my husband's religious beliefs aren't the same as others, we dont' discriminate against...especially towards children. We enjoy very much keeping the Christmas spirit alive. That's why we celebrate.

[Sunchimes]

Ah, my last family thought of me. Long ago, I complimented her on her perfume, and she remembered and bought me some. What a nice family. I think that's all I wanted, just one person to do something thoughtful. I am thoroughly satisfied and feel appreciated. I've been beaming all morning.

[boysx5]

I am very lucky to have caring families one of my families even buys gifts for my five boys. I always get nice cards to tell me how much they appreciate I do all year. This year I got a coach purse something I would never buy for myself and the mom said she knew that and that was why she wanted to treat me she thinks I deserve it. I appreciate that they think of me

[MamaBear]

Your lucky your daycare parents got you anything. A couple of mine gave me really sweet gifts but the other two didn't even say Merry Christmas to me or even a card. Does make me feel unappreciated. I would have loved to even get some re-gifted lotion or blanket. Your lucky they thought of you - no matter what they gave to you.

[JenNJ]

Personally, I expect at the very least a thank you from every parent. I go far above and beyond my duties and think of the families and kids even when I'm off the clock. I take notice of things they have said and remember them. I send a text when i see something they love on sale or offer to pick it up for them.

While gifts are nice, the things I keep forever are handwritten thank you notes. I have dozens saved from over a decade of working with kids. They cost only time and never go out of style. So yes, I expect something at Christmas.

Op, you aren't wrong for feeling let down. It isn't the monetary value of a gift. It is that you open your heart, home, and life to these families. At the very least they can take a moment to show some appreciation for what we do each day. We care for the worlds most valuable resource and deserve to be treated so. So yes, it hurts when a parent gives a gift of a coconut you are allergic to, or bath salts you never use. They see you each day, they speak with you, they are in your home. They should know something, anything, about you as a person and take the time to acknowledge that by giving a token gift to one of the most important people in their childs lives.

[momofboys]

My family gave me a $50 grocery gift card & paid me for 2 days I was supposed to be off (I wouldn't have had them pay me) so it was very nice & unexpected.

[saved4always]

All of my kids' have a parent who is a teacher so they usually give me nice gifts with a nice note of appreciation. I have a friend who also has a home daycare though who got a used candle (yes it had been burned!) and hand soap last year. This year someone gave her SHAMPOO...not a special kind. They gave her Suave shampoo. She figures that they must be trying to tell her that she had dirty hands, dirty hair and that her house smells...LOL! ::