What if I don't celebrate christmas?

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Among people in the United States who have a religious affiliation, about 80% are Christians.  As a predominantly Christian country, the U.S. naturally observes Christmas as the primary national holiday.  Even if they have no religious affiliation, most Americans still joyfully celebrate the Christmas spirit of goodwill and family closeness.

But as our nation becomes increasingly diverse, companies are finding that an increasing number of employees celebrate other religious holidays.  If you happen to be Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or a member of any other non-Christian faith, the Christmas holiday can be a little overwhelming.  And you may sometimes find yourself in uncomfortable situations. 

1.        When coworkers say “Merry Christmas!”, what do I say in return?

Some people unthinkingly assume that everyone shares their religious beliefs.  When this happens, you have a couple of choices.  If you wish to educate your Christian coworkers about your own faith, you can say “Thank you, but I happen to be [your religion], and we celebrate [your religious holiday] instead of Christmas.  But I hope that your Christmas is wonderful.”  Or, if you want to keep it simple, just say “Thank you, and I hope that you have a good holiday, too.”

2.       What if my employer says that I have to say “Merry Christmas” to customers?

If you feel that doing so violates your own religious beliefs, then you need to discuss the issue with your manager and try to agree on an alternate greeting.  “Have a good holiday” might be acceptable to everyone.  Another way to look at it, however, is that you are simply using the greeting that probably applies to most of your customers, which does not necessarily imply that you share their beliefs.

3.       Do I have to participate in Christmas celebrations?

Most office parties held during the holidays have little to do with the Christian religion.  They just provide an opportunity for coworkers to get together and have a good time.  However, if your particular office gathering is likely to include religious activities, you can either discuss this with your supervisor or, if that’s not comfortable, find a legitimate reason to be absent.  Another option is to attend the party, but explain to coworkers why you are opting out of religious expressions.

4.       What about office drawings to exchange names for Christmas gifts?

Again, office gift exchanges usually have little to do with religion.  They are just a fun holiday activity.  So unless doing so violates a principle of your own faith, you should be able to comfortably participate in the office gift swap. 

5.       Many colleagues decorate their work areas for Christmas.  Should I put up my own religious symbols?

Sure, if you’re comfortable doing so.  This will give you an opportunity to educate your Christian colleagues about your own religion, so be prepared with a brief explanation of your decorations or symbols. 

6.       Christmas is a national holiday, but how do I get time off for my own religious holy days?

Organizations have had to become more flexible to accommodate the increasing number of different religious beliefs among their employees.  (Especially since religious discrimination is illegal in this country.)  For your own religious celebration, you may be able to take a floating holiday, a vacation day, or a day off without pay.  You could also offer to work on Christmas, possibly from home, in return for having your holiday off.  Or if you work in a business that must be open on Christmas (medical facilities, law enforcement, etc.), many of your colleagues will be more than happy to trade holidays with you!

7.       Some of my coworkers keep trying to convert me to Christianity.  How do I stop this without offending them?

Unfortunately, some people feel an obligation to force their religious beliefs on others.  They may be well-meaning and not realize that their recruitment efforts can be insulting or offensive.  Simply tell these overzealous coworkers that you are quite committed to your own faith and very comfortable with your own beliefs.  If you are not a member of any formal religious group, just tell them that you have your own beliefs and that you have no desire to change them.  Should further attempts be made to convert you, just say “I believe we’ve already discussed this”, then change the subject.

All material on yourofficecoach.com is copyrighted to Marie G. McIntyre.  All rights reserved.

 May be reproduced for non-commercial use with copyright and attribution to www.yourofficecoach.com.

Commercial use requires permission: email mmcintyre@yourofficecoach.com .

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