Been pondering for a few days now...At a national bank corporate office, the environment is pretty relaxed. Donate $100, you can now wear jeans and sneakers for 1 year. No other strict policies.
In the large sea of cubicles, the group I am in is about 12 people (10 with 2 co-managers). One older italian background lady bought and brought in lights for people to put up around their space. She also had tencil for her and her friends. She is one of those --- showy holiday people.
My background: Grandfather - Greek, Father prefers the Greek Temple but the family only has gone twice a year (easter and xmas). Mother side many generations up is Jewish, but no one I know in the family is practicing...at all. I was baptised Methodist (we went to this church from a young age up until high school once they started saying to go out and convert your jewish friends). I went to an international bording Episcopalian middle/high school with chapel service twice a week (funny thing was half the school was Jewish with minor groups of other religions from Asia and the middle east). None of this bothered me at all. I enjoyed the fact that we took 2 semesters of religion classes; however, it covered all religions and there was no strong emphasis on Christianity or Western Religions.
I do not side with anything, but have ideas not beliefs - picking and choosing what works for me in regards to different religions.
I think there would be a lot of tension if I didn't put up lights... and where is the harm in that --- it is just lights. It is interesting how there are no company policies on what you can and can't due to your cubicles. Fight fire with fire and bring in some Hanukkah stuff to put up? ;p
I wanted to see how others feel about this. Thank you.
I work in a heavily Christian office (I hear conversations between people talking about Jesus all the time, but these are older black women from the inner city so that's not uncommon), and usually I just go with the flow. You really don't ever want to make a 'thing' of it. If you want to bring in Hanukkah stuff, be prepared to talk about it and your Jewish half. Otherwise, just let it go. You're under no obligation to put up lights, just tell them they're distracting for you so you don't want them in your own cube.
There's nothing inherently Christian about "Christmas Lights" (despite the name). It originated as a pagan ritual in Germany and was eventually absorbed into Christmas. Take a little silent joy in the irony of everyone going crazy over some very non-Christian things in celebration of their savior's birth.
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A lot of holiday decorations are put up at my job. We have everything from Christmas trees to stockings to lights. I'm Jewish so I don't celebrate Christmas, but I don't mind taking part in the holiday celebration.
If you feel like celebrating the holidays but don't want to align yourself with any particular religion, then find a generic holiday decoration for this season and put it up. Sometimes it's nice just to put up little things that represent the season but don't affiliate you with any specific religion.
For me, I put up my StarWars R2-D2 snowglobe (it has a Santa hat with a present in its robot arms) and a little wall light that I hang on my cubicle (around 4" wide and 2" high) that says "Happy Holidays!" Nothing fancy, just joining in because I enjoy the atmopshere this time of year.
You don't have to join in either but sometimes it's fun just to set aside all the serious business and enjoy the festivities.
Loophole: put them up, leave the lights on until night crew comes in to clean, they will report it, and have everyone take them down. lol....too far?
Too far... ugh. Don't ever be that person.
I once left a fan in my cubicle on overnight. Someone reported it, sent a nastygram to my boss about and just all around made a minor mistake into a giant kerfuffle.
Loophole: put them up, leave the lights on until night crew comes in to clean, they will report it, and have everyone take them down. lol....too far?
I'm confused... Are you trying to get other peoples decorations taken down? What is it you want advice with here.
If you *are* trying to get other peoples decorations taken down I'd say... don't. It's not that big a deal to you (bsed on your OP) and the amount of drama you would create would not be worth it.
You have to see these people literally every day. Do you *really* want to ruin their holidays, and have them think of you as "that guy who hates Christmas" for the rest of the time you work there?
As it's been mentioned, generic Christmas lights have little to do with any sort of religious affiliation. If anything, they more closely represent the consumerism aspect of the holiday season. Don't be that guy that raises a stink about stuff that doesn't matter at all. As you already said, it's just lights.
I think the reason that there might be tension if you choose not to put the lights up has less to do with not conforming to the decor, and more to do with the fact that you're turning down an act of kindness for no good reason. (Even if you see it as imposing, they probably see it as a nice thing to do)
If this is about rage against the corporate machine, just encase someone's stapler in jello and be done with it.
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I see Jewish homes decorated with Hanukkah lights shaped like stars and menorahs.
I think lights just strung up in a strand are faith-neutral, although they are often called "Christmas lights", they are in fact just holiday lights.
According to wiki, "Tinsel is a sparkling decorative material that mimics the effect of ice or icicles". That sounds pretty faith-neutral too.
Unless of course you worship icicles..
I once left a fan in my cubicle on overnight. Someone reported it, sent a nastygram to my boss about and just all around made a minor mistake into a giant kerfuffle.
I won't be that person in this instance - barely affects me.
Regarding your fan.: At the office, a plethora of people would have heaters underneath their desks during the day. The office was already warm enough...I had to always roll my sleeves up and put a fan under my desk. My arms would sweat and stick to my table. I had to stop wearing undershirts all together. At that time, I had no idea of heaters. I heard about it when the 2 ladies adjacent to me were left notes from the night staff and maint. people that they were fire hazards. It was quite uncomfortable, so I sent an email to my manager inquiring about that I am very hot and perhaps maint. people can look at the vents (my manager's manager too was left a message but she ignored it). Well I got called out by her in the office with other upper management --- I explained it might be where I am sitting might prevent air flow etc etc. In the end, everyone removed them.
I'm confused... Are you trying to get other peoples decorations taken down? What is it you want advice with here.
If you *are* trying to get other peoples decorations taken down I'd say... don't. It's not that big a deal to you (bsed on your OP) and the amount of drama you would create would not be worth it.
You have to see these people literally every day. Do you *really* want to ruin their holidays, and have them think of you as "that guy who hates Christmas" for the rest of the time you work there?
Nah, I'm not that person. I could care less what others do. As long as it does not physically/mentally affect me.
As a non-christian, I love the Christmas season. It's one of the few times that grumpy jerks might wear a smile.
Since you're Jewish (from your posts), I suggest you ask everyone else (in an humble manner, of course) to join you in celebrating Hanukkah (though it just ended), and then participate in theirs.
The really great thing I find about Christians is that if you aren't a jerk about them being Christian, they don't care too much of your worldview, even if you're a satan-worshipper (provided you can explain your insane view of the world, of course).
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Sometimes it's better to just make a small concession to keep the peace. You could also try to start some non-denominational decorations. At my office, we did "12 Days of Home Alone quotes", but that only worked because my entire team is under 30.
Although if it really starts to bother you, lights do pose a small fire hazard, and could distract from work. You have the option of making a complaint to HR.
I have heard vague rumors of a moustache-dispensing vending machine in a distant laundromat, across the street from a tattoo parlor. However, this information is shaky, and time is of the essence.
Since you're Jewish (from your posts), I suggest you ask everyone else (in an humble manner, of course) to join you in celebrating Hanukkah (though it just ended), and then participate in theirs.
For God's sake, did you even read the OP's post properly? He clearly makes a point of not believing in not no set of dogma but in an set of religious dogma that is neither consistent with Judaism, the implied Greek Orthodox faith, or Methodist Protestantism.
Hanukkah isn't even a big deal. That having been said, it still has symbolic meaning for the children of the Tribes, so please don't celebrate it unless you seriously understand and have a bona fide desire to celebrate it. Just don't cheapen or disrespect it.
More critically, Hanukkah is about resisting and revolting against assimilation and about the Jewish faith and identity. Ironically, however, because of people who see and practise it as though it were the Jewish analogue of Christmas, it is the least Jewish observance there may be.
If you want to observe Hanukkah, go to temple, light a menorah (actually, a hanukkiyah), spin dreidels, and eat french fries, fried donuts, latkes, etc.
I think there would be a lot of tension if I didn't put up lights... and where is the harm in that --- it is just lights.
Seriously, how could there be tension? Are these the Italian lady's lights? If so, put them up or don't put them up. It's a personal choice and, if you're all grown adults about this, you'll respect each other whether or not you have lights (a hazard if nothing else) up or not.
By the by, Christmas lights have no basis whatsoever as Christmas items. Of course, do whatever you want.
My workplace is strictly secular. We're also very practically minded, and safety of co-workers and clients/patients are a serious concern.
As a non-christian, I love the Christmas season. It's one of the few times that grumpy jerks might wear a smile.
Since you're Jewish (from your posts), I suggest you ask everyone else (in an humble manner, of course) to join you in celebrating Hanukkah (though it just ended), and then participate in theirs.
The really great thing I find about Christians is that if you aren't a jerk about them being Christian, they don't care too much of your worldview, even if you're a satan-worshipper (provided you can explain your insane view of the world, of course).
Ditto.
Christmas (despite the name) for me and mine is all about chillin', knocking back a couple of egg nogs or hot toddys, and spending time with friends and family. We have a traditional all night Talisman session for old times sake too. Just because the Christians jacked the holiday and assimilated the traditions doesn't mean it can't mean something to everyone. By leaving the Christ out of Christmas, nobody gets left out. Zealots sometimes get attitude about the whole pagan vs Christ thing but hey, it's Christmas, so why not let it go and let them have their thing. We can fight about it again come Easter.:)
Christmas (despite the name) for me and mine is all about chillin', knocking back a couple of egg nogs or hot toddys, and spending time with friends and family. We have a traditional all night Talisman session for old times sake too. Just because the Christians jacked the holiday and assimilated the traditions doesn't mean it can't mean something to everyone. By leaving the Christ out of Christmas, nobody gets left out. Zealots sometimes get attitude about the whole pagan vs Christ thing but hey, it's Christmas, so why not let it go and let them have their thing. We can fight about it again come Easter.:)
Well, that approach goes for all people who hold alternate views; you respectfully accept or tolerate.
As for Jews being culpable for the death of Jesus, Nostra Aetate. For the earthly head of a religion to categorically repudiate the argument that the Jews are responsible for the death of Christ should void any arguments, whether at Easter or any other time. There is no time for that finger-pointing crap (and, as you have suggested, least of all now).
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In the large sea of cubicles, the group I am in is about 12 people (10 with 2 co-managers). One older italian background lady bought and brought in lights for people to put up around their space. She also had tencil for her and her friends. She is one of those --- showy holiday people.
My background: Grandfather - Greek, Father prefers the Greek Temple but the family only has gone twice a year (easter and xmas). Mother side many generations up is Jewish, but no one I know in the family is practicing...at all. I was baptised Methodist (we went to this church from a young age up until high school once they started saying to go out and convert your jewish friends). I went to an international bording Episcopalian middle/high school with chapel service twice a week (funny thing was half the school was Jewish with minor groups of other religions from Asia and the middle east). None of this bothered me at all. I enjoyed the fact that we took 2 semesters of religion classes; however, it covered all religions and there was no strong emphasis on Christianity or Western Religions.
I do not side with anything, but have ideas not beliefs - picking and choosing what works for me in regards to different religions.
I think there would be a lot of tension if I didn't put up lights... and where is the harm in that --- it is just lights. It is interesting how there are no company policies on what you can and can't due to your cubicles. Fight fire with fire and bring in some Hanukkah stuff to put up? ;p
I wanted to see how others feel about this. Thank you.
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If you feel like celebrating the holidays but don't want to align yourself with any particular religion, then find a generic holiday decoration for this season and put it up. Sometimes it's nice just to put up little things that represent the season but don't affiliate you with any specific religion.
For me, I put up my StarWars R2-D2 snowglobe (it has a Santa hat with a present in its robot arms) and a little wall light that I hang on my cubicle (around 4" wide and 2" high) that says "Happy Holidays!" Nothing fancy, just joining in because I enjoy the atmopshere this time of year.
You don't have to join in either but sometimes it's fun just to set aside all the serious business and enjoy the festivities.
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
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Too far... ugh. Don't ever be that person.
I once left a fan in my cubicle on overnight. Someone reported it, sent a nastygram to my boss about and just all around made a minor mistake into a giant kerfuffle.
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I'm confused... Are you trying to get other peoples decorations taken down? What is it you want advice with here.
If you *are* trying to get other peoples decorations taken down I'd say... don't. It's not that big a deal to you (bsed on your OP) and the amount of drama you would create would not be worth it.
You have to see these people literally every day. Do you *really* want to ruin their holidays, and have them think of you as "that guy who hates Christmas" for the rest of the time you work there?
People decorating and you don't like it? Over-decorate. Smother them in Nativity scenes and lights and trees and fake snow.
Pristaxcontrombmodruu!
I think the reason that there might be tension if you choose not to put the lights up has less to do with not conforming to the decor, and more to do with the fact that you're turning down an act of kindness for no good reason. (Even if you see it as imposing, they probably see it as a nice thing to do)
If this is about rage against the corporate machine, just encase someone's stapler in jello and be done with it.
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I think lights just strung up in a strand are faith-neutral, although they are often called "Christmas lights", they are in fact just holiday lights.
According to wiki, "Tinsel is a sparkling decorative material that mimics the effect of ice or icicles". That sounds pretty faith-neutral too.
Unless of course you worship icicles..
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I won't be that person in this instance - barely affects me.
Regarding your fan.: At the office, a plethora of people would have heaters underneath their desks during the day. The office was already warm enough...I had to always roll my sleeves up and put a fan under my desk. My arms would sweat and stick to my table. I had to stop wearing undershirts all together. At that time, I had no idea of heaters. I heard about it when the 2 ladies adjacent to me were left notes from the night staff and maint. people that they were fire hazards. It was quite uncomfortable, so I sent an email to my manager inquiring about that I am very hot and perhaps maint. people can look at the vents (my manager's manager too was left a message but she ignored it). Well I got called out by her in the office with other upper management --- I explained it might be where I am sitting might prevent air flow etc etc. In the end, everyone removed them.
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
Only EDH:
Sigarda, Host of Herons: Enchantress' Enchantments
Jenara, Asura of War: ETB Value Town
Purphoros, God of the Forge: Global Punishment
Xenagos, God of Revels: Ramp, Sneak, & Heavy Hitters
Ghave, Guru of Spores: Dies_to_Doom_Blade's stax list
Edric, Spymaster of Trest: Donald's list
Nah, I'm not that person. I could care less what others do. As long as it does not physically/mentally affect me.
i was trying to be funny.... failed.
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
Only EDH:
Sigarda, Host of Herons: Enchantress' Enchantments
Jenara, Asura of War: ETB Value Town
Purphoros, God of the Forge: Global Punishment
Xenagos, God of Revels: Ramp, Sneak, & Heavy Hitters
Ghave, Guru of Spores: Dies_to_Doom_Blade's stax list
Edric, Spymaster of Trest: Donald's list
That's the holiday spirit. Most won't care and I will still be labeled the nerd I am.... or youngin....
I buy HP and Damaged cards!
Only EDH:
Sigarda, Host of Herons: Enchantress' Enchantments
Jenara, Asura of War: ETB Value Town
Purphoros, God of the Forge: Global Punishment
Xenagos, God of Revels: Ramp, Sneak, & Heavy Hitters
Ghave, Guru of Spores: Dies_to_Doom_Blade's stax list
Edric, Spymaster of Trest: Donald's list
Since you're Jewish (from your posts), I suggest you ask everyone else (in an humble manner, of course) to join you in celebrating Hanukkah (though it just ended), and then participate in theirs.
The really great thing I find about Christians is that if you aren't a jerk about them being Christian, they don't care too much of your worldview, even if you're a satan-worshipper (provided you can explain your insane view of the world, of course).
1. It allows me to express multiple thoughts without a need to write an essay or make multiple posts.
2. I tend to have multiple thoughts at the same time.
3. Having the right first opinion is sometimes more glorious than having a grammatically correct second opinion.
4. It allows you as a reader to pick out the most erroneous point and counter-comment, allowing you the chance to express an opinion and look like a sensible person when I sound like a dummy.
Although if it really starts to bother you, lights do pose a small fire hazard, and could distract from work. You have the option of making a complaint to HR.
Hanukkah isn't even a big deal. That having been said, it still has symbolic meaning for the children of the Tribes, so please don't celebrate it unless you seriously understand and have a bona fide desire to celebrate it. Just don't cheapen or disrespect it.
More critically, Hanukkah is about resisting and revolting against assimilation and about the Jewish faith and identity. Ironically, however, because of people who see and practise it as though it were the Jewish analogue of Christmas, it is the least Jewish observance there may be.
If you want to observe Hanukkah, go to temple, light a menorah (actually, a hanukkiyah), spin dreidels, and eat french fries, fried donuts, latkes, etc.
Seriously, how could there be tension? Are these the Italian lady's lights? If so, put them up or don't put them up. It's a personal choice and, if you're all grown adults about this, you'll respect each other whether or not you have lights (a hazard if nothing else) up or not.
By the by, Christmas lights have no basis whatsoever as Christmas items. Of course, do whatever you want.
My workplace is strictly secular. We're also very practically minded, and safety of co-workers and clients/patients are a serious concern.
Yeah. Don't be that guy.
Ditto.
Christmas (despite the name) for me and mine is all about chillin', knocking back a couple of egg nogs or hot toddys, and spending time with friends and family. We have a traditional all night Talisman session for old times sake too. Just because the Christians jacked the holiday and assimilated the traditions doesn't mean it can't mean something to everyone. By leaving the Christ out of Christmas, nobody gets left out. Zealots sometimes get attitude about the whole pagan vs Christ thing but hey, it's Christmas, so why not let it go and let them have their thing. We can fight about it again come Easter.:)
Well, that approach goes for all people who hold alternate views; you respectfully accept or tolerate.
As for Jews being culpable for the death of Jesus, Nostra Aetate. For the earthly head of a religion to categorically repudiate the argument that the Jews are responsible for the death of Christ should void any arguments, whether at Easter or any other time. There is no time for that finger-pointing crap (and, as you have suggested, least of all now).