Family vent! About Christmas!

[isra1986]

I don't know what to do about Christmas!!!!!
MY family is Christian, we are not. My family does a get together on Christmas Eve and gives DD "I love you" presents. That way they get to share their traditions while respecting our beliefs.
Well tonight my dad started asking DD what "Santa" should bring her! We aren't doing Santa. We are not celebrating Christmas!
It is making me rethink the entire idea! I don't want DD to get confused. It was completly disrespectful to DH and I.
What would you do?

[Tea4Tas]

Christmas is about the birth of Christ. NOT about Santa. So I fail to see how mentioning him is disrespectful?

 

[hadcarmom]

I married Jewish and I converted and my family celebrates Christmas and they don't respect my beliefs and it confuses the crap out of my 5 year old but he seems to believe more what we teach him! I'm sorry I'm mot more help.

[gobimom]

First of all I don't view Santa as a "Christian" person.  If you are celebrating Christmas the "Christian" way it is about the birth of Jesus.  To me Santa can be viewed as more of a holiday tradition.  Why can't Santa be the one to deliver your daughter her " I love you " gifts?  Then celebrate whatever religious holidays you want. 

[callmemommyof3]

I have mixed feelings on the issue. I for one, wouldn't go against religion. But also, I wouldn't want my children to feel left out in school or stuff. I remember when I was younger going back to school and sharing with my friends what Santa brought. You just kinda gotta decide what you think is right...

[Just_Bethy]

Your dad may "forget" you don't have Santa...Its not so much religious but cultural in America...(I am Wiccan and we do Santa) Maybe sit and talk with your dad and go over your religions views again ..??...How long have you been a Muslim....?? What made you decide to convert..? (Just curios (sp) no reason other than getting to know you a bit more)

[isra1986]

Because we don't celebrate Christmas at all. We are not Christian. We only celebrate Muslim holidays.

Quoting Tea4Tas:

Christmas is about the birth of Christ. NOT about Santa. So I fail to see how mentioning him is disrespectful?

 

[chels210]

I would just try to explain the different beliefs the best I can.  Some people do this, some people do that, and this is what we do.  I hope you family will respect your teachings.   It sounds like maybe your dad was trying to get gift ideas and trying not to mention the word Christmas.

[maddys_mommy_ny]

Maybe it was a genuine mistake. I would sit them down and explain that this is not acceptable and give them the benefit of the doubt that it was just a mistake. If they admit that it wasn't an oversight, they wouldn't see my child till after Christmas. That way there is no way they can tell her things you don't want her to hear. Good luck. 

[isra1986]

Sorry your family isn't respectful either :(

Quoting hadcarmom:

I married Jewish and I converted and my family celebrates Christmas and they don't respect my beliefs and it confuses the crap out of my 5 year old but he seems to believe more what we teach him! I'm sorry I'm mot more help.

[allycally]

OK i know most people dont think of it this way but Santa is the reason for christmas trees and christmas presents,,He is fictional and doesnt represent religious beliefs in my opinoin.Just like the tooth fairy there is a time for these childhood traditions and they are too old for these thing very soon..What is the harm in letting her believe in Santa for a bit while you are rearing her to believe in the truth when she gets older she will understand why and know the truth.Unless she is in a completely muslim community wont she have influence of christain anyway...These are just my thoughts.