Celebrating the Holidays with Your Non-Christian Friends

Celebrating Christmas can be a challenge if you have family members and friends who aren't Christians, especially if you want to include them in your Christian holiday celebrations. Here are some things you can do to include them in your holiday celebrations without pushing your beliefs onto them or making anyone feel uncomfortable.

Instead of sending Christmas cards to your friends and family who are Jehovah's Witnesses, Islamic, atheists, or agnostics, send friendship cards. Just buy some generic cards that celebrate friendship, write a nice note telling your friend or family member that you value your relationship with them, sign it, and send it out. Don't write "Season's Greetings" or "Happy Holidays," and certainly not "Merry Christmas." Buy some Hanukkah cards for your Jewish friends and family. Just be sure to check the date that Hanukkah starts because it changes every year.

If you are a die-hard gift giver, you can usually give your non-Christian friends and family members a small token of your friendship at this time of the year. Don't do this if you absolutely know it will offend the recipient, but most people would be appreciative. Don't give holiday themed gifts, of course - keep your Santa and Christmas-tree-shaped cookies at home, but a scarf you knitted or your famous lemon bars make a very nice token of friendship. For your Jewish friends and family, visit a Jewish bakery for some nice traditional treats you can send.

Your non-Christian coworkers probably won't want to participate in the office "Secret Santa" gift exchange, but always ask first - prefacing your inquiry with a statement such as, "I know you don't celebrate Christmas, but..." If the decline, be gracious and say, OK, we just didn't want to leave you out."

Doing something nice for your non-Christian friends and family members is also a good way to show how you feel without stepping on anyone's toes. Take them to a movie or out to dinner or offer to baby sit for stressed out parents.

It's still acceptable to invite your non-Christian friends and family members over for holiday parties and Christmas dinner (hey, everyone's got to eat!) Don't be offended if they decline. If they accept, be thoughtful and don't expect them to participate in singing Christmas carols or in reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. If your family always prays before eating, either give your non-Christian friends a task to do during that time or understand if they just stand or sit quietly. It's also a good idea to warn your non-Christian friends before the party if they have never participated in your holiday events before.

The key to maintaining a healthy relationship with your non-Christian friends and family is respect. Respect their beliefs, celebrations (or lack thereof), and wishes during the holidays. Don't be offended if your non-Christian friends choose not to participate. Just remember why they are important to you, remember them in your prayers, and enjoy the holiday season.