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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Op here, again. I just realized there is a similar thread about Hanukkah, sorry if a lot of the same thoughts are being covered on this thread. But here is what makes it different - many of the Hindu festivals we celebrate (Ganesh Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi, Navrathri, Dusshera, Diwali) are not this time of year (they are late July to early Nov), unlike Xmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza, etc.  And basically NONE of these holidays are about gifts, whatsoever. we get new clothes for Diwali, but otherwise the holidays are a time of faith, family, food...lots of food. and fireworks during Diwali. its fun. we're happy to celebrate them all.

Back to the Christmas tree. Whether or not it was coopted by the Christian faith some years ago is not relevant to me - now I view it as a symbol of Christianity. We have plenty of Christian friends, we go to their houses for Christmas parties, we make xmas parties with neighbors, we exchange gifts with friends, we usually find carolers to listen to, and sometimes we go to midnight mass even because we think its beautiful. I can appreciate the beauty of this faith without having a tree, wreath, or cross in my house. Same with Judaism; every year we are invited to our good friends' large gatherings for Passover, High holidays etc. we even know some of the songs now, and my older daughter knows how to make a latke. We think its beautiful but we're not going to have a Menorah in our house.

I hope this makes sense. We are not a very organized religion, and we tend to get overlooked by other 'stronger' faiths (i.e. monotheistic) which is why I DON'T want to do a xmas tree. I know my daughter will understand years from now, but right now its difficult.  [/quote]

Yes, this makes sense.  You want your daughter to enjoy the variety of American life and traditions but you want to make it clear to her that you have a separate and coherent tradition that doesn't need a fancy new addition.  That's completely reasonable.  [/quote]

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