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want2beamom
Love my boys soooo much!!!
Member since 8/06 10164 total posts
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True love doesn't end with happily ever after...
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Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
We are invited to a little kids "adventure" (thats how it was termed on the invitation). I know the child's birthday is around this time. When we invited them to our child's birthday party, they politely declined saying that they don't celebrate birthdays.
Should I bring a present, or is this not the right thing to do?
Thanks!
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Posted 8/31/13 4:16 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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peanutbutter2
Carpe diem!
Member since 11/10 5287 total posts
Name:
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Maybe this will help: http://thejehovahswitnesses.org/can-jehovahs-witnesses-accept-gifts.php
I guess if you really aren't sure, you could have a gift in the car. If no one else brings presents, return it or get something that you could give to your DC?
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| Posted 8/31/13 4:20 PM |
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
My uncle became a Jehovah's Witness when I was a little kid. He couldn't give us Christmas/Birthday presents, but he did always give us a present every year (usually a magazine subscription) to make up for not giving us gifts on conventional gift giving days.
So I'd say give a gift, bc it's not a "birthday" but and Adventure! :)
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| Posted 8/31/13 5:41 PM |
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MarathonKnitter
HAPPY
Member since 2/07 17374 total posts
Name:
EMBRACING CHANGE
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Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
i had a co-worker who was a jehovah's witness. she and i would talk a lot about religion.
she would allow her son to accept gifts so long as they were not specifically christmas or birthday presents... for example at christmas time, a friend would give her son a generically wrapped gift. the friend would say that the gift is to commemorate the new year.
i said all that to say that i agree with MrsDamonSalv7319. bring the gift, wrap it generically, and offer it as a celebration of an adventure and not a birthday.
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| Posted 9/1/13 8:54 AM |
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want2beamom
Love my boys soooo much!!!
Member since 8/06 10164 total posts
Name:
True love doesn't end with happily ever after...
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by libby2595
i had a co-worker who was a jehovah's witness. she and i would talk a lot about religion.
she would allow her son to accept gifts so long as they were not specifically christmas or birthday presents... for example at christmas time, a friend would give her son a generically wrapped gift. the friend would say that the gift is to commemorate the new year.
i said all that to say that i agree with MrsDamonSalv7319. bring the gift, wrap it generically, and offer it as a celebration of an adventure and not a birthday.
Thank you everyone! So if I wrap it in say, deigo paper, that doesnt say happy birthday or anything, that would be ok?
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| Posted 9/1/13 10:59 AM |
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by want2beamom
Posted by libby2595
i had a co-worker who was a jehovah's witness. she and i would talk a lot about religion.
she would allow her son to accept gifts so long as they were not specifically christmas or birthday presents... for example at christmas time, a friend would give her son a generically wrapped gift. the friend would say that the gift is to commemorate the new year.
i said all that to say that i agree with MrsDamonSalv7319. bring the gift, wrap it generically, and offer it as a celebration of an adventure and not a birthday.
Thank you everyone! So if I wrap it in say, deigo paper, that doesnt say happy birthday or anything, that would be ok?
That sounds good!
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| Posted 9/1/13 11:10 AM |
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AllyMally
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/13 881 total posts
Name:
Alyson
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Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
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| Posted 9/1/13 11:31 AM |
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by AllyMally
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
I believe it's part of their religion that birthdays/holidays are not about them as individuals, so they shouldn't give/accept gifts for these reasons. They have a lot of different beliefs about holidays and way of life. They also are forbidden to drink and smoke.
I see nothing wrong with it. They don't celebrate birthdays, but why can't they still celebrate their child? It's probably hard enough that the kid can't go to his friends' birthday parties, I'm sure they are doing this more for their child to spend time with his friends and have fun than about getting presents.
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| Posted 9/1/13 12:05 PM |
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SeaWolf14
*Crazy Cat Lady*
Member since 7/13 1324 total posts
Name:
Heather
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Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Maybe you can give an "adventure" themed gift?
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| Posted 9/1/13 12:53 PM |
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SweetSarj
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1592 total posts
Name:
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by MrsDamonSalv7319
Posted by AllyMally
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
I believe it's part of their religion that birthdays/holidays are not about them as individuals, so they shouldn't give/accept gifts for these reasons. They have a lot of different beliefs about holidays and way of life. They also are forbidden to drink and smoke.
I see nothing wrong with it. They don't celebrate birthdays, but why can't they still celebrate their child? It's probably hard enough that the kid can't go to his friends' birthday parties, I'm sure they are doing this more for their child to spend time with his friends and have fun than about getting presents.
FYI Jehovah's witnesses can consume alcohol. Not sure where you are getting your information.
Many JW' s create their own special days during the year it doesn't mean they are replacing birthdays or Christmas. We used to have a family day where we can give eachther a gift to show appreciation and love for each other. (I grew up a JW)
to the OP if you want to bring a gift you can but I don't think it's required. They may just want for their child to have a fun time with friends.
If anyone has questions visit JW.org
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| Posted 9/1/13 12:57 PM |
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want2beamom
Love my boys soooo much!!!
Member since 8/06 10164 total posts
Name:
True love doesn't end with happily ever after...
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by SweetSarj
Posted by MrsDamonSalv7319
Posted by AllyMally
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
I believe it's part of their religion that birthdays/holidays are not about them as individuals, so they shouldn't give/accept gifts for these reasons. They have a lot of different beliefs about holidays and way of life. They also are forbidden to drink and smoke.
I see nothing wrong with it. They don't celebrate birthdays, but why can't they still celebrate their child? It's probably hard enough that the kid can't go to his friends' birthday parties, I'm sure they are doing this more for their child to spend time with his friends and have fun than about getting presents.
FYI Jehovah's witnesses can consume alcohol. Not sure where you are getting your information.
Many JW' s create their own special days during the year it doesn't mean they are replacing birthdays or Christmas. We used to have a family day where we can give eachther a gift to show appreciation and love for each other. (I grew up a JW)
to the OP if you want to bring a gift you can but I don't think it's required. They may just want for their child to have a fun time with friends.
If anyone has questions visit JW.org
Thank you. I def "want" to bring a gift, because that's what I am accustomed too, but I don't want to offend them.
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| Posted 9/1/13 2:26 PM |
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AllyMally
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/13 881 total posts
Name:
Alyson
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by MrsDamonSalv7319
Posted by AllyMally
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
I believe it's part of their religion that birthdays/holidays are not about them as individuals, so they shouldn't give/accept gifts for these reasons. They have a lot of different beliefs about holidays and way of life. They also are forbidden to drink and smoke.
I see nothing wrong with it. They don't celebrate birthdays, but why can't they still celebrate their child? It's probably hard enough that the kid can't go to his friends' birthday parties, I'm sure they are doing this more for their child to spend time with his friends and have fun than about getting presents.
I understand celebrating your child, but to decline birthday party invites for other kids and then to throw an adventure day and expect or invite those same people is odd to me. Just as they want to celebrate their child are you not doing the same when you have an actual birthday party? As for their son not going to kids birthdays that has to be hard, but again it is what it is. Plus if it's their choice why tell others no and then do the same thing with a different name. It's having a special day for their son with gifts, more then likely, with out having to reciprocate. I would be pissed if they declined the next invite. If they don't want to celebrate his birthday why not say they are just coming over for a play date? It's the same thing isn't it? I don't know maybe i'm missing something.
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| Posted 9/1/13 4:51 PM |
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by SweetSarj
Posted by MrsDamonSalv7319
Posted by AllyMally
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
I believe it's part of their religion that birthdays/holidays are not about them as individuals, so they shouldn't give/accept gifts for these reasons. They have a lot of different beliefs about holidays and way of life. They also are forbidden to drink and smoke.
I see nothing wrong with it. They don't celebrate birthdays, but why can't they still celebrate their child? It's probably hard enough that the kid can't go to his friends' birthday parties, I'm sure they are doing this more for their child to spend time with his friends and have fun than about getting presents.
FYI Jehovah's witnesses can consume alcohol. Not sure where you are getting your information.
Many JW' s create their own special days during the year it doesn't mean they are replacing birthdays or Christmas. We used to have a family day where we can give eachther a gift to show appreciation and love for each other. (I grew up a JW)
to the OP if you want to bring a gift you can but I don't think it's required. They may just want for their child to have a fun time with friends.
If anyone has questions visit JW.org
Thank you for clarifying. I know my uncle had to quit smoking before he could fully convert...he also stopped drinking, so I guess I assumed it went hand in hand. I was 9 or 10, and he would explain things to me, but I guess between him trying to explain so a child would understand, and also, me being a child, I got some of the info wrong.
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| Posted 9/1/13 6:16 PM |
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BeachGrl
LIF Adult
Member since 10/11 2140 total posts
Name:
Kristy
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by AllyMally
Posted by MrsDamonSalv7319
Posted by AllyMally
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
I believe it's part of their religion that birthdays/holidays are not about them as individuals, so they shouldn't give/accept gifts for these reasons. They have a lot of different beliefs about holidays and way of life. They also are forbidden to drink and smoke.
I see nothing wrong with it. They don't celebrate birthdays, but why can't they still celebrate their child? It's probably hard enough that the kid can't go to his friends' birthday parties, I'm sure they are doing this more for their child to spend time with his friends and have fun than about getting presents.
I understand celebrating your child, but to decline birthday party invites for other kids and then to throw an adventure day and expect or invite those same people is odd to me. Just as they want to celebrate their child are you not doing the same when you have an actual birthday party? As for their son not going to kids birthdays that has to be hard, but again it is what it is. Plus if it's their choice why tell others no and then do the same thing with a different name. It's having a special day for their son with gifts, more then likely, with out having to reciprocate. I would be pissed if they declined the next invite. If they don't want to celebrate his birthday why not say they are just coming over for a play date? It's the same thing isn't it? I don't know maybe i'm missing something.
I kinda agree with this. It seems unfair to me. I knew they didn't celebrate birthday's but I didn't know they had "adventure" parties to take the place of birthdays and still receive gifts.
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| Posted 9/1/13 8:40 PM |
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want2beamom
Love my boys soooo much!!!
Member since 8/06 10164 total posts
Name:
True love doesn't end with happily ever after...
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Re: Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
Posted by BeachGrl
Posted by AllyMally
Posted by MrsDamonSalv7319
Posted by AllyMally
Ok I guess i am naive here but a JW can receive a gift but can't give them unless it's a just because thing? Why have an adventure? Sounds like a birthday in disguise and if they declined my child
s birthday I would decline the adventure. It's the same thing just a different name so they can get gifts for their child. Sorry maybe I am wrong.
I believe it's part of their religion that birthdays/holidays are not about them as individuals, so they shouldn't give/accept gifts for these reasons. They have a lot of different beliefs about holidays and way of life. They also are forbidden to drink and smoke.
I see nothing wrong with it. They don't celebrate birthdays, but why can't they still celebrate their child? It's probably hard enough that the kid can't go to his friends' birthday parties, I'm sure they are doing this more for their child to spend time with his friends and have fun than about getting presents.
I understand celebrating your child, but to decline birthday party invites for other kids and then to throw an adventure day and expect or invite those same people is odd to me. Just as they want to celebrate their child are you not doing the same when you have an actual birthday party? As for their son not going to kids birthdays that has to be hard, but again it is what it is. Plus if it's their choice why tell others no and then do the same thing with a different name. It's having a special day for their son with gifts, more then likely, with out having to reciprocate. I would be pissed if they declined the next invite. If they don't want to celebrate his birthday why not say they are just coming over for a play date? It's the same thing isn't it? I don't know maybe i'm missing something.
I kinda agree with this. It seems unfair to me. I knew they didn't celebrate birthday's but I didn't know they had "adventure" parties to take the place of birthdays and still receive gifts.
I'm not sure if it's meant to take place of his bday...just what I am assuming. And I have no problem going and giving a gift...it doesn't matter to me if they give my children gifts...I want to give a gift, just was not sure if it's acceptable. Don't want this to turn into a religious debate at all 
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| Posted 9/1/13 9:50 PM |
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LovinLife37
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/13 37 total posts
Name:
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Jehovah's Witness question-birthday related
I don't think an eye for an eye works in this situation. I would use the opportunity teach my hold about differences in others, I would bring and "adventure pack" for the child. I believe JW do not celebrate birthdays by somewhere in the bible John the Baptist asked for someone's head on a platter and after being told he could have whatever he wanted he received it. (I could have a name wrong in there, i am catholic). I commend this parent for trying to make a special moment in her child's life!! Good luck!!
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| Posted 9/2/13 12:05 PM |
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