A Typical Conversation
Posted by james0235 on December 27, 2007
Before the holidays the last thing I do at work is typically wish everyone I work with a Merry Christmas or a Happy Easter or whatever. I especially make sure to do this with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. On the day before Thanksgiving 2006 one of these conversations went something like this:
Me: Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
JW: I don’t celebrate Thanksgiving.
Me: You don’t celebrate Thanksgiving? Why not?
JW: I’m one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving or any other holidays.
Me: Why is that?
JW: Because of the pagan origins of Thanksgiving.
Me: Pagan origins? You mean the Pilgrims and the Indians giving thanks?
JW: Yeah. There were pagan origins.
Me: I don’t understand. Please explain further.
JW: Thanksgiving has pagan origins somehow. So we can’t celebrate it. Because of the pagan origins.
Me: OK. Whatever. What would happen if you would celebrate it.
JW: I would be disfellowshipped. Basically, I would be shunned by my family.
Me: For celebrating Thanksgiving?
JW: Yes.
Me: Well, have a Happy Thursday then. Enjoy your day off.
JW: Thanks.
Me: So, what do you have planned on your day off then?
JW: My wife and I are going to my mom’s for dinner. My brothers are bringing their families too.
Me: So, you’re having Thanksgiving dinner?
JW: No! That’s pagan.
Me: OK. What are you having?
JW: Turkey and mashed potatoes. And cranberries too.
Me: Let me guess – you’re also having pumpkin pie.
JW: Yes.
Me: But, it’s not Thanksgiving dinner?
JW: No!
Me: Because you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving?
JW: Right!
Me: OK. Whatever. Have a Happy Thursday.
I have had very similar conversations around almost every holiday with about a half dozen Jehovah’s Witnesses.
homoeconomicusnet said
Yes – the other way is to have mince pies in December but not 24th through 26th as that would be celebrating Christmas (which is pagan).
The only thing is that I love presents now more than ever.
http://homoeconomicusnet.wordpress.com/category/jehovahs-witnesses/