So, I have recently (this school year) started working at a preschool. In our class we have a main lead teacher (my boss), and 2 assistants (me and 1 other lady). It has been really great. Everyone is so amazing to work with and I've really never had such an amazing boss. I know it's still a little early to be thinking about christmas gifts, but I wanted to get them both something. Most likely a gift card to a store they like. My co assistant and I were talking last week and I was telling her that I'm going to get an early start to my christmas shopping this year since I usually am I last minute shopper and I get stressed with the crazy crowds, lol! She told me that she does not celebrate christmas. She is not a christian and so it's just like any other normal day. They do not do gifts in their family and never have. Her religion is sikh. I do not know a lot about that religion, only a couple things that she has told me. So, what should I do? I am going to get my boss a gift card, but I would feel bad to get my boss something and not my co worker. I don't want to offend her either if I do get her something knowing she doesn't celebrate.
What should I do? Thanks!
Just give her a gift card to thank her....maybe at Thanksgiving so it for everyone...rather than at Christmas/holiday season.
I would give her a gift card too but not one that mentions Christmas. I would put it in a card or note that said it was an appreciation gift, describing how you enjoy working with her.
Respect her religious beliefs (or not) and don't get her anything. She already told you no the best way she could. She will be fine, she has dealt with this all her life.
Some other time, you can ask her out to lunch or some other nice gesture.
I would not give her anything because it might be misconstrued at a Christmas gift. After Christmas tell her you would like to treat her to lunch sometime. Or wait till new years and give her a happy new year gift.
You could still get her a gift card, but instead of a Christmas card, like a "thank you for being awesome" kind of card. Hallmark has a lot of great ones, even blank you could fill in.
Don't buy her anything. She made her expectations clear when she told you she doesn't celebrate, and anything you give her could be construed as a Christmas gift. Wait until Teacher Appreciation week to get her something special.
Maybe she would allow a small donation to her place of worship?
To me, I would be very appreciative..
Also, I have learned that when it comes to religious holidays, when a person gives me something, it's not necessarily because I am a part of their religion, but rather THEY are celebrating... and because of that, I feel good in helping the person celebrate. so IF for the Catholic that means I receive a Christmas card, then I know that they are celebrating something special to them.. same goes with Jewish people and or other cultures.. For years, I thought a person needed to celebrate my religion/spirituality in order that they become a part of my celebration.. but I no longer view it as such..
They needn't believe in what I do.. but if you are friends with someone, then sharing a piece of their cake .. so to speak isn't a bad thing..
Same goes with blessings/praying... While I am not strictly religious, I used to get upset if someone said they would pray for me and or bless me... Then I realized ... HEY! you want to pray for me and or bless me.. why not, I CAN use all the help I can get.. :) :) and now, I look forward to all the blessings/prayers I receive and in some cases, didn't even have to ask for.. :)
To show respect for her beliefs, what if you just gave her an appreciation card and a gift card? Just don't do anything Christmas themed, whatsoever.
Ask her if she EVER recieves or gives gifts. I know some ppl of another religion who only received or gave gifts on passover. no other time. Perhaps this rule applies to her religion too. I tried Wikepedia but most of it was vauge. There are some points like the religion does not cut hair.
Give her a nice card and maybe a giftcard to starbucks. Mostly everyone I know would appreciate that---I would think she would like it alot!
For the person who does not celebrate, I would donate a book to the preschool classroom in her name. You could inscribe it with a marker very simply and let her know that you wanted to acknowledge her friendship in some way.
As for the preschool teacher, do something small to acknowlege how much you enjoy working with her, but see if you can find out what the culture is around that school. If they don't exchange gifts you don't want to make her uncomfortable! Ask the co-assistant outright what the deal is. I'm sure she'll tell you.
I would do 1 of 2 things: 1. Tell your co-worker that your plan was to get her and the lead teacher gifts. Since she doesn't celebrate Xmas, would it offend her if you gave her a gift as a recognition of your appreciation for her helping you, showing you the ropes, etc. or in honor of your friendship? If she says no, then give them both gifts just make sure her's isn't too Christmas-esque (skip the Santa gift wrap! LOL). Maybe go with more of a "winter" theme for gift wrap/bag/card. If it would bother her if you gave her a gift, tell her you understand perfectly and will honor her wishes. Then, when the time comes, give the lead teacher your gift in a moment when it's just the two of you, without fanfare. or 2. Give the lead teacher a Xmas gift and give the co-worker a simple card with a small donation made to her house of worship or another charity. On the note tell her how much you have appreciated working with her this year and how much you value your relationship (professional and/or friend). Don't expect a gift in return and don't make a big deal of it.
give her the gift if that is what you feel like. Just let her know you're giving her the gift because of the valued work relationship and friendship yall have, you understand that she doesn't celebrate the holiday.
