Sorry if this sounds silly. I want to be respectful of Jewish traditions, but I don't know enough about them and don't want to inadvertently offend anyone. My daughter has 2 teachers (they team teach). One is Jewish. One is Christian. I've purchased gifts for both. I prefer to give gifts early, since they get inundated right before the Christmas holiday (when school shuts down for the week). Should I bring in the Jewish teacher's gift soon, since it is Hanukkah? Do I wait on the Christian teacher's gift? (I think I'd rather bring in both at once.) Do I bring them both in early, during Hanukkah & say Happy Hanukkah to the Jewish one? Do I wait until after Hannukah, but before Christmas & do it then?
Thanks everyone for your input. My little one actually solved the "problem" (without even knowing she was). My daughter was so excited to learn about Hanukkah in school that when she saw me working on Christmas cards this past weekend (middle of Hanukkah this year), she wanted to make a Hanukkah card for the Jewish teacher, "since she doesn't celebrate Christmas." She drew a menorah on the front & wrote the teacher's name, drew a heart & her name on the inside of a blank card. She gave it to her teacher Monday morning & the teacher was so touched she actually teared up! Apparently no child had ever done this before. Now, we will bring both teachers this gifts on this Friday (just after Hanukkah & well before Christmas), which is the day of the school's holiday performance & will be a festive day at the school.
I would give them both their gifts on the last night of Hanukkah which is next Wed.(?) That way it will be in time for the one teacher, only a little bit early for the other, not at the same time as the rest of the class, and one teacher won't feel left out.
M.
I would give them both at the same time... what if one gets their gift first, and the other doesn't realize that you are waiting to give them theirs, and jumps to the conclusion that they aren't getting one? Ouch. Unless they are really uptight, they won't mind getting their gift a bit early (or late. however the case may be)... heck, they will probably appreciate that you gave them anything at all! I would give them BOTH gifts during the end of Hanukkah... the christian teacher can wait to open hers until it is closer to Christmas if she wants.
If you'd like to bring both gifts at one time, I would do it now.
Last night was the first night of Hanukkah.
I don't see how you will offend either teacher by doing that. I'm sure they will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
My friend from New York called me last night to let me know about the wonderful latkes he had at a fabulous deli I'm dying to go to one of these days. We made latkes at home.
Anyway, Hanukkah last several days. You could deliver the gifts next week or tomorrow might be nice.
Either way would be fine.
Best wishes!
I would bring the Hanukkah present during Hanukkah, to acknowledge the holiday for her. The other present can be brought closer to Christmas to acknowledge HER holiday. I don't think either teacher would be offended for giving them their separate holidays.
Being Jewish in Texas, I think you are being very respectful of both religons! It's very considerate of you.
(PS - I grew up in Thousand Oaks :) )
Since Chanukah is unusually early this year, I would pick a point in the middle of both the holidays. Chanukkah will end next week, so I would give both teachers their holiday gift right after that. One early, one late, it is perfecrt. They will be so thankful, that it will (should not) matter to them when they got it.
I would do it on the last night of Hanukkah, and then give the Christian Teacher's gift when you would typically do so.
I completely agree with Megan, but honestly how can anyone be offended by such kindness regardless of the date? The holidays should remind us to be thankful no matter what religion you practice. You are acknowledging both holidays for both women and I am sure both teachers will be thankful for their gifts and won't be concerned over what date it is you choose to give!
I would suggest bringing in the gift for the Jewish teacher at the end of the Hanukkah celebration and then bring the gift in for the Christian teacher before the start of the winter recess.
If you'd rather bring in both, then split the difference b/c then you aren't really "on time" for either. Just my opinion, but if you are looking to acknowledge the holiday, you should "gift" during the holiday, not after or before for either. Whichever way you go, I don't think you are going to offend either of them.
