Should I send a Christmas card to my Muslim neighbour?

[SpidaMama]

I have cards for the 8 houses on my little block. She is my next door neighbour, she is a strict Muslim. I only have grinch cards, I'm not religious 😂

I'm not sure if I should or what to write?

We used to do this. I also used to get a Xmas card from a Muslim lady who had been one of my customers when I worked as a housing officer. Every year until I retired.

I'm Muslim and I wouldn't mind receiving a card from my neighbour. I always send my two neighbours Christmas cards. One neighbour sends us Eid card as well as a Christmas card wishing us a happy new year.

I think Muslims should embrace Christmas more, it's a celebration of the birth of Jesus who is a prominent figure in Islam anyway. We don't believe he was God/son of God but a great prophet.

I love Christmas!

I have friends of all religious denominations and always send a card. I'm not religious so my cards are more "seasons greetings" but it's just a nice thing to do and I put a festive picture of the kids inside too for a bit of fun!

Yes!

Surely when celebrating our festivals we spread the wishes for peace and joy to all, whatever their religion?

I would send a secular card and write ‘wishing you and your family peace and joy in 2023’.

Of course! My mother was a Muslim, she came from south Asia, and she always put up Christmas cards. Then again, my husband is an atheist and also puts them up! As do I, and I’m maybe agnostic!

I think if you were to send a super-Christian holy-trinity baptist type card (if they even exist!), as though you were trying to convert her, or disrespect her beliefs, then no. But you’re not, and you sound very friendly and inclusive. She might not return one, but I’m sure she’d like to be included and hear from you, given you speak kindly of her too!

Why wouldn't you??!! It's you giving good wishes at your time of celebration. Their reaction is theirs to own. I lived in the Middle East and loved all the stuff I got, from all religions. They are just like us...just people, we all love festivals.

This.

I was in Libya for Christmas about 20 years ago. They definitely recognised Christmas although regarded Jesus as a prophet rather than the Messiah. There was even the occasional Father Christmas in shop windows. On Christmas day locals made a point of wishing us Westerners a happy Christmas.

You could always write Season's Greetings in the card if you aren't sure.

Yes, absolutely. Please do. I really can't imagine anyone being offended. People like to feel included even if it's not something they celebrate themselves. Also, I think they might feel hurt if they come to know that they are the only ones who haven't got a card.

hahahaha at 'woke culture erasing claptrap'

Yes- I have plenty of Muslim friends who I send cards to

We have Muslim friends and they all send Christmas cards to us. They also send Eid cards to us. Why not, it's friendly?

I'm Muslim and it's a nice gesture, but I'll be honest, all the Christmas cards I get go in the bin.

Truth be told, all cards I get go in the bin (birthdays, new baby etc) unless they're from someone special and have a really cute message.

@Sara2618 why should we embrace Christmas more? It's a pagan festival and totally against our religion to celebrate (or the birth of any prophet for that matter). We can wish our fellow neighbours and friends happy holidays and be respectful towards them without partaking in the festival itself.

Surely everyone bins them on the 30th Dec or something? Why would you keep a random card from a neighbour? I wouldn't expect anyone to keep a card, I bin 99% of mine.

But I still send them as it shows effort and care.

Yes! I send all my dearest friends cards normally (personal copy instances mean n this year) and they include Jews, Muslims and Hindus. One of my Jewish friends always sends a Christmas card back!

I don't know why I thought I was the only one that binned my cards 😂.

My hubby likes to keep his, maybe that's why.

My friend is Muslim I send her family a happy new year card instead

I would. I’d write “hope you’ll take this in the (non religious!) spirit it was intended - but just wanted to wish you all the very best for the holidays and the new year. Best wishes from all of us at number 23…..”. Or something like that.

I send cards and chocs (and get a card and pressie back) from Muslim neighbours on both sides.

I have Muslim neighbours who decorate for Xmas. Yes if course, it's nothing to get offended about in all honesty

Spread the joy. Please send her a card.

If she is strict muslim then no I wouldn't. Send her a card during eid.

Of course, it’s a cultural event.

Just make it a non religious card

My best friend is Muslim and does Christmas cards. She'd be happy with receiving it.

Oh send her a card - I give one to my Jewish neighbour each year. And she gives me one!

I'd think it would be fine if you want to do it.
Avoid anything overtly religious, obviously.