Question on Christmas and work

[beyurslf]

We just had our weekly Friday "meeting" at work. It is very informal. Everyone gathers together on one side of the floor and the supervisors give any updates and tell us how we are doing. It is normally very quick and usually just a relaxed "fun" time. Today, when we met, they made a few annoucements and then asked everyone to join in singing Christmas songs.

Does anyone else think this is weird? It is a mandatory meeting. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. They didn't sing any religious songs, but still. What about those who don't celebrate it at all? They could have at least said those who want to go back to their desks may do so.

Or am I just being picky?

[Loonman]

1. That's pretty freakin'

(a word I can't say in here)

Lame.

[KensPen]

2. depends

what songs did you sing?

[beyurslf]

4. Nothing crazy like Away in the Manger or anything.

Jingle Bells
We Wish you a Merry Christmas
Up on the rooftop

[trof]

3. Kinda strange.

What kind of business?

[beyurslf]

6. Banking

I work in a mortgage center. We process and underwrite mortgage loans. There are about 700 here. I would say 250 on my floor.

[demnan]

5. No, you should mention this

If they want to celebrate the holidays it is okay to throw a party and provide food. The owners of our company are Hindu and they throw a big party and also have a pot luck informal party and give out presents every year. Your company could do that to.

You mentioned that not everyone celebrates Christmas, I also put to you that not everyone can sing, so this must have been a very painful experience . . . to hear.

[beyurslf]

7. LOL

Well we have a "spirit cheer" that we have to do every week. It is quite painful but we are used to it now. :)

[Shirley_U_Geste]

8. Sounds fun to me!

Jeez, where I work we can't even say the word Christmas, let alone sing Christmas songs. I am a devout atheist, and I would certainly not take any offense.

And besides, it isn't like we have a right to not be offended by anything at work. But that is how some people want it. The company I work for sends people to sensitivity training. What they should do is send people to DE-sensitivity training and teach people to lighten up.

[beyurslf]

9. I wasn't offended at all.

I celebrate Christmas (am an atheist). But I know not everyone does. I questioned it being done at a mandatory meeting. Orginally we were told some people were going to Christmas carol around the building and to sign up if you wanted to. This sounded good to me. The woman who sits next to me listens to a Christian radio station all day at work. While I don't like the music and commentary, she keeps at a respectable level and it is hers to choose.