Holiday Plates/Platter Instead of Christmas!

[susanr613]

I wrote HO also. I am not expecting anything other then a generic response.

Janet, I'm glad you liked the Seder. I have a Christian friend who has come with me to my synagogue's seders every year for the past 3 years.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Another good lesson Becky - thank you! I know the symbol you were referring to, but not what it meant.

I just chuckle over it - it's my own little nerd joke....they think they are making it a generic word, when really it's just another way of writing it!


(and that's why I'm in the Nerd Group!)

 

[susanr613]

Oh and BTW, I do not have a problem selling the plates - they are very pretty and I am sure high quality. I will call them Christmas plates - why avoid the obvious?

I would have a problem selling or promoting something that doesn't work or is a ripoff.

 

[jrstephens]

Oh, I didn't know that! I always got offended by it because I though people were just too lazy to spell the entire word! (I still think most of the people who do that really are lazy though, but glad to know about the greek symbol)

I am glad to know there is a Greek symbol that means Christ too. But in my experience the ones using "x" are using it to take Christ out, they do not know about the Greek symbol either. I do not think that is something widely known to everyone.

 

[jrstephens]

Oh and BTW, I do not have a problem selling the plates - they are very pretty and I am sure high quality. I will call them Christmas plates - why avoid the obvious?

I will be calling them that too!!

 

[peichef]

I just chuckle over it - it's my own little nerd joke....they think they are making it a generic word, when really it's just another way of writing it!


(and that's why I'm in the Nerd Group!)

I guess I'm in the Nerd group, too, then b/c I was about to the same thing about X-mas. Just the sort of thing that gives me a giggle.

I am not against stores saying Happy Holidays as I think we ought not assume that everyone we meet is a Christian. (I just don't "get" non-Christians who are offended by it, as it is said in the spirit of goodwill.)

I do take issue though with the plates being called Holiday Plates when they are clearly designed with Christmas is mind.

What's next? Nativity scenes bing depicted as "Holiday Scenes"? Give me a break.

I don't have an issue with us selling the plates. But I don't think they should be considered offensive or insensitive to people of other faiths. Our mission statement (found in our catalogs) makes mention of God. Clearly, Christianity was one of Doris' founding principles when she started all of this. And PLEASE don't think I'm saying that PC is only for Christians. Heaven help me, I've probably just started a war with that comment.

I'm just saying that God is referenced in our mission statement so it should be no surprise that we offer a Christmas plate. I think they are trying to make it less offensive to non-Christians with the name -- regardless of how many Christians they might offend.

 

[Christ Follower]

And, even though they may try...even by saying Xmas they are not taking Christ out of Christmas.

X (although I can't draw it correctly on this keyboard) is the Greek symbol for Christ. In Theology and Bible classes during college, I often used an X in my notes to signify Christ.

I was just going to point that out but you beat me to it! I no longer get offened at the X. lol

 

[janetupnorth]

http://www.cresourcei.org/symbols/xmasorigin.html

 

[susanr613]

again, i'm glad that christians also see that it's not a good thing to call them holiday plates.

it's challenging being a religious minority, even if you can practice in peace. as i wrote to HO, i'd rather be ignored than imposed upon. hence, christmas plates are ok, holiday plates are not

to your points, charity:
- i'm not offended that the plates are being offered, but i am that they are called holiday plates.
- belief in God is not exclusive to one faith, so pretty much all monotheists are covered by the mission statement ;-)
- i know you are not saying that pc is only for christians

Jennifer, thanks again for raising this topic. Everyone, if you feel strongly about this, please e-mail the Solution Center. We can't expect HO to read our minds.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I guess I'm in the Nerd group, too, then b/c I was about to the same thing about X-mas. Just the sort of thing that gives me a giggle.

I am not against stores saying Happy Holidays as I think we ought not assume that everyone we meet is a Christian. (I just don't "get" non-Christians who are offended by it, as it is said in the spirit of goodwill.)

I do take issue though with the plates being called Holiday Plates when they are clearly designed with Christmas is mind.

What's next? Nativity scenes bing depicted as "Holiday Scenes"? Give me a break.

I don't have an issue with us selling the plates. But I don't think they should be considered offensive or insensitive to people of other faiths. Our mission statement (found in our catalogs) makes mention of God. Clearly, Christianity was one of Doris' founding principles when she started all of this. And PLEASE don't think I'm saying that PC is only for Christians. Heaven help me, I've probably just started a war with that comment.

I'm just saying that God is referenced in our mission statement so it should be no surprise that we offer a Christmas plate. I think they are trying to make it less offensive to non-Christians with the name -- regardless of how many Christians they might offend.

I am Christian and hate the use of "holiday" when Christmas is really what is meant. I too am tired of Christians having to be sensitive to all other religions but being raked over the coals if we try to talk about our own faith. I am Catholic and there are lots of other Christian groups that put us down too. (My son had a new friend in 4th grade who saw the fish symbol on my car and said "I didn't know you were Christian, I thought you were Catholic").

On the other side of it though, I do feel that a lot of Christians throw Christianity in others' faces. So often I hear about people acting Christian and other such comments. We are people of faith. I know many people of other faiths that are as good or better than me - more faith-filled. It is arrogant of us to think that being Christian is better than other faiths and even though many are humble in their faith they come across as arrogant to those of other faiths by their words. There are times when "happy holidays" or seasons greatings" is appropriate.

That being said, Christmas is the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth and should not be watered down by changing it to a generic term. We don't ask our Jewish friends to call Hanukkah "holiday" for instance. I do look for Christmas Cards that say Christmas. And I send Hanukkah to friends I know are Jewish. They have all told me that Christmas cards would have been fine with them - it's the thought that counts.

I do agree that those plates should be called Christmas plates and that it would have been better if they had been winter scenes so that no one would be left out in the holiday joy. This is why it has taken so long for PC to even come out with such items. IMHO

 

[ChefAlicia]

I get tired of everyone costantly complaining about something from the home office. They try very hard to make the right choices for the company and for the consultants. Why does everyone always have to find something to complain about. If you are not interested in selling the "holiday plates" then don't, don't talk about them either at your shows. But let everyone make up their own minds as to whether this is an item that they would like to puchase. You are never going to make everyone happy.

 

[peichef]

again, i'm glad that christians also see that it's not a good thing to call them holiday plates.

it's challenging being a religious minority, even if you can practice in peace. as i wrote to HO, i'd rather be ignored than imposed upon. hence, christmas plates are ok, holiday plates are not

to your points, charity:
- i'm not offended that the plates are being offered, but i am that they are called holiday plates.
- belief in God is not exclusive to one faith, so pretty much all monotheists are covered by the mission statement ;-)
- i know you are not saying that pc is only for christians

Jennifer, thanks again for raising this topic. Everyone, if you feel strongly about this, please e-mail the Solution Center. We can't expect HO to read our minds.

It's nice to see that we're on the same page. My point about God in the mission statement, though, is (with the exception of Judaism) most non-Christian religions do not call their "high power" God. Our mission statement could, therefore be offensive to Muslims, Buddhists, as well as atheists & agnostics. I choose to believe that most people have bigger issues in their lives than to nitpick over our Mission statement (let alone notice in the catalog).

And, like Susan, the offensive bit to me is the name of the product. These are clearly Christmas plates & should be called such. Anything else seems like pandering. I imagine they were trying to avoid controversy, but it seems like they stirred some up regardless

 

[janetupnorth]

I get tired of everyone costantly complaining about something from the home office. They try very hard to make the right choices for the company and for the consultants. Why does everyone always have to find something to complain about. If you are not interested in selling the "holiday plates" then don't, don't talk about them either at your shows. But let everyone make up their own minds as to whether this is an item that they would like to puchase. You are never going to make everyone happy.

I too get tired of "complaining" that goes on and there are people that do "complain" and are always negative. However, on this thread, I see a whole group of people who normally don't complain, and they are bringing up valid points and expressing logic to go with them. These are the same people who wholeheartedly love the company and defend almost all decisions. AND, they are expressing their complaints intelligently and taking it to HO where appropriate. They are not on here bashing PC.I didn't see anyone who disagreed with the name saying that they weren't going to sell them. They just disagreed over the choice of terms on them.I say let the discussion continue. It was quite intellectual compared to many in the past.

 

[susanr613]

well said, janet!

i'm just happy i won't insult you and my other christian friends when i wish you a merry christmas in a few months

 

[peichef]

I too get tired of "complaining" that goes on and there are people that do "complain" and are always negative. However, on this thread, I see a whole group of people who normally don't complain, and they are bringing up valid points and expressing logic to go with them.

These are the same people who wholeheartedly love the company and defend almost all decisions.

AND, they are expressing their complaints intelligently and taking it to HO where appropriate. They are not on here bashing PC.

I didn't see anyone who disagreed with the name saying that they weren't going to sell them. They just disagreed over the choice of terms on then.

I say let the discussion continue. It was quite intellectual compared to many in the past.

well said Janet!!

I'm not trying to be a complainer about this issue. I do think PC has created an interesting situation & maybe it's good that we are all hashing it out here so that we know what opinions we can to expect to come across with our clients & cluster mates / downline.

 

[lkprescott]

I'm fine with them being holiday plates... I'm not Christian. My family celebrates the Yuletide over the Winter Solstice and we decorate a tree for it has NOTHING to do with Jesus Christ but to do with welcoming nature that remains green through the 'dead' of winter. We also decorate with other evergreens during the Yuletide. Check out the history of the "Christmas" tree, it makes for interesting reading. I have heard of some Christians that have been trying to take over the symbol of the evergreen tree.. saying it somehow represents JC but alas, it's a completely pagan symbol... sorry. Evergreens are 'eternal' life through the death of winters especially in our past (it's hard to think how hard times were while we sit in the winter our heated abodes, with insulation and such)... our ancestors held onto such symbols and celebrated them along with the return of the Sun which noted continuing life for everyone. Which is why Season's Greetings is indeed a blessing and usually what I say to folks... regardless of faith, the passage of the season still holds true as does the '[re]birth' of the Sun and the days growing longer through the Summertide.I'da loved it to be called a Yule Plate but alas, most folks only are familiar with Yule through a few scant carols (Deck the Halls is one) or corny greeting cards "I know Yule love this card"... I'm quite happy with Holiday Plate, so named. Not thrilled with the idea of a glass plate... BTDT but should be interesting to see who ends up buying them.

 

[smarteez2]

Everybody makes a good point, but personally i don't care what they are called, I don't think PC should be selling stuff that seasonal, imho. I would not spend my money on something that can basically only be used once maybe twice a year. Nothing to do with religion at all. If they wanted something nice for the holidays they should have done something along the lines of the dessert plates, the gold and white ones. I think these are tacky to be honest and would not buy them if they were on sell at the dollar store.

 

[pampchefrhondab]

I just wish they would have made the plates just plain green and not w/a Christmas tree on them! They could be used for more then just the Christmas season that way and easier to sell!

 

[susanr613]

So, after all this great dialog....does anyone want to buy my Christmas and/or Yuletide themed platter? I earned one for SAT and of course will not be using it in my home. I also do not like to bring delicate things to shows, so it will just sit in my garage.

PM me with your zip if you're interested.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

So, after all this great dialog....does anyone want to buy my Christmas and/or Yuletide themed platter? I earned one for SAT and of course will not be using it in my home. I also do not like to bring delicate things to shows, so it will just sit in my garage.

PM me with your zip if you're interested.

Oh Susan...that made me giggle! I'm sure someone will want your plate!

 

[susanr613]

i could not resist ;-)

and i do want to sell the platter

because it will sit in my garage, which would be a waste

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Glad I'm not the only one! Besides, Hanukah is all about latkes (potato pancakes) not cake ;-)

Susan, I am learning a lot about the Jewish religion at work, since my bosses are all Jewish. Do you have Mazuzah's in your house? Did I spell that right?

I'm glad you are open to people asking questoins about your faith because I'm full of questions!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I am glad to know there is a Greek symbol that means Christ too. But in my experience the ones using "x" are using it to take Christ out, they do not know about the Greek symbol either. I do not think that is something widely known to everyone.

I knew that, my pastor taught on it one year... but I'm not everyone am I?

 

[Kitchen Diva]

In the business world, Holiday is the politically correct term. I work in an office FT and we are not allowed to say Merry Christmas only Happy Holidays.

Hmmm nothing in the bible about being politically correct...in fact everything Jesus and His Disciples did was considered politically and spiritually incorrect...

I'm still gonna say Merry Christmas and Happy Festivus! And if you celebrate Kwanza or Hannukah I'll wish you Happiness for your special holiday as well.

So I'm gonna be politically incorrect and take a stand-biblically of course.

It used to be okay to pray in schools, put up trees and manger scene's, say Merry Christmas...and now it's not correct to do it in so many facets of our lives that eventually we won't be allowed to say it in our own homes. If you look closely God is slowly being squeezed out of everything... in the name of political correctness... So Jenn, I'm adding some worms to your can!

 

[susanr613]

kacey i have one mezuzah on the doorpost of my front door. more observant jews have them on all the internal doorposts too.

btw, you pmed me on another topic that your bosses say you have chutzpah. from what i observe from your posts, you:
have chutzpah (moxie, confidence, cojones)
are hamish (down to earth)
are a mensch (a good, honest, upright person)
and you have a shayna punim (pretty face)!

ask any questions you want and i will try to answer them. thanks for being interested in learning!

 

[janetupnorth]

I knew that, my pastor taught on it one year... but I'm not everyone am I?

Do the voices in your head keep telling you that?

 

[gothim0802]

You go girl!! I back you 100%! I would love to see their reponse.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Do the voices in your head keep telling you that?

Yes... but it's okay they know me there!

 

[pampchefsarah]

(My son had a new friend in 4th grade who saw the fish symbol on my car and said "I didn't know you were Christian, I thought you were Catholic").

Beth, this made me laugh. When I was in high school I asked a friend if she was Christian. Her reply was "No, I'm Catholic." I just shook my head and said "Catholics are Christian." In fact, you are the original Christians!!

In 2006 and 2007, I was in charge of planning the Seder for our church. We have a speaker come in (David Jafferty) who shows how all the symbols point to the birth and death of Jesus. We didn't do it in 2008, because Passover was so much later than Easter, but I'm sure we'll do it again in 2009. It is truly an amazing event!

No comment on the Holiday vs. Christmas, because I can't say anything different or better than what's already been said.

Sarah

 

[Kitchen Diva]

kacey i have one mezuzah on the doorpost of my front door. more observant jews have them on all the internal doorposts too.

btw, you pmed me on another topic that your bosses say you have chutzpah. from what i observe from your posts, you:
have chutzpah (moxie, confidence, cojones)
are hamish (down to earth)
are a mensch (a good, honest, upright person)
and you have a shayna punim (pretty face)!

ask any questions you want and i will try to answer them. thanks for being interested in learning!

Aww, that's super cool and really sweet! I'm going to show that to my bosses... How cook is that!? I bought some Hamentaschen (sp?) the other day and one of my sales guys that I assist came over and said "You know what those are?" I'm like, how do you think I got so fluffy? LOL Then I told him about my going to a Jewish Deli for lunch and ordering a ham sammie!

I'll get my list of questions together for you. We have Mezuzah's on every doorway at work, except the bathrooms, of course! I do know that a verse from Leviticus is in there- right?