# My boss is Hindu - should I send him a card? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 19, 2008, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920 "2008-12-19T16:33:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/it_s_not_rocket_surgery/32/312_2.png) [@It\_s\_Not\_Rocket\_Surgery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/It_s_Not_Rocket_Surgery)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/1 "2008-12-19T16:33:41Z")
I’m giving holiday cards (that just say "Season’s Greetings) to my co-workers. My supervisor is Hindu; they don’t really have any December holidays of note. Should I give him one of these cards? Should I find something even more neutral? ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/2 "2008-12-19T16:37:55Z")
Why not? Whether or not us non-Christians want to\*, we end up celebrating the holiday from the mere fact of everyone taking the day off, plus New Year’s is coming, and that is a big deal. \*Well. I love Christmas, so no one is making me do anything. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/3 "2008-12-19T16:44:08Z")
I think you’re over-thinking - just do it! “Season’s Greetings” is about as neutral as you’re going to get, and won’t offend anyone. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/4 "2008-12-19T16:45:38Z")
We sent gifts to our teammates in India and they sent gifts to us. Our team is a mix of hindus, christians, muslims, and atheists. It’s a secular celebration and we all have fun taking part. ---
**Author:** ![Markxxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5daacb/32.png) [@Markxxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Markxxx)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/5 "2008-12-19T17:06:04Z")
My view is that it’s OK to send someone a Christmas card unless you KNOW they object to it. If you don’t know whether or not he’d object to it, then ask him if it would offend him. If you don’t know him well enough to ask him, then you don’t know him well enough to send him a card. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/6 "2008-12-19T17:17:04Z")
I don’t think it’s ever offensive to send someone a greetings of the season or happy holidays card or any card, actually, that is sending goodwill and kindness. Someone would have to be a real ass if receiving a card filled with good intentions pissed him off. I am not Jewish, but I would not be offended whatsoever if someone sent me a card relating to any Jewish holiday. Anything verbal or written that gives me a positive vibe or a good wish about anything is welcome. I enjoy a “Happy” or “Merry” damned near anything! ---
**Author:** ![Cagey\_Drifter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/7 "2008-12-19T17:58:09Z")
My whole family is Hindu, and they tend not to be offended by such things. ---
**Author:** ![bannerrefugee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c68b51/32.png) [@bannerrefugee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bannerrefugee)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/8 "2008-12-19T18:05:39Z")
I know at least 20 Hindus. I don’t think any would be offended. ---
**Author:** ![davekhps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@davekhps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davekhps)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/9 "2008-12-19T18:11:31Z")
Ditto. Unless the person specifically objects, wishing them well is never a bad thing. BTW, I say this as a Christmas-loving atheist. A good holiday to remind us all to be kind and loving with our friends, family and fellow men, complete with great-smelling trees, beautiful lights and decorations, delicious food, and laughing children? What’s not to love about that? Christmas is a great _human_ holiday, a wonderful gift from a decent faith (a faith that I just don’t happen to subscribe to). ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/10 "2008-12-19T18:46:45Z")
As a non Christian; its ok. Its the thought that counts. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/11 "2008-12-19T19:35:47Z")
There used to be a woman who worked for me who is a Muslim. At Christmas I pulled her aside and said that while I understand this was not one of her holidays, she was part of my team and I wanted to her to share in the joy I experience in the season, and I gave her a Christmas ornament like I gave everyone else. She genuinely seemed pleased and just this week I got an email telling me she missed my presents. So IMO, yes, send him a card - with an explanation if you feel it is needed. ---
**Author:** ![Illuminatiprimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/illuminatiprimus/32/11520_2.png) [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/12 "2008-12-19T22:07:24Z")
Another vote for send it - Hindus tend to be one of the least precious types when it comes to religion, they’re not the sort to desperately try and find offence in everything. I’m sure he’ll take it in the spirit it was intended. ---
**Author:** ![TheScogg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a5b964/32.png) [@TheScogg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheScogg)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2008, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/13 "2008-12-19T23:54:22Z")
Speaking as an Agnostic who was raised Baptist, I would be pleased if an aquaintance of the Hindu faith sent me a card celebrating one of their holidays. It would please me even more to know they probably went through the same internal conflict as we are discussing (Will he be offended if I send him a card? He’s not even Hindu.) yet decided to send it anyhow. Reason being, even though I share nothing in common with/her his faith, I meant enough to them that they wanted to send wishing of goodwill, peace and joy my way. And going along with what Illuminatiprimus said, Hindus seem to be right up their with Buddhists in avoiding the chip-on-the-shoulder, look for a reason to get offended attitude. ---
**Author:** ![atomicbadgerrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@atomicbadgerrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atomicbadgerrace)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2008, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/14 "2008-12-20T00:01:16Z")
Send it. My rule of thumb is–would I be offended if they sent _me_ something suggestive of their religion? Usually, no. That is, if my boss were Hindu, and he was to send me a Happy… Hindu day? card… I’d think it thoughtful. ---
**Author:** ![BrightNShiny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@BrightNShiny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrightNShiny)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2008, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/15 "2008-12-20T00:15:57Z")
I’m a Hindu, and I’m not offend by cards. I am offended by the Christmas newsletter, though. I kid, I kid. ---
**Author:** ![Scarlett67](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scarlett67/32/7387_2.png) [@Scarlett67](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scarlett67)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2008, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/16 "2008-12-20T00:31:03Z")
> [@atomicbadgerrace](#): > > That is, if my boss were Hindu, and he was to send me a Happy… Hindu day? card… I’d think it thoughtful. Now I want to know more about Happy Hindu Day. Is it in any way related to the Happy Orthodox Jewish Man smiley we used to have? ---
**Author:** ![Indistinguishable](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/90ced4/32.png) [@Indistinguishable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indistinguishable)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/17 "2008-12-20T00:33:06Z")
Happy Hindu Day is celebrated by Happy Hindus worldwide to mark the beginning of the winter season. However, you may want to make sure your boss is from that particular denomination; some Hindus are of the alternative Unhappy orientation, and may not appreciate a card celebrating festivities they do not take part in. ---
**Author:** ![atomicbadgerrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@atomicbadgerrace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/atomicbadgerrace)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2008, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/18 "2008-12-20T02:12:04Z")
> [@Scarlett67](#): > > Now I want to know more about Happy Hindu Day. Is it in any way related to the Happy Orthodox Jewish Man smiley we used to have? Happy Hindu Day is just an invention of department store marketing staff. But you should see the sales figures for Happy Happy Hindu. Who knew catching marbles in a pink Ganesha’s mouth could be so entertaining? ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/19 "2008-12-20T02:57:54Z")
So **It’s Not Rocket Surgery!** should cross out the “Season’s Greetings” message, and write in “happy Happy Hindu Day” instead. If his boss is an “Unhappy Hindu”, he’ll be unhappy about the card, which will make him feel at home. It’s win-win. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920/20 "2008-12-20T03:07:12Z")
Dude! I want to celebrate Happy Hindu Day!! Samosas for everbody! And It would finally give me an excuse to wear a [salwar kameez](http://www.salwarkameezindia.com/ready-to-wear-salwar-kameez.htm). 🙂 And send the card to your boss. I’m Jewish, and I absolutely hate it when people make a big deal out of making sure they don’t “subject” me to Christmas stuff. Like if there are a bunch of people standing around, they’ll say “Merry Christmas!” and then turn to me and pointedly say “and happy Chanukah.” :rolleyes: Really, I can handle being wished a Merry Christmas. They won’t revoke my Jew card. I promise. I mean, I know they’re trying to be considerate, but it feels like they’re a bunch of schoolkids dancing around me going “you’re an oddball! you’re an oddball.” I just wouldn’t send one of those “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” cards to Mr. Patel. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-boss-is-hindu-should-i-send-him-a-card/477920.md?page=2)