|
Post by sharon on Sept 23, 2014 19:58:31 GMT -6
We are thinking of getting together on Halloween with some other families. We haven't decided yet, but it got me thinking. Two of the families in Ian's/our circle of friends would not be able to participate because of religious practice since it's a Friday night this year. Do you think we invite them, knowing full well they have to say no, or not invite them since we know they have to say no? Both seem not great options to me.
|
|
|
Post by AuntSueto4 on Sept 23, 2014 23:25:43 GMT -6
Hi Sharon, You may consider saying something like: I'd really like to have you over on Halloween, but realize that it probably would not work for you on Friday night. Then suggest that you'd have them over the next day, if that would work that for them and you, or that you'd like to have them over at a different time. If they don't celebrate Halloween, then maybe you could call it a different name like: Harvest supper or Harvest party.
|
|
|
Post by sharon on Sept 24, 2014 17:07:23 GMT -6
It's not about Halloween in a way that giving it a different name would make a difference. And honestly I really find it important to call things what they are so I'm not sure I'd go that route. It's just that Halloween is on a Friday. And my son wants to trick or treat with a bunch of buddies so another night won't work. It's more about knowing they have to say no and that we are doing it anyway do I invite them. Still pondering.
|
|
|
Post by onlyoneboy on Sept 25, 2014 10:48:40 GMT -6
I would still invite them. Just let them know that you know there is a good possibility they will have to say no.
|
|
|
Post by sharon on Sept 28, 2014 17:20:55 GMT -6
One family will not know about it, so I'm leaning toward not saying anything. They aren't really friends with the others that we are inviting for the most part and their kids go to a different school. I don't think it would come up.
The one that goes to Ian's school I'm still torn about. Because I feel like they might hear about it. If I see the mom (I'm more comfortable mentioning it to her than the dad) I think I will say something and just let her know we wish they could join us but we know that they can't. But if I don't run into her I'm still not sure what I feel is the right thing to do.
|
|
|
Post by dara1012 on Sept 29, 2014 18:07:51 GMT -6
If you have the parents' contact information I would contact them and say something like: "Our family is having a Halloween get-together with some of Ian's friends and their families to go trick-or-treating and socialize. I know you may hear about it through other kids. Halloween falls on a Friday this year and I know that your religious practices probably mean that you and your child won't be able to attend, but I wanted to let you know that you are invited and we understand if you can't make it. Please let me know if you would like us to extend invitations to you for Friday events in the future or if you would prefer to not receive them. We just want to make sure that you and your child didn't feel excluded and weren't sure how to handle it."
The family may sometimes choose to not follow their religious traditions and make an exception, or they may always be unable to participate in Friday evening activities. That is not up to you to decide. I think letting the parents know of the invitation in a respectful manner opens the lines of communication and ensures that a young person doesn't feel left out.
|
|
|
Post by sharon on Sept 29, 2014 19:16:16 GMT -6
Thank you. I like it!
|
|