For the last XXXX years I rec’d a Happy Holidays card from the non-Jewish Chief Elected Official of our town. This was not sent from Town Hall or at Town expense, but from his home address, and he addressed the cards and paid the postage.
He did not run for re-election this year. Today I received a Merry Xmas card from him.
He no longer needs Jewish votes (not that he ever received mine) so he is no longer sensitive to our feelings. In the past we’d display these cards from local politicians (including US Senators, Congressman and Governor) and businesses in the office waiting room as a form of ‘free’ advertising. My Roman Catholic Italian-American receptionist opened the card, marked the envelope trash and put it in the junk mail pile. My younger daughter tends to look through that pile while having morning coffee then throws it all in the shredder.
We do much of our business with Non-Jews, but do not send holiday cards. We also do not hold a holiday party for clients…..we publish a small advertisement in the local town paper saying that in lieu of holiday celebrations, our firm is donating to the local food and clothing bank to aid all area residents in need as cold weather sets in.