My son's teacher covers her head, I was wondering if there is anything I need to consider if I want to give her a nice scarf as a Christmas gift. Can buy any scarf I like or does it has to be something in particular (besides the size I guess). I was planning in giving all the teachers the same gifts (cookies, chocolates and cocoa) but I ran into a very nice and beautiful scarf and got me thinking if this would be a more thoughtful gift.
Thank you for your help and input and sorry for the noticeable ignorance
I think it is a wonderful idea. Even if it is not one she would wear on her head, she could use it as an accessory elsewhere. I got my son's teacher last year a beautiful scarf, he actually picked it out. She is a lady who "dresses" every day. I subbed at the school and saw her wearing it on different occasions, once as a scarf around her neck and another time as a belt around her waist. She commented each time on how much she liked it.
I'd give it to her and say it's a Christmas gift out of appreciation for all she does for your child. If you have a gift receipt she can return it if she doesn't like it.
Most people, when addressed with respect, will appreciate a gift, even if you're not celebrating the same thing (Eid, I think) that she is. We live in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood and have gotten fruit baskets for Christmas and other goodies for Jewish holidays. For me, it's about respect and I'm frankly flattered that they feel close enough to us to include us in their holidays or think of us during ours. I don't think it's disrespectful to include her in the gift giving. I'm sure that she's been gifted before.
I think that is very thoughtful. Regardless of religious background or ethnicity everyone appreciates a thoughtful gift. You can give her the scarf and say Happy Holidays no offense in that at all! If the scarf is generous in size I am sure she could use it as a covering if not she can use it in other ways.
As long as its not loud colors generally they accept any type of scarf for head wear. If she is of a certain type of Muslim, she may only take dark colors like black or navy. Bright colors or intricate patterns will attract stares and that is what they are avoiding by covering themselves. Consider the material its made of, if its a non-breathing material it could cause itching, or trap heat inside, so if your in a warm humid climate consider the materials.
Other than that its a wonderful idea. I am not Muslim, but dated a muslin in Morocco for several months. While there I wore scarves in public, not because he made me do it, but because it was more respectful and I didnt get so many stares and talk behind the hands. His female relatives helped me with them, and they gave me good advice.
You might want to consider calling it something other than a Christmas Gift, as Muslims don't celebrate Christmas. You could call it a Thank You present or a Holiday present. Either way, I'm sure she'll appreciate your gift.
I have no advice, as I am not Muslim. But I think that is a beautiful idea :-)
wow, I am a Muslim Lady (not covered though) and really this is so thoughtful of you. I think its a great idea, and it will mean a lot to her. It will mean that you do respect her beliefs even if it is not the same as yours and that to her will mean the whole world... My hats off to you.
I am also in process of giving Xmas gifts to my 2 daughters school / daycare teachers.. and I am doing the same.. giving cookies, cocoa & chocolates:)
You don't state that his teacher is a Muslim woman, only that she covers her head. (Do you KNOW that she is?)
I think that it would be more thoughtful to ask her if she even wants a Christmas gift. Muslim people do not typically celebrate Christian holidays, even for the convenience of fitting in or sparing feelings. I'm sure that as a teacher, she probably accepts gifts from her children, but you seem to want to be particularly thoughtful.
I know a Muslim woman who wears very beautiful scarves. Sounds like a great idea!
I know and work with many Muslim women. Depending on what sect they belong to would depend on what type of head covering they wear and how they wear it. Even if the scarf is not quite the type to use as a head covering I know many woman who cover with 1 scarf then wear a second scarf for decoration. Like others said as long as it isn't too brightly colored I think it would be a very nice gift. Also I don't think she would care what you call the gift (Christmas, holiday etc.) I'm sure she will just appreciate the thought!
That is so thoughtful! I'm in the same situation myself.
