Ada SabrinaMB, actually it was when I left JWs and I suspect based on searching their website still is. I know like me you became a PP member early on before State was a required info bit as you set up your account. But I suspect they or you live in Californi...  moreSabrinaMB, actually it was when I left JWs and I suspect based on searching their website still is. I know like me you became a PP member early on before State was a required info bit as you set up your account. But I suspect they or you live in California, where many JWs with liberal ideas come from. My parents and family are still JWs and they aren't supposed to associate with me much less hang out for a meal. 1 Corinthians 5:11 "But now I am writing to you to stop associating with any so-called brother if he is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, a slanderer, a drunk, or a robber. You must even stop eating with someone like that." Anyone who has been disfellowshipped from or has disassociated themselves from the JW congregation is not to be associated with even if they are family.  less

SabrinaMBowen I wish I was from California. It's my dream to live there. We live in Pennsylvania. And I have family and friends who are and who have been to Bethel. In fact I have a cousin and a good friend there now. They have always participated and the friend's fami...  moreI wish I was from California. It's my dream to live there. We live in Pennsylvania. And I have family and friends who are and who have been to Bethel. In fact I have a cousin and a good friend there now. They have always participated and the friend's family does their own version. Bethel and the WTBTS encourage JWs to keep close to their family who are not JW. Of course the majority of their reasoning is to convert, but they are also encouraged on the basis that one should have an honor and love for their family. I don't know where or why any congregation would tell members they aren't permitted to be around others outside of the faith, but that is NOT what the society pushes. And it goes against all the "rules" to disfellowship for something like that. I can provide you with a list of reasons why they are permitted to disfellowship someone, and having relationships with non-JWs is not one of them. HOWEVER, they are not permitted to have close or ongoing contact with disfellowshipped persons unless they have per...    less

Jim Weeder we will be doing xmas also I would still be living in CA Sabrina if I could afford to!

Elsurie I grew up with Christmas (was raised in a lax Catholic household), the Advent calendar and wreath, etc...and as far as I know my mom still does that, but as far as my own holidays now we give gifts, we call it "christmas", but it is more of just...  moreI grew up with Christmas (was raised in a lax Catholic household), the Advent calendar and wreath, etc...and as far as I know my mom still does that, but as far as my own holidays now we give gifts, we call it "christmas", but it is more of just another one of those family get togethers. I am raising my younger daughter (the one I have custody of) to be open-minded about religions of all sorts and letting her choose her own path. Unfortunately my elder daughter has been brainwashed into being a die-hard "crazy" baptist...that's not to say I have a problem with those of the baptist faith, but the grandmother that is teaching her is an absolute basket case, and thus is teaching her that baptist is THE only good thing, and God is THE creator, and if anyone tells her otherwise, they are sinners and shall burn. Great things for an 8 year old to be told. But I digress...no specific holidays for us, just family.  less