to not go to or give a present for a 'Christening anniversary'...

[poldarkeranddarker]

Some background: BIL and DH don't really get on but speak on the phone about once every month. They have one child who's 2 and a half.
BIL and SIL live about 3 hours away from us. We went to her Christening about two years ago but haven't seen any of them since. We send them all presents every Xmas and get their DD a present for her birthday as well.

Now BIL and SIL have sent us an invitation to a 'Christening Anniversary' for their DD which is basically a party to commemorate when their daughter was Christened.

I've never heard of one of these anniversaries.

We haven't replied yet but DH spoke to MIL last night and she thinks we're BVU to not go and not send a present.

What the actual fuck?

AIBU to think you can't just invent random occasions and expect people to rock up bearing gifts?!

missus - I just had to google re Catholic women not wearing trousers and I found it is a, what do you call it, a rule?!

It would explain why the strict Catholic neighbours the wife only wears skirts (her DH is sadly dead) but her children (DDs) wear jeans, trousers etc. I'm just still a little bit at the no trousers for women.

I'm a Catholic and it definitely isn't a Catholic thing. In any event the Catholic church refers to it as 'baptism' not 'christening'.

The whole thing sounds absolutely daft. If the parents want to mark the occasion by going to church, then fair enough. But a party? With presents?

Yep SuperFly, DSil only wears long skirts. Their DD - who is 4 - wears long skirts too but also pants. She's a real tomboy so she'd have a hard time if they insisted on only skirts.

Do NOT go. If you go and this turns into a 'thing' we will all hold you personally responsible!

Puzzled, fantastic verse!

Can't say I've ever heard of this, but I'm not religious, so that's not much of an indicator.

I did find this short 2008 thread on a Catholic forum, no mention of parties, candles and a dessert seem the thing. Gifts/cards are from godparents or parents, not from all and sundry.

Sounds bonkers, even if it actually exists only godparents should send presents surely?

Has MIL been brainwashed into giving a gift for every party and they're hoping to cash in?

Frankly I wouldn't even send a card- the child is going to be oblivious to all of it anyway.

Bizarro. Two of my dc are christened Catholics (don't ask), but buggered if I even remember the dates of their christenings, never mind celebrate them every year

However, I think we would be inclined to go if we hadn't seen family for two years. Probably wouldn't bother bringing presents if I sent them for Christmas/Birthdays.

missus - although my friend and her DS loved their DF I think they were not overly impressed with the strictness - eg when they went on holiday it was endless churches to view rather than the beach etc... so when they grew up and had families they relaxed their own views somewhat. I think the DS is maybe more traditional but I think both his DSis would come down on him like a ton of bricks if he got really hard-line!

Having said that the Catholic church has helped them a lot in many ways - can't say much here but the DD works for them in some capacity so there is that side of things.

That's so stupid. I wouldn't go, I certainly wouldn't give anything. Is this real!?

They are taking the piss

First thing I thought was 'school entrance' andnthey are being very visible in their God stuff

'Pope on a rope'

I'm Catholic (and was an altar server for many years) and it is not a thing. During the Easter services, the oil of Baptism, Chrism and one other is brought in. Some people are newly baptised/confirmed then. The priest walks down the aisle shaking holy water on everyone and we renew our baptismal promises, bit no parties on individual baptism dates.

This Sunday is the anniversary of my 3 kids baptisms. (All done on mothering Sunday just in different uyears)
Just think of the party I could throw

You should go, for the laugh, and take the child a toy Charles Darwin.

www.amazon.com/Charles-Darwin-Little-Thinker-Plush/dp/B000SSWRY6

I actually did this to a friend whose mil is constantly trying to ram her religion down our throats (not my mil, my friend's mil)

Kiddo loves Charles. Next year she's getting the matching Einstein.

Having this and a birthday too just sounds greedy.

The only Catholic 'thing' I can think of is the custom of having a ' name day' on the day of the particular Saint you were named for ( eg, St James). I don't think English Roman Catholics go in for this much if at all but it is or was the custom in countries like France, Italy, etc. Think those involved some celebration and gift/s.

But it doesn't sound as if this is one of those as not only would it be very unusual but surely the invite would say so.

You should go, for the laugh, and take the child a toy Charles Darwin.

You are aware, of course, that Catholics aren't anti evolutionists?

What Lonny said.

Send her an easter egg

What could be a better gift than a glow in the dark, musical Virgin Mary?
www.catholicgiftshop.co.uk/inc/sdetail/musical_crowned_virgin_mary_statue_luminous_25_cm_/1254/1758

And it's from Lourdes!

Did they also invite the Priest who just might have to confirm to the potential school they want their DC to go to, that they are regular attendees at Church and participate fully in Church activities to ensure a place at the Catholic school?

Isn't it a Baptism and not a Christening for Catholics?

Seems odd to me. Unless little girl has been very unwell and it's seen as a sort of Thank You that she's recovered... even that seems odd to me.

I don't think I would go.

The world has gone mad

No. This is not a thing. Please don't encourage them in making this a thing, OP I beg you. This is grabbiness.

Send them a really ugly holy medal, or a donation on their behalf to a charity.

Never hard of a christening anniversary party.... wtf!

Don't go, don't send a gift. Don't even acknowledge this ridiculous, made up, wanky, grabby, non event!

Crazy!

I wouldn't even acknowledge the invitation - id just be embarrassed for them.

Sorry, but Pope on a Rope made me .