to tell her to jog on? naming day

[bettyberry]

Just received an invite to a naming ceremony.

Its a non-religious thing and is mostly people giving speeches and dedications to the children (Part of me is thinking of the scene in sleeping beauty where the fairies bestow gifts on the baby)

There is a dress code, a gift list (no deviating!) and strict instructions not to drink alcohol even though the venue has a bar.

There will be no food provided for the 'party' just snacks (crisps, nuts etc) or drinks apart from soda.

It is 3 hours long, early evening, right around dinner time.

The children haven't changed names, no blended family, marriage or ensuring DCs have the same surname etc (I'd still be a bit for these but understand the value of celebrating a 'new' family set up) parents have been together 10+years.

The children are 5 and 8.

To me it all feels a bit grabby (the specific gift list) and that the host (the DCs mother) is feeling a bit put out both her sisters have had babies recently and no one is interested in her spoilt children.

Please tell me I'm not going barmy and this really is just a 'look at me, I'm here! Look at me!' thing.

Surely this is a wind up?! Awful!

I'd be declining dammed fast (and send a book token for each child so they can pick something. But that would be generosity).

5 and 8?
Ridiculous. Don't go, don't send anything.

I thought you were talking about a christening alternative for a new baby! 5 & 8?! WTF?

I'm with you PaulAnka Sounds very random if the kids are 5&8. Don't go op.

No PaulAnkaTheDog its not. I wish it was! I probably should add that I know the host very well. Related to her.

I'd be a bit about it but would probably go along and smile. Were it not for the existence of the gift list, the strictness of the gift list and the alcohol injunction. Awful.

Have I missed something, how can it be a naming ceremony if no one is being named?

These 'naming ceremonies' make me vomit in my mouth a little bit anyway, but for 5 and 8 year olds? That's ridiculous!

I'd be half inclined to go, with no gift, not following the dress code, and drink the bar dry! But that's just me!

Yikes!

I expected you to say for a baby, not school aged children.

Sounds to me like the mum is jealous of the new additions and wants the attention back.

She isnt my sister is she? She has had a baby 9-12 months after mine or my brothers DC were born.

Wow, maybe I could have a naming ceremony for myself. Off to draw up a gift list. No, I'd have to decline, thank them politely and send a card to each child "Happy John and Jane Day".

How do you even know people like this?!

Hoplikeabunny me too! I was under the impression naming ceremonies were the alternative to christenings and to welcome the baby to the entire family but we've already done that!

RockerMummy184 That is all so very tempting

I wouldn't go, and I wouldn't send a gift.

Sorry, I got to the ages, and had to sit on the 'agog bench'. Seriously? I mean Christening in general are usually bad enough, but that's something else. I wouldn't go, I'd probably tell her why as well.

A ceremony to unveil the names they've been using for 8 and 5 years? What sort of idiot would actually plan a party round that?

Dare you to phone her up and ask her what the fuck she thinks she's playing at.

YANBU

Yup turn up with an off list gift and get horriblely drunk, you know the mascara running, crying, telling everyone you love them type...

When is it? Please go and tell us all about it!

Oh dear......reminds me of some 'friends' who rushed to renew their wedding vows just before we got married as we had the audacity to invite mutual friends from their social circle!

Barmy!

You're not the Mad Womans sister with a new baby are you??

I wouldnt entertain this for a second. How can they not see how ridiculous this is?

Id just decline the invite and say no more about it.

What's the dress code?