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.

"I probably should add that I know the host very well. Related to her."
Hopefully well enough t point out the absurdness of her demands request?

Chippednailvarnish I would but she makes crap just like that and would love it! :O

In time honoured Mumsnetting tradition phone her and politely yell ' YOU ON GLUE BITCH'? By courtesy of tidydancer's Gluezilla thread.

I'd send a really concerned reply

'Oh dear it seems you've made a mistake on the invite, it says "naming ceremony", hahaha imagine if you were doing that for an 8 and 5 year old hahaha I'd get my money back from the stationers if I were you OK byeeeeee'

I'm puzzled as to what all these guests that are going to flock to the ceremony (of course!) are actually going to do for three hours. Drink pop and listen to eulogies about sprogs one and two?

I don't get it.

Do they not have names yet? Are they thing 1 and thing 2?

I am genuinely puzzled as to why a 5 and 8 year old would need a naming ceremony. Please message her and ask why? Just, 'WHY?'

Is it a secular venue? They haven't suddenly got religion?

i was just wondering what the 'no alcohol, despite there being a bar' thing was about.

You need to go in an adult sized christening gown. Get a white nightie from primark or something. And all the other adults too, males included.

If they hadn't had any kind of celebration when the DC were babies and were just surfacing from the early years and thinking hell we've not had a party then maybe. But I still wouldn't expect a strict gift list WTF. Would expect some kind of food for making the effort of going along. And wine too We'll decide who's driving thank you very much!
What kind of party is this after all!

Really? Sounds like an excuse for a (crap) party and gifts for the children. No, I wouldn't attend.

We had naming ceremonies for our but it was a party at home, lots of children, food, drink (non/alcoholic) and fun. Very relaxed and with 30 or so people. For one of them I just cooked up a big batch of chilli (and a vegetarian one) and rice for people to help themselves to. Not hard!

But the kids gave surely had birthday parties, Juggling? If it takes 8 years to emerge from the fog of the newborn days, they're far too lightweight for this parenting lark.

have

" Are they thing 1 and thing 2? "

'You need to go in an adult sized christening gown'

That's brilliant. Make sure you have a dummy in your mouth and carry a teddy bear as well. And use a baby's bottle to drink White Russians all day long

"Dress code is 'christening attire'. I wonder if she expects me to fit into a christening gown."

Dare you"!! - although we will need photos for proof and we need all guests to do it

Dress code?!
What is it btw?

Oops late xpost !

Tell her to set up one of those annoying donation/fund me websites.

The event is no less shamefully grabby and this way I think people would happily donate not to attend.

No way you'd get me in a frock for the privilege of buying a voucher for 2 kids with the hospitality of some soda and nuts

You could rsvp with 'fantastic, I always disliked Jane and John's names' and enclose a list of suggested names.

The whole thing sounds hideous. And the only thing that might make it bearable - alcohol - has been banned. Don't go.

Get something like this made into a card and send it with your decline.

That is totally crazy! I never got my kids Christened either, they are teenagers now but would like some cash or gifts - think I'll hire the community centre, chuck a few crisps in bowls and Bob's your uncle....

'You need to go in an adult sized christening gown'
Ah this thread has me in stitches. How weird wanting a naming ceremony for a 5 and eight year old. Would be tempted to gift a baby names book.

Sounds like having an engagement party long after you've got married i.e. barking.

Farandole

Snorting at thing 1 and thing 2!