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.