AIBU to not want DS in a Christening dress...

[SarahDuckandMummy]

When he is not having a Christening?

DH side of the family had been hoping to have my DS Christened. The family is not especially religious but feel this is important. DH and I, after a lot of discussion have decided we don't want to have him Christened as we are not at all religious and we didn't even get married in a church. When DS is old enough he can decide for himself if he wants to be part of a religion and we would support him in whatever he chooses.

DH parents were upset about this. They have asked if they can put DS in the family Christening dress and have photos to 'pretend' there was an event and continue family tradition.

Just to add it was only DH and his brother that wore this dress, it's not exactly an heirloom!

AIBU to say no to this? We have said no to a Christening and this seems to be undermining that.

Could you have a Humanist/Civil ceremony instead?
My mum is very RC. DH and I are not!!!! WE git married in a register office. Both DC had Humanist Welcoming ceremonies; they were both very personal and very positive and heartfelt. Even DM said they were lovely, despite her initial cynicism.

I did think about a family party but decided it would be too much stress. It wouldn't be about the baby but about my parents and DH parents competing against one another and showing off in front of extended family. I can't be doing with that!

The OP has considered a naming ceremony......

Sorry

Weird, controlling and disrespectful. It's the sort of shit my PILs might have tried to pull once upon a time, but after years of painstaking training they now save their energy. Can't quite believe the number of posters advising the OP to indulge them, it's 'just a photo', etc. It's NOT just a photo, it's a lie that undermines the version of events where the OP and her DH get to make their own decisions about their own child and have them respected. If you give in it will be the thin end of an unendingly ridiculous wedge, imo. YADNBU