Advise a heathen on some christening etiquette please.

[katierocket]

BF had two children, one is 5, one is 3. She has had the 5 year old "blessed" - I actually thought it was a christening, church service, readings, party afterards, everyone brought the child a present etc. Anyway, on sunday she is having a christening for the 3 year old at which the 5 year old will also be fully christened (is that the terminology?).

I'm going to be godmother to the 3 year old.

and the question is - am I supposed to buy them both a christening present?

No only your god child, the other child got its pressie at the blessing

Are you really a heathen? If so why are you going to be a Godmother?

I would be inclined to give your Godchild a "proper" present, e.g.Incribed Book of bible stories, engraved tankard, whatever, and a smaller memento to the older child, after all this is his/her baptism too. Alternatively you could get together with the other godparents and see what they are doing, so that all do the same!

You are going to have to say that you will turn to Christ in the service, how are you going to do that as a Heathen?

not having a go, just curious?

No, generally speaking you only buy pressie for the child you are god-mother too.

I would buy a present for both children to be honest - perhaps something a bit more special for your god daughter (although second others' opinions about why she would choose you if you are a heathen )

It's probably christening etiquette to only buy for god child but I think you should atleast get something for the other one, isn't it a bit mean buying for one and not the other particularly as the other is old enough to know?

Agree with what has been said - you only need to buy something for your Godchild. And I don't even think you need to do that. DD2 was baptised a couple of weeks ago, and I worried that people had bought her presents - I wasn't expecting them to.

But, you know the nicest one? A book of Bible stories, inscribed 'To dear XXX, on the occasion of your baptism, with our love and prayers, from X, X, X and X. Because it's something she can look back on and hopefully one day read.

Hmm Katie what church is this? Most insist that the Godparents are christened/confirmed themselves.

You could buy both a christening present, but a special one for your godchild - maybe something extravagant like a large cheque for premium bonds as well as something small to keep. These \link{http://www.wooden.co.uk/PicFrame/1558.html\holding crosses} make lovely christening presents - nip down to your local christian bookshop or church shop, they have all sorts of suitable things.

BTW, mine are 6 and 7 and dd1 knew it was her sister's special day, and didn't worry that she didn't get a gift, even though she could see all these things coming her sister's way.

you cant buy one kids without the oher - the other kid will be devestated - its impossible to grasp to him that "he's has his lot"

even if its just something from the pound shop for him to open.

aggree even if something small and cheap

Maybe it's different here, 'cos dd1 has just had her baptism, dd2 is having her First Holy Communion this summer.

\link{http://cgi.ebay.com/LAMB-DOLL-SHEEP-NAMED-FLUFFLES-BEDTIME-PRAYER-GUND-TAG_W0QQitemZ9510602482QQcategoryZ15975QQcmdZViewItem\prayer sheep}
this makes me cry every time. the chap got one from his god mother

you know I'm worried about the church but. I'm not christened myself which means I've not been able to be godparent before but BF reckons her church won't mind! I have to be honest and say I don't really believe but happy to go along with it as I think a lot of her.