Do people expect presents at christenings?

Chia

mich13x wrote: »

This is something I never understand, you clearly don't like these people from your judgemental post so why bother sharing what will be a happy day for them with your miserable attitude?

To answer the question, yes of course you give a gift.

Um, calm down, bud. It bothers me that the child will not get the chances at health and education it should have. It bothers me A LOT. And I expressed this in a somewhat light-hearted way. And now I have a miserable attitude and shouldn't attend, according to you, someone who's never met me and is judging based on a few lines written on the internet.

So....remind me...who is it that's judgmental again?

Gloomendoom

Chia wrote: »

We've been invited to a christening; where I'm from this is a religious ceremony

:huh: In my experience, Christenings tend to be religious ceremonies regardless of where anybody is from.

Chia

Newly_retired wrote: »

As you are religious, and as it is a Christian ceremony, you might like to give a children's Bible or similar.
Other traditional gifts include a christening mug, silver spoon etc, or you could find a nice photo frame.
Personally I would avoid toys and either give money or choose something of lasting value.

Sorry to be unclear, but I'm not religious anymore...I just meant that I've only ever attended purely religious christenings and associated after-parties. Thanks for your suggestions, though. I like the idea of giving something they might want to keep around for longer than a toy.

Chia

Gloomendoom wrote: »

:huh: In my experience, Christenings tend to be religious ceremonies regardless of where anybody is from.

Obviously the ceremony will be, but the context surrounding it won't necessarily be.

Chia

sacha28 wrote: »

Wow you sound incredibly judgmental and, on this basis, you would be uninvited from the christening. This would then alleviate any confusion you have over the need for a present.

FWIW, before my lo was born, my OH and I were junk food junkies. When I was pregnant I bought lots of cook books as I wanted better for my child. When my LB went onto solids I learnt how to cook decent, balanced meals and he therefore didn't inherit our bad eating habits. Who's to say your 'friend' hasn't thought along the same lines?

Sorry but you sound horrible and like you don't actually like the people that have invited you so give them a lovely present and don't bother going.

Wow, I've seen the error of my ways. Thanks for sorting all this out for me!

Nah, just kidding. This is a pretty judgmental post. You've got two whole paragraphs of it, in fact. And I sound horrible? Well done getting so much out of two lines. I bet that habit is fun for others whenever you show up online.

See my post to mich13x. Also, about cooking habits - do you know these people? And do you know whether they're friends or family? When you have this information, come back to me with your thoughts on how you might know what I don't know about their lifestyle.

Chia

Lily-Rose wrote: »

I agree.

Shame the people having their baby Christened don't know what their 'friend' thinks of them.

Some people are really terribly judgemental about people who don't cook from scratch.

Many people who cook from scratch, do tend to think they're superior to people who don't, and tend to be very judgemental towards people who have takeaways, microwave meals, ready meals for the oven etc etc...

Where did I say in my post that I looked down on people who don't cook? You assume a bit much. My problem is with a veg and fruit free diet. Other people get good stuff from Iceland - great. These people don't. Fine for them as adults, they can do what they want, but not fine when children don't have healthy options on offer.

Also - "many people"? Now we're judging large groups here? Not sure why the people throwing the J word around have such J-soaked posts.

Chia

enjoyyourshoes wrote: »

OP, you may want to re read your post and consider the details and language you have expressed.

All communication has an underlying sub text, consider what yours is and what your prejudices are.

I buy all my frozen fish from Iceland and make my own fish pie including homemade bechamel with parsley.

Read your sig, and then read my responses to the others here who have tried to help me see the light.

Chia

Right, now that all that's dealt with, thank you to everyone who actually contributed to the thread by answering my question and making suggestions. I appreciate it.

duchy

I suppose the way to look at it is if you would call someone a friend if they discussed you in such terms with strangers.

There were so many ways you could have asked your question without disparaging the parents, their lifestyle and their child rearing style. Unfortunately you chose none of them.

Personally I think you should decline the invitation as you obvious despise them so much. Rather than abuse their hospitality and kindness in inviting you to share their important family celebration.

Kaye1

I bought my god-daughter a personalised memento box with her name on it, so she could keep her precious things in it. I bought it from a small 'home business' (couldn't think how else to phrase this) so it didn't cost that much- around £20 I think. The lady made them in her spare time and they were slightly larger than a shoebox, very sturdy.
It went down very well and my god-daughter has a permanent keepsake. Hope this helps.