Argh and non-parenting advice

[geminigirl]

After the battle of Nap, which finally culminated in nap winning, even if nap won in my lap, the cat decided to climb onto the kitchen counter where he isn't allowed. And if I got up and moved the cat, I'd wake the napping baby. So I left the cat alone, misbehaving (and he knew it, too) and decided nap was more important. Until the cat decided to attack my plant, at which point the idea of cleaning potting soil off the beige chair won. So we tried Nap in the swing instead and it didn't work very well.


*sigh*

And the advice part-

Does anyone know what the appropriate kind of gift to give for a Christening is? We have one on 8/24.

Comments

[goingdriftless.livejournal.com]

I assume you're talking a Christian christening? I know, I know... most of them are... :) Some little memento, typically... a picture frame or photo album... a little piece of jewelry (obviously more for a keepsake than to be worn)... a special book with a handwritten note in the cover... a Christmas ornament inscribed with the occasion and the date... pretty much any little trinket you could get at a Christian bookstore... Or if you wanted to go with something more practical, you could give, say, a "Veggie Tales" video... I already mentioned a book... If it's a Catholic ceremony (which I'm guessing it's not, else you'd have called it a Baptism), you could give a special rosary... A children's bible or a book of kids prayers... The same sentiment without quite the same religious implication would be a book like, "Children's Letters to God" which is adorable no matter what your religious practice... Something small and engraved from a shop like "Things Remembered" (a child's fork/spoon set or a cup or little jewelry box or something).

Just think "keepsake" and "Hallmark" and give something little that you're comfortable with along those lines. It doesn't necessarily have to be religious in nature. Just more "thoughtful" in nature as opposed to "practical" is how I would go.

Did I help or just confuse?

[geminigirl]

It is actually Catholic. I said "Christening" cause that's what her Mom said. The two terms, I admit, confuse me to no end-I don't know the difference. If it were a Jew thing,I'd be fine.

You helped.

[sandboxdiva.livejournal.com]

From what I can tell, based on some scanning of Wikipedia and M-W.com, christening refers basically to naming, whereas baptism is the sacrament of initiation.

As for gifts...in my experience, the usual gift for any sacrament is just cash and a card.

[geminigirl]

I wouldn't have any idea how much cash to give. :P If it were a Jew Thing, I'd give a multiple of 18.

Would a baby be both baptized and christened?

[sandboxdiva.livejournal.com]

Technically, I guess both are happening...it's not really an official naming ceremony, though the priest will call the baby by his or her name as he pours the holy water, and that's the name used for the church records and on the certificate. The main point is that it's an induction into a community, even if the kid is still referred to as Baby Girl Smith.

if you go with cash, keep it modest - $20-25. As someone mentioned above, books would also be appropriate. They don't have to be religious in nature (though I agree that 'spiritual' would be nice), but nothing overly commercial, either. (maybe Pat the Bunny?)

[fj.livejournal.com]

So I guess throwing the baby at the cat was out, huh? Did you have nothing else to throw?

[geminigirl]

Not without risking knocking the plant over or hitting the blender and breaking that. I relocated one of the spray bottles though nearer to where I usually sit.

[jpallan.livejournal.com]

Traditionally, something silver and engraved. Knowing the traditional starting place should put you where you need to go, I'd think.

[geminigirl]

Silver and engraved does make it much easier.

[aliki.livejournal.com]

If you go to the "gift shop" next to some bigger churches/cathedrals, there are whole sections for baptisms/christenings. Pick up something silver like a photo frame, a book, or a rosary. And normally include a card, and $25 cash or so.

[puzzld1.livejournal.com]

I always do the multiple of 18 anyway with an explanation. It comes from our hearts and traditions and in my experience is well received.

[geminigirl]

I thought about doing that-the parents of this child have attended Rosh Hashanah and Pesach at my house, and are probably the type who would appreciate the idea.

[vix.livejournal.com]

I'd go with a crucifix necklace, wall-hanging crucifix, or a Bible myself.

Do you have lots of plants? A green thumb or two?