2023 Author: Anita Thornton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-22 03:30
Baptism (or baby shower) is a unique event in your child's life. This is the time when he is introduced and welcomed by family and friends. Here are some tips to make it a memorable party.
According to the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Quebec (AECQ) and the Quebec Institute of Statistics, less than half of births were celebrated by baptism in 2013, which represents a drop of 50% compared to the 90s. Julie Trahan, mother, says: “My son was baptized at his request. He was 7 years old. It was beautiful. He had an accompaniment with the priest during preparatory meetings at home. It was a very nice private ceremony. Olivier had written a text that spoke of love and he read it in front of everyone. The priest explained to him and us the meaning of each action throughout the ceremony. We had a picnic afterwards. It's a wonderful memory. Everyone present was touched and we still talk about it often. »
Create your rituals
Even if you opt for a secular celebration, nothing prevents you from integrating a special activity to give it a special meaning. Among the most popular, the flightlantern or balloons, a jar filled with wishes, planting a tree or reading a chosen text. The important thing is to bring a spiritual dimension to the party.
Get Ahead
A baptism is an opportunity to introduce your baby to the friends we neglect while the care of a newborn baby takes us over. So that all the people who matter to you are present, make sure that the godfather, godmother and grandparents are available on the chosen date and then issue the invitations several weeks in advance. A Facebook event is gradually replacing invitations sent by traditional post. It's to everyone's taste.
Keep it simple
The important thing is to choose a formula that suits you. If you like throwing parties, blowing up balloons, making announcements or putting the dishes in the big ones, get started! On the other hand, if all this seems complicated and stressful to you, bet on a simple little celebration at the restaurant or in the garden during the summer. The important thing is to derive pleasure during the process, because all the little moments will be part of your memories.
Keep an organization journal
For everything to go perfectly, there is no secret: organization! Make a list of things to do, party supplies to find online, make a playlist of songs, etc. Place an order with a caterer or choose dishes that can be cooked in advance.
The maididea
For a party to remember, Alexandre Goupil-Lévesque, owner of Noowee.com, recommends incorporating an activity that will keep guests busy. For example, a candy bar, a photo booth or a baptism book to sign.
Pick a good time for baby
The vast majority of children are baptized in their first year of life. No legal or administrative notion governs the practice, but for the Church, as baptism symbolizes the acceptance of the child in the community, it is tradition.
From a practical point of view, it is more difficult to control an 18-month-old child who wants to run around the church than a baby who sleeps halfway through the ceremony. Choose a time of day when baby is calm and make sure he has been fed. During the reception, plan a quiet place to retire with your baby to breastfeed, give the bottle or to calm down.
Choose a theme and colors
A few decorative elements or a personalized theme will give a festive look to the reception. For a chic and harmonious look, choose a palette of two or three colors for the balloons, the disposable tableware, the flowers and the cake. Alexandre Goupil-Lévesque, owner of a party accessories store: "It's a shame that the baptism decoration is still so gendered: blue for boys, pink for girls… Why not go with a more original, in yellow, white, gold or mint? »
Delegatesome tasks
On the morning of the reception, ask someone you trust to help you with baby during your preparations. During the reception, put different people in charge of handling the reception, serving the drinks or picking up the empty plates. There are surely people in your entourage who are happy to help out, before, during and after the party.
Stock up on memories
In a few years, your child will be curious about this event around his birth. He will enjoy looking at the photos of the people present. Hire a professional photographer or ask a talented friend to immortalize the event. A video recording also makes a very nice souvenir.
