Planning a Non-Religious 'Christening'
Finally, a celebration!
I didn't have a baby shower and I didn't grandly announce my impending new arrival on Facebook with coloured balloons or by posting the scan photo, because foolishly, I worried too much about what other people might think and I thought I was 'protecting' certain people's feelings (Lochy's daddy had previously been married before we got together and several of his/our "friends" made me feel extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome in being with him - so much so that I was nearly 20 weeks pregnant before I 'went public'.
In hindsight, I wish I hadn't done this - anyone that was (or indeed still is) 'unimpressed' can fuck off, I'm not ashamed of my baby and will never deny him, he has just as much of a right to be in this world as anyone else, and he is a sweet, innocent and perfect little human.
Anyway, I've digressed terribly and that was only the first paragraph! The point is; we haven't had any parties yet, so we're bloody well having one now!
I don't 'do' God.
I like to think that I'm a hugely open-minded and indeed respectful person (sometimes too much so; see above paragraph) but one thing I feel quite strongly about is the lack of a 'God'. I absolutely respect other people's beliefs on this matter, but for me, we won't be having any kind of religious ceremony to welcome Lachlan into the world - in fact I'd even go as far as to say that some of what parents and god parents are required to say as part of a traditional christening ceremony makes me feel totally uncomfortable. But I do love the idea of having a little party in his honour to welcome to this big, crazy world, and to celebrate his arrival with people I love. This will be a day all about LOCHY and not about a (potentially but probably) giant, bearded, invisible man in the sky who miraculously created the world in just a week, and created man but who's people don't like the people who aren't like them...
As I say, I'm not here to upset anyone with my beliefs, just stating what my beliefs are, and I apologise if that offends anyone, but I'm only being honest, and true to myself.
So how will a non-religious christening work?
Well, one of the best things about going 'out there' and not sticking to the more conventional religious traditions is that I can literally make the whole thing up without being confined by any guidelines!
Essentially, what I'd like to plan is a quaint little party in Lochlan's honour - we'll thank everyone for coming and raise a toast to him. There won't be 'God' parents but there will be 'Guide' parents (same thing but they won't have to swear on the bible that they'll put god before anyone and teach Lochy 'God's way'). There'll be cake. It'll be in the garden and not a church. I might even choose a theme... the world is our metaphorical oyster!
Pic Above Right: What a cake! Lochy's nursery is a cowboy theme & since I started putting it together I've become obsessed with cacti and succulents!
What Happens next?!
So far I've made a Pinterest board and have been furiously pinning ideas I love that I think will work or can be adapted to fit the situation. There are so many lovely ways to welcome a little person into the world that I think I'll have trouble choosing in the end! Of course I'll write a post all about how it goes and what we went with, but for now check out my board below (its constantly being added to) and see if there's any ideas you like too!
