This weekend we had the privilege of Christening our baby girl. I’m still wrapping my head around the big task we’ve been given. For the next 18 years we made a promise to serve as a spiritual guide for her.
my husband and I are still on our own journey finding God - it’s a bit nerve wrecking to think we’re also entrusted with leading her to Him.
But she was Christened in such style. The dress you see in the photos is quite extraordinary. Its 93 years old!
It belonged to my grandmother. She was Christened in it, followed by my mother, myself and now my baby girl.
It was locked up in storage and we though we had lost it - but by a miracle we found it 3 days before her big day. It was in a great condition and with some ‘boereseep’ and gentle hand wash we managed to get it all white again.
We had a beautiful morning in church followed by a very tasteful gathering with some bubbly and tapas. It also gave us an opportunity to bless her in front of the people who will hold us accountable.
I’d love to share some tips on how to Christen your baby.
1. Your motives
If you are planning to have your baby christened / baptized make sure you know why you’re doing it.
For us it was an outward expression of an inward decision. We want to raise our girl with a moral code in line with ours and the Bible’s. Have a sit down with your partner and decide why this is such a big thing.
2. Getting the timing right
Upon my readings the general idea that came across is anywhere between 2 and 4 months of age. It makes sense to me as babies are more prone to have less awake time and therefor will be less likely to give the sermon a run for its money. Once you’ve decided its time it makes more sense to make your promises earlier than later. It was also well timed during my maternity leave so I had time to plan everything the way we wanted it.
3. The Guest list
This list is not supposed to be a duplicate of your baby shower.
Think very carefully about who you invite, they are meant to keep you accountable should your family stray from the path in future. For us it was close family, friends and the members of my connect group.
4. Handling her on the day
Please keep in mind that every guest will want to spend time with her - which can be exhausting on a little body like hers.
Try your utter best to create a calming environment after the service, let her have some downtime inbetween. Pre-empt this before she gets overstimulated, otherwise you’ll spend the next hour getting her to settle again
5. The outfit
If we didn’t find our heritage dress I was planning on getting one from Everli Baby, a bespoke South African baby brand. I’ve had my eye on their garments for quite some time. https://www.everlibaby.com/
Find something unique that you’ll cherish forever, or even something she’ll also be able to use for her kids one day.
6. Choose the Godparents beforehand
I didn’t know this initially, but there is a difference between Godparents and guardians. Godparents are there as spiritual guidance leaders in your baby’s life. Where you falter, they will take up the load. I’m so glad I have a wonderful sister who so graciously accepted to be her Godmother.
We’re so lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who will guide us further in this task. I hope this helps with your planning, and I’d love to hear your tips going forward.
Love
Marguerite
All photo’s were generously taken by our close friend and Pretoria based designer Eduan Viljoen. Please contact me for his info.
All opinions are my own and I’m in no way endorsed. They are not supposed to replace any medical advice.
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