I have very specific etiquette questions concerning hosting a baby shower. Can you help me?

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christina

There are 4 of us hosting a baby shower. What is the etiquette regarding each of us giving the mother-to-be gifts? I am being told that it is etiquette for the hostesses to give 1 gift as a group. If you have a personal gift that it should not be given during the shower. Is this correct? So far, I have not been able to find protocol on this specific topic.

Answer
Decide as a group what you would like to do. If the majority want to give a gift, then give yours a a separate time. If everyone wants to give their own gift, then problem solved!

What is the etiquette for hosting a "Welcome Baby" party after the birth?

Midwest Mo

A fellow student hosted a baby shower for me and another expectant mother. Unfortunately, only 4 people came and even fewer had time to purchase gifts. Despite the low turnout, many of my friends (fellow students) did want to come but it was too last minute: the hostess decided to throw the shower the same week and sent out invitations via a mass e-mail just 4 days prior. The date also conflicted w/a holiday and our exams. I'll be frank. This has been a difficult pregnancy and I'd to celebrate with my friends. This is my first child and DH and I are both full-time students who live far from family. We "need" many basic baby things. Gifts would be a great help. May I host my own "Welcome Baby" party after the birth? If so, may I invite friends who were also invited to the shower? (Remember: the shower invites were sent via bulk e-mail to the entire department only 4 days in advance.) Or would this be considered a duplicate shower invitation? How would I handle registry information?
Thanks so much for the answers. I especially appreciate that you all appreciate that this is a little tricky. When it comes to events that involve gift-giving (weddings, births, birthdays, etc.) sometimes I find it difficult to distinguish a "shower" from an "open house" type of thing. I've hosted many showers in my day and tend to follow traditional etiquette closely. This is why Iâd feel terribly uncomfortable hosting my own âshowerâ. FYI: the weirdest thing about all this is that in the past few months I've been asked by many of my friends "When is your shower?" Many also offered to "help" plan one. I tried to graciously explain that, to the best of my knowledge a shower wasn't planned. I then referred them to the other folks who had also "offered" to help host one. (You wouldnât believe the number of people who told me that I should host my own! Clueless, I guess.) Also, in my case the shower hostess never asked about my registry or what I needed.
FYI: Everything that I've purchased for the baby (and most of the gifts I've received) were all used/secondhand. I'm a HUGE fan of reducing waste by re-using.

Answer
This is a bit of a pickle.

Invitations to baby parties should be sent out 2 - 3 weeks prior to the party by a little card - not by a mass e-mail invitation - you know people have stuff they plan, giving ample notice would put me on your list.

I understand your need for baby stuff, however, it is not like a wedding where you "register" your gifts. Baby showers are a hit and miss.

I suggest a friend send out the invitations for a welcome baby party, you provide little sandwiches and tea cakes and tea/coffee/soda.

I really love the idea of actually seeing the little baby after the birth, what a neat idea to see newborn rather a bump on your tummy.

Invitations could say something like, "Let's welcome Sarah/David to our world" whatever is appropriate and try to include a little picture.

If you still don't have enough, then try going to second hand stores for baby things. There is nothing wrong with this. Just wash the stuff prior to using.

I wish you the best of luck!

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Should I do a diaper shower or have a party with a diaper raffle?

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Tr

I am pregnant with my third child. My cousin has offered to throw a shower but ettiquette says that you should not have multiple showers.Yet I think all babies should be celebrated and that doesn't mean giving a bunch of gifts.

I do not know the gender of the baby and thought it might be fun to do it as a gender reveal party to celebrate the baby and find out the gender at the same time.

Yet I still have a little one in diapers and it would be helpful if people brought disposable items such as diapers or wipes etc. I wondered which would be more appropriate to have a gender reveal party and just ask if guests want to bring something to bring disposables such as diapers or should we just have the party and do the diaper thing as a raffle?

I could use the diapers but don't want people to feel obligated to bring them, in the end celebrating the last little one I am having is what's most important to me.

Answer
I would do a diaper party more and provide good food in a relaxed environment. I wouldn't do a gender reveal and instead consider having guests vote on what they think you are having.

How to Reveal Gender at Baby Gender Reveal Party?

Sparky11

My husband and I wanted to find a special way to tell our immediate family the gender of our baby (my mom found out my sister's baby was a boy on facebook and she was devastated that she found out like that) so we are having a gender reveal party for our immediate family only. We were originally going to cut into a cake and the frosting inside would either be pink or blue based on the gender, but we are having it at a restaurant now so we can't bring a cake in. Any other cute ideas about how we should reveal the gender?

Answer
Couldn't you bring a small cake in a box? You could give it to your mom at the table, she could cut it in front of everyone. It could be a gift from you to her. I just really love the icing idea :)

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What should I get my daughter's babysitter for her birthday?

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Q. For Christmas I gave her a framed picture of my daughter, a Mary Kay Satin Hands gift set, and a Willow Tree guardian angel figurine. I brought her back a T-shirt from our weekend vacation. What should I do for her birthday?
She's late 40s I'm guessing...maybe 50.

Answer
You are an exceptional person. You are under no obligation to give her anything at any time. Yet you have and that is a wonderful thing.

Try a Build-a-Bear dressed like she might dress when she is sitting for the baby.

Gift ideas to give the family that i babysit for?

mandabear

I'm a regular babysitter for a family everyday after school. I want to get them something for the holidays but I really don't know what to get for them. I want it to be something for the whole family.

Help!

10 pts!

Answer
Get them a board game they can play together, or a family pass for ice skating or swimming.

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Opening gifts at a baby shower when you have a baby registry?

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Anondovy

I'm a little torn on this subject. I'm constantly reading that it's proper etiquette to open gifts at your baby shower however what if you have a baby registry and some people have sent the gifts to your home? If some people bring the gift and some send it to your home and you open the gifts, won't the ones that send it to your home feel left out?

Ladies who have had a shower and have had a baby registry please comments and help me based on your experience. Thanks!

Answer
Usually the only presents sent to the house are from people that can't make the shower.
I wouldn't take the gifts to the shower, maybe if the shower was at my house I would open the presents at the shower. If I could wait that long.
After you open the presents at the shower say your thank you's and say thanks for all the presents that were sent to the house.

Should one give a gift at both baby shower and when baby is born?

BrooklynIn

Do people expect to get a gift when the baby is born, if you already gave them a gift at the baby shower? Is that the proper thing to do?

Answer
If there is a baby shower and you attend, then no further gifts would be expected. That is the purpose of the shower.

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What are some good baby gift ideas?

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drooze

My bestfriend's gf is having their baby in about 3 weeks. I need some good baby gift ideas (thought about stuffed animal, clothes, etc, but wanted some different ideas as other ppl will be buying these things) Any ideas?

Answer
Batteries, batteries, batteries...all the baby toys need batteries. Everyone hates to spend their own money on that kind of stuff. She may look at you a little odd when she opens it if she is a 1st time mom, but I promise 6 months later she will be thanking you for every time the baby toy stopped working ..she had a new battery on hand...and the kid with thank you also. Very bad when toys don't work.babies don't understand why and get very upset.

Then give the mom a pampering type gift. Massage or nice spa gift. If you need an idea see below.

What are some good and creative ideas for baby shower prizes?

So-Kalli

Need gift ideas please!

Answer
I just hosted my SIL's baby shower on sunday. We had so much fun!

So long as it is a womens only shower, for prizes you could make up little pamper packs. It doesn't have to be large, expensive OR baby orientated when it comes to prizes.

Packs with things like scented candles, mini champayne bottles, chocolates, small photo frames, lip balms/gloss, bath oils/soaps, body lotions, shower gel, loofah...
Just pick 3-4 small items per pack and wrap up in clear cellophane and decorate with curling ribbon and bows and it will look lovely, be practical and a treat for nearly every woman.

or just boxes of chocolates always go down a treat! Or inexpensive bottles of wine or champayne.

Have fun!

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If you are invited to the baby shower, should you get a birth announcement?

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silly_prin

I think it is tacky to not send a birth announcement to someone that was invited and gave a gift at a baby shower. My mom doesn't think it is necessary because none of her friends kid's have sent birth announcements even though she has been invtited to their showers.

Answer
I have been to about 8 or 9 baby showers and never have received one-- I thought that tradition had been pretty much dried out? Maybe thats just around here (in Virginia)...

Can I buy the new mom a gift for her baby shower?

weerd187

I am going to a baby shower for the first time and I am planning on buying things from the registry, but I also want to get some different cute things, and hand make a few beanies (as the baby is due in December) but I was wondering if it is ok to buy the new mom a gift? Like soothing bath stuff or lotions, spa gift card? Is that ok?

Answer
Of course it is; Mom's not gonna complain!

Sure, it's a 'baby shower' which is typically all about the baby, but if someone had gotten me a spa card or bath accessories, I would have been thrilled! :) It's a great idea that no one ever thinks about - & I'm sure the new mom will be extremely thankful! Us new moms have ALOT on our hands, and a gift like that means alot!

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What baby gifts would you want to receive most?

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Boycott Ho

Seems like the gifts are all repetitive and I want to give something that is different.

Answer
I would go for some other sort of help then....
Ive had 5 babies and although Ive never had a baby shower, Ive been given a lot of gifts afterwards, some that Ive used, some I havent.

It would depend on how well you know the mum. If she is family or a close friend I would make some cool Certificates.
something along the lines of

*this certificate entitles the bearer to - (make up your own hours etc) - Free house cleaning or - Babysitting (must be used before baby turns 18 years old) lol. or something along those lines.

I for one, wouldve much prefered just to have someone to talk to, as so many people think "I dont want to bother them with their new baby" when infact with my first baby, I was incredibly lonely and had hardly any visitors.

Good on you for thinking outside the square.

How to make my baby's 1st christmas special?

Lindsay

Ok Ok i know that she will never remember it but i want to know some good ways to make it special and memorable. she will be 5 months old when Christmas rolls around. Im already planning on getting her a few small toys.. any ideas on a good gift for a 5 month old we alredy have a walker, play saucer, jumper(hangs from the doorway and swing.

Answer
I agree with you and the first person who said you don't need more "stuff" to make it special. Just having you there will do it.

Since you asked, some ideas to give her (all things I've done with my kids):
- A baby's first Christmas tree ornament.
- Take her to a ceramic studio and paint her hand or foot, then press it onto a tile. Add her name and the date. Maybe use Christmas colors. Have it fired and pick it up later. Hang it with a pretty ribbon.
- Get a little kit to make an impression of her hand or foot.
- Her own little nativity scene that's kid proof, so she can touch it and play with it as she grows.
- A pretty Christmas stocking.

Some ideas to make the holiday special:
- Take pictures.
- Get a picture with Santa (but ONLY if she isn't afraid of him!).
- Start or continue some family traditions, such as going to church, reading aloud to her about the true meaning of Christmas.
- Think of even the little things you can do that will become your own family's traditions. My husband lifts up our child to put the angel on the tree as the finishing touch every year. He started when our first was a little baby (he held her up there anyway). We make a big deal of it, make sure everyone is in the room and say it's time to do it, etc.

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What's the best thoughtful thing someone did for you when you had your baby?

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Jennifer L

My best friend just had her second baby. Normally, I cook for families that just added a new member, or offer to watch the older child while new mom and baby rested, or do laundry, or something like that. Unfortunately, my friend lives in another state, and helping out in that way isn't possible. Sending flowers seems like it'd just be one more thing to remember when leaving the birthing center she is at. We've already sent gift things and now I'd like to *do* something :-).

Any ideas?

Answer
You could send a gift card to a restaurant they like in their town or to a place for her to get a massage (if you do that one, make sure it doesn't expire soon because it may be a while before she wants to leave her new baby).

*Oh, thought of something else--maybe see if she'd appreciate you hiring a cleaning service for one or two times of cleaning her house? That's something hard to do with a newborn, too.

I want to give neighbor a newborn basket gift?

Nicole

I don't know my neighbor hardly at all. But I do know that one of my neighbors is pregnant, expecting a baby boy (sign on front yard saying, It's a boy!)

I LOVE to baby shop and would like to give them a newborn basket gift.

Moms, anything specific I should focus on getting?

Answer
Seeing that you don't know them very well, it's not like you can get them a personalized gift.
So opt for supplies instead. Bum cream, diapers, wipes, spit blankets, blankets and baby soap and shampoo. Don't get clothes , as she might be stocked up already and you wouldn't know what she would like.
Stick to supplies, there's nothing a new mom appreciates more than supplies. It will save her from going to the store repeatedly for the first month. And trust me, she's going to need less hassle as she is going to be very tired and busy.

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What is the best gift to give at a baby shower?

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HoneyBee97

I am going to a shower this Sunday and I want to get something a mom really needs.

Answer
It depends on what she already has.. a few good ideas are:

-A grooming/health kit. I had this one: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2437591 It is a MUST. Everything in it has been really helpful these past 8 months! Cutting his nails, clearing his nose when he had a cold at night and couldn't breathe, taking his temp when I thought he felt hot, brushing his hair, etc. I use it all the time!

-Cloth diapers: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2457809 I never thought a product could have so many uses! They seem random but when you have a newborn you end up using them all the time! A burp cloth, wipe up a spill or spit up on the couch, lay down for a diaper change so you don't get the nice changing pad cover messy.. and when they get a little older they love to play with them.. suck on them chew them, wave them in the air.

-Bouncing chair: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2508008 I got a fancy baby bjorn one and realized when he was nearly outgrowing most of them (he was over 17 pounds at 3 months, lol) that he would of much rather one of the less expensive ones like this one! In stores my son also really liked this one: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2991169

-Extra sheets! http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2611726 That is the one we use and it's REALLY soft. & it's neutral so it will match any theme they have probably. Having a few extra has been a life saver!

-Bumbo seat: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2799899 This really isn't a must but it's nice to have! They don't use it right away, but it gets used a lot starting at 3/4 months. You can sit them in it and they can play or sit opposite you and interact. Once they start solid feeding it's great to use to feed them (and easy to bring to the in-laws or somewhere rather than a high chair!)... there are also trays available for it. For me... it was something I would not of gotten myself but I was really glad someone got it for me!

-Boppy pillow: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2863645 These aren't just for nursing! I exclusively breastfed but didn't use it for nursing much. My son loved to lounge in it next to me though when he was a newborn. When he started tummy time he would prop up with it and when he first was learning to sit i would put it around him to keep him safe. It has a ton of uses!

-Shopping cart cover: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3188792 It won't be used for a few months.. but it will be used a lot! The first few months go fast and all of a sudden they are sitting up in things in public (shopping carts, highchairs, etc) and trying to chew on the bars or all sorts of yucky, germy things. It's really nice to have one of these to throw down! It's something I wish someone would of gotten me!

Well I hope those ideas help!! They are some things that typically get overlooked during showers but are VERY useful!!

What is something cute & inexpensive I can get a neighbor lady for her baby shower?

bigmamm

She doesn't know if she's having a boy or girl. She called me like 1/2 hr before the shower to ask if I wanted to ride w/ her, but I never got the invitation, so I didn't have a gift & didn't go on such short notice, but would still like to get her something? Like I said inexpensive, but something she will like & use?

Answer
Forget cute, diapers, onesies, baby laundry detergent, I got plenty of cute stuff for my baby shower, but the most useful, was the onesies and diapers and laundry detergent. I didn't have to buy diapers for a month, and I found I was washing clothes faster than he could wear them due to diaper leaks, ans spit up. Also maybe some snacks, for mom and some herbal teas or something relaxing. Baby will most likely have everything. The things I needed and didn't get were very cheap, such as infant nail clippers, bottle washers, nursing pads, diaper ointment. also one of the most helpful gifts was a basket containing a CD of soothing music, baby wash, infant Tylenol, big soft fluffy towel, and wash cloth. Sorry but the towels made for infants suck and are not very absorbent.

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Do I have to buy a shower gift for both mothers-to-be when invited to a joint baby shower?

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Sophiesmam

My nephew's wife is expecting as is a cousin of hers on her side of the family, so that side of her family is throwing a joint baby shower. I do not know the other girl at all and was only planning to take a gift for my nephew's wife. Is that ok?

Answer
That is fine. I had a joint shower with a cousin on my husband's side of the family. Those from just my side gave me a gift but not her as they did not know her and vice versa.

I didn't expect strangers that knew her to give me a gift nor did she expect my guests that she did not know to give her a gift.

Best wishes!

Do I have to give a gift for a baby shower if I was only invited through Facebook?

paraffin_p

The baby shower is for a relative (my cousin's wife). It is on a Sunday evening and I live 5 hours away. I know that they did not really expect me to attend; do I still need to give a gift? The only invitation I have received is through Facebook and it was sent to 60 other people.

Answer
It's your family. Whether you attend or not, give/send them a present or $50 check

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What is a meaningful spiritual baby gift?

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MaRi*Ma

Iam a god mother and her mom wants me to come up with a spiritual gift for the baby girl... For instance one gift Is a star so she always finds her way.. A skunk for respect ... A dragon because she was born in the year of the dragon... I want my gift to be special but not an animal... Please help

Answer
Give the gift of freedom of thought. Be an influence in the child's life that tells her to love herself and respect her own opinions. Indoctrination is a curse, sharing beliefs is a good thing, but always explain that spirituality is a personal choice, and in the end, she has a right to make up her own mind.


.....A butterfly for grace and confident personal growth.

How do I introduce a baby girl into a family of boys?

inquisitiv

I have two boys, ages 3 and 1, and am expecting a baby girl in the beginning of January. I've explained to them that a new baby is coming and from what I can tell they both understand as well as they're going to at their ages. I'm wondering how other children in the same situation have taken it when the baby actually arrives and if it has made a big difference that the newborn is a girl. Any advice is welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Answer
I had two boys before I had a daughter, it didn't really make much of a difference. Except for wearing pink, I don't think it mattered much. The hardest part was being the third wheel, they had already developed a brothers bond and having the "baby" trying to follow them everywhere (it didn't matter if it was a boy or a girl) was simply annoying to them. The thing that really made a difference was that when she came home she arrived with gifts for them (really cool new toys) so she started out as an ally, not a rival.

She did end up trying to keep up with them, and has a skillset more common to boys (video games, climbing, etc) but also has a very feminine side, which I encouraged to remind her and the boys that she is NOT a boy, no matter how well she can keep up with them.

Now they are all teens, and the boys are casually protective of her, but they have a great relationship.

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Is it insulting to give age targeted skin care to your mother-in-law & Grandmother-in-law?

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Jackie

I am only 33, and I consider my skin to be in great condition. I am also a beauty product junkie. I discovered a skin care line that I absolutely love for my skin and want to share it! It is age targeted, for wrinkles and such. But the cool thing is that is makes my young skin look even younger. Is it rude to give this to my beautiful mom-in-law and grandmom-in-law for Christmas?

Answer
No I would not think it would be insulting. I would make like a gift basket and put in other little things to make it a great gift. You are just sharing what you found to work there is nothing wrong with that. I got the same kind of stuff for my mother in-law for her birthday and she loved it. good luck to you.:)

What gift should we give our young brothers instead of a car?

Stac-o

My husband and I were planning on giving my car to his young brothers (14 and 16) when I get my new car in Jan or Feb. However, their mom can't afford to pay the insurance, etc, so she doesn't want us to give them the car. Should we sell it to Car Max and buy them something with that money since we were planning to give it to them, or just go ahead and keep the money ourselves? And if we buy them something - what should it be? (Car is worth approx 5k or so.)

Answer
I'm guessing the idea was to give them a truly awesome hand-me-down. I wish you were my sis (or sister-in-law) when I was that age! The short answer is this: since your offer cannot be accepted, you don't "owe" them anything in lieu. If you sell the car, you are absolutely free to keep the money.

Now for the longer answer:

The main thing to consider is why you wanted to offer them the car in the first place.

If you just wanted to give them a really expensive gift, then if you want to go ahead with a different gift that's totally up to you. That's why it's called a gift, it's not a contract. For that amount of money, you could either take them on a great vacation or get a huge TV, with DVD movies, video game system, and stuff to go with it.

But what I'd do...

If your or your husband's goal is to be a supportive older sibling (and sounds like you are that, regardless of material gifts), consider what else you can do that would be appreciated by the kids and meets with their mom's approval -- taking them out for a fun day at an amusement park, museum, camping, vacation, or whatever suits your taste, or funding their participation in an after-school activity or a school-sponsored trip, or helping them with a college savings account.

If your goal was to foster their independence, and their mom is okay with them having a car, just not the cost of the insurance, see if you can make an offer where the boys get themselves a job and figure out how to earn the money to pay for insurance. Don't hand over the car keys until insurance is in place, and the policy is paid, in full, for one year, by the person(s) who will be driving it. Having to earn the money for insurance will contribute to their independence, responsibility, life skills, pride of ownership, etc. They'll need money for things like gas, oil changes, maintenance and repair so they'll need a job after receiving the car too, or they'll have to turn around and sell it. Of course, their mom may be uncomfortable with more than just the cost of insurance, and you have to respect her wishes.

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What one baby item do you wish someone would make/invent to make having small children easier?

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NickyWorth

Is there some handmade gift or unique gadget that you wish someone would create to make the lives of those of us with small children a little easier.

For example: better diaper bags, organic burp cloths...etc.
You are not limited to my examples....please share your perspective!

Answer
they need to make a thing that is warm and moves up and down to simulate breathing -- my son falls asleep all the time on me and when I put him down he wakes up. I'd put him on the warm breathy thingy and he'd stay asleep. that's my magical invention, I'll let you know when it's in stores ;)

How much should I spend on a wedding gift for a distant relative?

J L

Factoring the following:
1) I just had a baby so money is tight.
2) We're traveling to the wedding which is a bit costly.
3) My husband, baby and I will be attending.
4) We're not close with the bride or groom.

Any thoughts?
Thanks.

Answer
There should NEVER be a price "limit" on a gift of any sort. It can be as expensive or "thrifty" as you desire. The recipient should never belittle any gift giver's thoughtfulness!!

And THOUGHTFULNESS is the KEY, not expense!

I find that giving the couple the "table accoutrements" of entertaining is usually something they do NOT have, that others rarely give them, and has a price range that can fit most any budget. The items I am referring to are such:

--- Candeholders
--- Napkin rings
--- Place mats
--- Cloth Napkins
--- Hot pads/trays (the item that protects the table from a hot dish!)

See? Your local thrift shop can be a great source of these items and many times in very great shape! And if you need to ship the gift, things like napkin rings and place mats can be found which are unbreakable... you know, wooden napkin rings. Place mats can even be HANDMADE! They are simply a rectangle of cloth that is hemmed!!! How difficult can THAT be???

GOOD LUCK and don't forget to wish the happy couple many years of happiness, love, joy, and God's blessings!


Have a polite day.

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We don't want a baby shower, what would I call the get together?

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pondering

Hello, I'm currently 37 weeks along and was asked by a sibling and a friend a couple months ago if I wanted to have a shower and if I did, they were willing to throw one for me. To make the story short, Most of my family really doesn't get along with my husband and doesn't show much interest in our soon to be born baby. So, instead of having a shower we want to have a public buffee/lunch get together, where it's not just the women/girls that are allowed to come, but the spouses to come as well too. Also, since we've got the majority of the baby items, we aren't requesting gifts...

So in an invitation, how would this be worded? It's not a baby shower, but an invitation to help celebrate the life of our miracle. Meals will be on the house, and everyone would be responsible for their own beer tab.

Is this appropriate to do? A good idea? Just curios...

Any advice is welcome, thank you

Answer
I would like it - a friend of mine had a dedication ceremony and made mention that the invitees were an important part of their community and that they were dedicating themselves, in front of family and friends, to raise their child in a positive, loving home yada yada yada. Theirs had a nice religious tone to it but if you are not into that you can still tweak it to your beliefs our desires on what you want for this child. If you aren't requesting gifts or cash and are providing food - your an A One host in my eyes.

confirmation questions?

Morgan N

ok im writing a paper because im making my confirmation very soon. and im just looking for ideas to put in it. i also need to know what kind of grace do you get when you make your confirmation. like when your baptised you recieve sanctifying and stuff. yeah, help if you want/can. thanks

Answer
ConfirmationâIs It a Christian Requirement?

âConfirmation is the sacrament which confers on the baptized Christian the full perfection of Christian life, making him spiritually an adult, a soldier, and a witness of Christ.ââThe Catholic Encyclopedia for School and Home.

MOST Protestants reject the idea that confirmation is a sacrament. However, the 13th-century Catholic theologian Thomas Aquinas wrote that âconfirmation is a final perfecting of the sacrament of baptism.â Either way, the questions arise: Did the earliest Christians practice confirmation? Is that ceremonial act a Christian requirement today?

âAbsolutely nothing in the Gospel indicates that Jesus Himself instituted the Sacrament of Confirmation,â admits the New Catholic Encyclopedia. So why did church teachers later promote the idea that following baptism, a second rite, which may include anointing with oil and laying on of hands, was needed to make the person a fuller member of the church?

How Did Confirmation Begin?

Infant baptism was one of the key factors that led to the need for another sacrament. âAware of the problems caused by baptising babies,â says the book Christianity, âchurches . . . remind those who have been baptised of what this means by âconfirmingâ them later on in life.â Does confirmation truly remind them of what baptism means, or does it obscure the truth about baptism?

The fact is that infant baptism finds no support in the Scriptures. Sprinkling water on a baby, for example, does not free the baby from original sin; only faith in the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus can do that. (John 3:16, 36; 1 John 1:7) Water baptism is an outward symbol that the one being baptized has made a complete dedication through Jesus to do the will of God. Water baptism is for disciplesââbelieversâânot infants.âMatthew 28:19, 20; Acts 8:12.

âWhere did Baptism end and where did Confirmation begin?â asks the New Catholic Encyclopedia. It answers: âPerhaps we should not try to distinguish too precisely, for we are dealing with a single rite in the early Church.â Yes, in the first century, the âsingle riteâ that brought full membership in the Christian congregation was baptism.âActs 2:41, 42.

Is the ceremony of confirmation, with its imposition of hands, needed before one can receive the holy spirit? No. In the early Christian congregation, the laying on of hands following baptism normally was to make special appointments or to impart miraculous gifts of the spirit. These gifts passed away with the death of the apostles. (1 Corinthians 13:1, 8-10) And the laying on of hands is often linked, not with water baptism, but with specific tasks to be done in connection with the Christian missionary activity. (Acts 6:1-6; 13:1-3) Thus, the idea that confirmation continues such apostolic laying on of hands and is, as Basics of the Faith: A Catholic Catechism says, a âsacrament that changes a person in so profound a way that it can be received only once,â does not stand up to scrutiny.

The apostle Paul warned about deviation from basic Bible truth: âThe time is sure to come when, far from being content with sound teaching, people will be avid for the latest novelty . . . and then, instead of listening to the truth, they will turn to myths.â (2 Timothy 4:3, 4, The Jerusalem Bible)
If you need more information on this or any subject please just ask. gemhandy@hotmail.com

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What would be a unique gift to give a boy for his first birthday?

gift for baby boy 1st birthday image

Bethany

His birthday is in May, and the "theme" for his birthday is centered around rubber ducks.

Answer
1. a rubber ducky
2. a baby blanket with little ducks on them
3. a baby pillow with little ducks on them
4. a cute outfit that has little ducks on the shirt or something
5. a 'sound book' that makes like animal sounds Example: what does a duck say? THATS RIGHT QUACK LETS SING THE DUCK SONG or a baby cd or something lol

What is a good homemade baby shower gift from a 13 year old?

Imperfect

My aunty's baby shower is in exactly 1 week and i still dont have a gift. Its a boy. And I want something really special. Thanks!

Answer
Do you have a plaster painting shop by you? I painted my niece a piggy bank for her 1st birthday. You might also be able to find a bank at a craft store.

When I had my baby my brother's girlfriend made her a plaque to hang on her wall. She bought a wooden plaque and some letters to spell out her name and painted it all and glued it together. Of course you would have to know the name to do this.

You could tye dye/decorate (or something similar) some onesies for the baby.

At my shower the ladies used fabric markers to decorate burp cloths.

You could make some sort of mobile, maybe if you know some origami or something like that.

You could take photographs of baby like things/paint pictures and create wall hangings.

Create some sort of photo album or baby book where they can record memories. You can get a lot of stuff for that in the scrapbooking section at craft stores.

Best of luck! Handmade gifts are the best.

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Who knows how did the custom of giving our kids toys start if the wise men never presented toys to Jesus?

gifts for baby jesus wise men image

Q. Why do we give our kids toys,games,bikes,dollies and all of that good stuff when the wise men never presented gifts that were toys to Jesus,
Jesus was never given a baby doll,Nintendo Wiis,books, or a Krusty the clown doll, do you think baby Jesus would approve of the custom of exchanging gifts?
what do you think?

Answer
It's a pagan custom that Christians integrated.

Legacies of Saturnalia in contemporary holiday celebrations

Religious Rituals -- joining in spiritual community to honor the Divine.

Honored Figures -- Santa and Father Time -- Saturn; Holy Mother -- Ops.

Sacred Flames -- candles lit and new fires kindled to represent new Solar year.

Greens -- Holly given with gifts, homes decorated with wreaths and garlands.

Time Off from Work -- government, schools, businesses closed; multiple days off.

Peace -- dispensing of punishments suspended and courts closed; wars ceased.

Relaxing with Family and Friends -- renewing bonds, sharing celebration.


*****Gift Giving -- dolls to children, candles to friends; fruit symbols representing increase. ********


Feasting -- sharing food with family and friends; on-going eating and drinking.

Helping Less Fortunate -- class distinctions suspended; food for all; masters waiting on servants.

Exhuberant Play -- masquerades, gaming, gambling, mock king, jokes, partying, letting loose.

Paper Hats -- soft hats (pilei) worn at Saturnalia banquets to signify informality.

Dancing in the New Solar Year -- music and dancing.


http://www.circlesanctuary.org/pholidays/SaturnaliaInfo.html

X-Mas gifts-How do Christmas gifts remind us of the presents that were exchanged in Rome during Saturnalia?

Q. Does anyone know how do Christmas presents remind us of the X-mas gifts that were exchanged in Rome during Saturnalia,I thought Christ's mass present were to remind us of the gifts the wise men gave baby Jesus?

Answer
Christmas gifts could remind you of any one of a number of cultural gift-giving ceremonies. It doesn't impact why Christians give their gifts on December 25th. Peace.

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How do I make my wedding planning special for my sister?

gift for mom at wedding image

Melissa

My mom is dying and I am trying to plan my wedding with the hopes that she will still be here for it. My mom also really wants the same thing. My sister, who is a maid of honor is fighting me on everything, ultimately because she is jealous that I will have our mom at my wedding and she wont. How can I make the wedding planning special for her so she stops ruining the big day for everyone?

Answer
Tell your sister that you know why she is so upset over your wedding. Really try to empathize with her. Then do let her know that the best parting gift both of you could give to your mother is to get along famously for the duration of the planning and the wedding. Your mother definitely won't enjoy her last days knowing you two fought like cats over every little thing. However, both of you will be giving her a great gift by going through with the wedding as friends and sisters.

I'm sure your mother feels just as bad that she won't be there for your sister's wedding, whenever that may be. I think both of them should have a talk about that and maybe that will help your sister overcome her understandable feelings.

Ask your mother to videotape something that can be played later when it comes time for your sister to get married.

Ideas on a nice way to recognize my mother during my wedding?

SRG

My dad is walking me down the isle and that is his moment but what about my mom? My mom and dad are divorced and I want to recognize my mom during the wedding too. The catch is my dad is remarried and even though I don't feel the need to recognize my step mom I don't want to hurt her by not singling her out too. I want everybody to know how much she means to me but my step mom take EVERYTHING personally. I am trying to keep the peace.

Answer
If your step mom takes everything personally then it doesn't sound like you are going to please her one way or another - that shouldn't stop you from honoring your mother.
Here is what you could do. You could have your father walk you down the aisle, then when the pastor/officiant says, "Who gives this woman?" have your mother stand up and say, "I do." This way she plays a part in giving you away.
You could always dedicate a special dance to her. When my cousin got married she actually had a mother/daughter dance since her parents were also divorced. It was really sweet and a nice moment for both of them.
I think that's sweet you want to honor your mother on that day.
I had my mother walk me down the aisle, but the night before the wedding I also pulled her aside after everyone had gone home. I gave her a special gift that she really loved. Maybe you could try setting aside some time with your mother the day before or the day of the wedding to say a few nice words. I'm sure you saying something to hear will make her feel honored...

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What are the chances I am having a boy?

gift for baby number 2 image

raeganmier

We had sex on Sept 1,2,3. I had a positive ov test on the 2nd and the 3rd? I am pregnant and with baby number 3 after 2 yrs of trying. Clomid helped me conceive 1st time. Trying to figure out what the sex might be? We already have 2 girls. A boy would be a blessing. But another girl is a gift from God. Anyone have an opinion on this. Nice people only.

Answer
Its still about a fifty percent chance. i wish we could pick it would be easier but then again i believe god gives us all blessings. i want to have a girl if im indeed pregnant this time cause i already have a 7 month old son. i hope you have a baby boy and even if its a girl i hope your baby and you sail through pregnancy without a problem. god bless you all and good luck!

What are some must have baby items if I'm going to have a newborn and a 23 month old soon?

fiona1

What items should I make sure to have to make my life easier? I need help from moms who already have at least 2 small children.

Answer
I had my second son when my eldest was 28 months old. Generally you dont really need any extras, a different pram to accomodate both children, if your eldest becomes a bit of a rough one with the baby a play pen is a good idea to put the little one into so you dont have to monitor their interaction every 2 seconds.
When you have baby number 2 I think it is lovely to but the eldest a gift. I did this and told my son that it was from his new baby brother and that he is very happy to have him as a big brother and loves him very much. I have heard this helps the eldest to adjust just slightly, they dont feel so left out because all of a sudden all attention is not on them and some kids tend to resent the newborn. But when they recieve a present thats directly from this new little person they instantly think that this new addition is fabulous!

Sorry I dont have much more information, I had 2 boys so I found I had everything already :

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