Cleaning and scrubbing can wait 'til tomorrow, for babies grow up, we've learned to our sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs  -  dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.

The naming ceremony (christening/baptism) is a celebration by all of the people involved in your child's life. It is an opportunity for you to state in front of your family and friends the unconditional love and care, support and encouragement that you will provide as a parent. It can be secular, spiritual or religious. Just by holding a naming ceremony, you are expressing that your child is a very important member of your family.  It is a great way of introducing your child into the family circle.

Naming ceremonies have become a popular alternative to a church Christening or Baptism. Many people today do not regularly attend church, or are unable to make the commitment often requested by a priest or minister of religion. 

The Naming or Welcoming ceremony can be as simple or as full of ritual as you like. The ceremony usually includes the following: Welcome to family and guests, Purpose of ceremony, Involvement of parents, grandparents and sponsors or mentors, Music, Readings, Naming, Closing Words, and Presentation of Child. It can also be more personal and customized to include: candles, fragrance, crystals, gifts, spiritual elements, explaining the origin of your baby's name, inclusion of pets, hopes for the child's future, Parents' vows to each other, Absent guests, bracelet, stone, water or quilt material ritual, and the giving of a flower, necklace or some symbol of the occasion.  Your input is very important and encouraged.