[Mitchy's Mum]

Hi all
I'm organising a Naming Ceremony for our new baby DS. Just wondering how others have included bubs siblings in the ceremony?
I'd really like my 5 yo ds to have an active roll in the ceremony.

[daruma]

Hi,

I would definitely ask your celebrant if you are using one as they will have lots of experience in the different things people have done.

Some things I have done in my ceremonies for others are:

-having the sibling hold the ornamental birth certificate in a frame (if you got one)
-lighting a naming candle which they could either light , hold or carry
-if you a giving a gift they could hold it and present it
-presenting the sibling with a picture they have painted or drawn for them in a frame (or not)
-presenting a special 'older brother' present
-a short poem or couple of lines (although this would probably be quite difficult for most 5 year olds, including mine!)
-if your celebrant is supplying a naming day certificate they could hold or present this
-they could hold and release balloons (personally I am not too fond of this as they are a bit of an envrionmental hazard in the oceans when they come down)
-sing a song for the new baby

I am sure there are many more things. The thing to remember even with the most confident child they may get stage fright in front of so many people. It is often best to not have it as an integral part of the ceremony and allow the child to do it if they feel comfortable.

Hope it is a beautiful day for you all.

[Mitchy's Mum]

Thanks Jane. I'll speak to our Celebrant. I might try getting him to tell ds2 how he feels about him, if he wants to on the day.