10 Baptism Day Ideas

On this blog we share ideas that are generated by what is going on in our lives, homes, and families. We won't be religious here very often, but we won't hide it either. We are all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).

In most religions there are significant and special things that happen at certain ages. There is the first communion in the Catholic Faith, and Bar Mitzvah in the Jewish Faith. In our Church, children get baptized when they turn 8.

This is an extremely important day because we make promises or covenants with God. I want my children to understand that baptism is extremely significant and special in their lives. I want them to feel and remember happiness and love. 

My oldest daughter was baptized last Saturday, and here are 10 things we did that I hope made the day memorable for her. These ideas would work for any extra special birthday or occasion.
 

 1. First, I found her a white dress (although she's wearing a black cardigan to make it a bit warmer for the weather).  I have a limited budget, and was SO grateful to find it for $20... marked down from $64!! Thank you Sears! 2. Then I took her on a photo shoot.  I'm not a photographer, but I'm trying to learn. She enjoyed modeling for me :).

3. I spent hours and hours putting together all of the pictures I've taken of her since she was born, and made a movie using Windows  Live Movie Maker. It's free and a GREAT resource. My daughter absolutely loved it. (Extra thanks to my good friend Jan who stayed up all night long helping me get it to work since my computer flopped!)

4. Her baptism was at 9:00 AM, so we had a brunch afterward with food she loves. (Again, thanks to Jan who made cinnamon rolls in the middle of the night).

5. Cute pictures of her displayed all over the house.

6. A pretty journal. W asked everyone to write her a note of advice or memories. Now we are using that journal as a 'mother daughter journal'-  here is where I found the idea. It's a way to really find out what is going on inside her head.

7. Salt water taffy skewers with notes that said, "chews the right" (I've seen that on Pinterest)

8. Skewer 8's out of two powder donuts. (These were appreciated by everyone :).   

9. She received gifts. The most important was a set of beautiful Scriptures with her name inscribed on them.

10. One of the most important things of all was taking a picture with her daddy {who baptized her}by the picture of Jesus. I hope that she will always remember that baptism is really all about a deep commitment to follow His example.

For me, this is one of the most significant parts of my children's lives. That is why I'm sharing it here. These special days, no matter what religion we belong to, allow us glimpses into the hearts of our children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, or neighbors. There are times when God gives us a small vision of the "immortal souls" we're with every day. We realize that no one is a "mere mortal." (See Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis)

How do you celebrate extra special landmarks and occasions?

XO, Nancy