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shoe

Dec 12, 2003, 12:47 PM

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A Baptism

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My maid just left and gave me a invitation to a baptism tomorrow at 1:00pm, for her grandson, at the church by the plaza in Ajijic. Now I know where the church is but after talking to her, with my trusty English/Spanish dictionary, I also determined that the family don't need gifts for this 1 year old child but would prefer pesos. I ran out and got a card and I guess I will put $200p in it and give it to them. Got my truck washed too in case they need it for some reason as the maid is always getting me to take her somewhere.

Now my real problem is, what DO I WEAR to this shindig? Are these things suit and tie affairs or what? I am also invited to a fiesta afterwards or so it appears that is what it is. I understand that they go all out at this party. Anyone with any experience in these things that can help me would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Gee, they don't give much notice or these things. I am looking forward to this as it should be fun.

shoe

Nothing is intrinsically good or evil, but its manner of usage may make it so.
-St. Thomas Aquinas

esperanza

Dec 12, 2003, 12:52 PM

Post #2 of 9 (1569 views)

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Re: [shoe] A Baptism

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Folks will be there in everything from suit and tie to just-got-off-masonry-work clothes. Wear something nice looking (clean and ironed works) and you'll be fine. It might be a Mass and it might be just the baptism. 200 pesos is a great gift.

Have a great time and let us know how it went. Party on, dude.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

jennifer rose

Dec 12, 2003, 3:26 PM

Post #3 of 9 (1551 views)

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Re: [shoe] A Baptism

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It's perfectly acceptable to skip the mass and attend only the party afterward. In fact, that'll put you in the majority.

IMHO, $200 M.N. is excessive for a maid's grandchild's baptism. $100 M.N. is a more appropriate figure. While I know nothing of your financial circumstances, remember a) you haven't had this maid that long, b) a grandchild counts for less than a child, c) this won't be your last invitation, and d) the more you give this time, the more that's expected in the future. It's not unusual to find yourself on the invitation list for every despidida, bebe shower, bautismo, first communion, quinceanos and boda that comes along, and before long, attending those events can become a career. I'm not saying you should be Scrooge, but resist the temptation to appear like Daddy Warbucks. Attend these events, because they can be a wonderful insight into families and social life, but exercise caution and set limits for yourself.

Rolly

Dec 12, 2003, 4:23 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1544 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] A Baptism

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I solve the how much to give question by not giving anything. I offer to take pictures, and then make nice sets on my computer for parents and grand parents. Everybody loves that.

Rolly Pirate

gpk

Dec 13, 2003, 9:46 AM

Post #5 of 9 (1484 views)

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Re: [shoe] A Baptism

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My Mexican friends all say that it is also good to take something to the party--I always take tequila, but they will use food or coca cola, too. As Jennifer says--this will be the first of many, many invitations, so feel free not to attend every one.

Marlene

Dec 13, 2003, 10:30 AM

Post #6 of 9 (1474 views)

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Re: [Rolly] A Baptism

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Rolly,

That is a great idea and one we have used ourselves from time to time for folks other than relatives. The invitations are indeed endless and an unbudgeted fortune can easily be spent once you start giving money. I finally drew the line when a lady invited me to her sisters baby shower and then told me that $100.00 pesos would be the expected gift donation. I had never met her sister, nor did I after that. As Jennifer says, you can indeed make a career out of attending these functions.

jennifer rose

Dec 13, 2003, 10:36 AM

Post #7 of 9 (1472 views)

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Party Tote

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Every invitation, particularly to another's home just for coffee, demands some kind of hostess gift, IMHO. Except in particular situations, this is an area where the thought counts more than the cost of the gift. Here, at least within the Mexican community, it seems to be in bad taste to go any place empty-handed.

If I'm pressed for time, the present may be a bouquet of roses from my garden, a sack of limes, or even something plucked from my larder of imported stuff. A box of tea, a sack of Ting Ting Jahe ginger candy (that's only reserved for very good friends), or a can of pumpkin. Last night I brought a sack of dried cranberries from Costco to a get-together, and it generated more conversation than a bottle of Corralejo. Today I'm going to a comida, and I'm bringing a gallon of freshly made zarzamora (blackberry) juice.

Last weekend I attended a bazaar sponsored by the Michoacan Institute for Women and loaded up on candles and liquers. Those items repose on a shelf ready for last-minute Christmas gifts. Buying in bulk makes the job much easier.

A bottle of liquor is usually reserved for those occasions in which liquor will be served or for those who are known to imbibe.

shoe

Dec 14, 2003, 5:27 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1400 views)

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Re: [esperanza] A Baptism

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Well that you were right as I put on slacks, white shirt and sweater with dress shoes and showed up at the baptism. There were about 15 people there dressed in everything from a nice suit, ladies in very nice dresses to a guy in a t-shirt, Levi's and sandals. My maid wasn't even there as I later found out she was cooking. I had met the father and mother so I knew that I was at the right place and stood around trying to figure out what was being said in Spanish. I got very little of it but it didn't last very long so I didn't get too bored. I was also invited to the party for the event afterward. I stalled around for a little while and showed up about an hour late to the place. I figured that there wouldn't be that many people there and there weren't. I asked if I missed the party and was told no by the father. After about a hour and a half I was the 1 gringo in a hundred Mexicans at this shindig. They had a 6 piece band (maid's son is in it), a open bar, and lots of food. I drank a couple of beers and decided to get some food but my maid sure to form came up to me and wanted me to take her somewhere. I took her to a local store and she got TP and plastic cups. When I get back she sets me down and brings me a beer and a plate of food. The band starts playing and people dance, and I ask how long does one of these things last. The answer was the music would shut down about 10 that night and the party would breakup probably by 2 in the morning. I decided that I had enough beer, food, and noise and bib the appropriate people farewell and left. That was a new experience for sure. Very enjoyable.

shoe

Nothing is intrinsically good or evil, but its manner of usage may make it so.
-St. Thomas Aquinas

alex .

Dec 15, 2003, 7:40 AM

Post #9 of 9 (1368 views)

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Re: [shoe] the time shift

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My daughter's birthday party was scheduled from 2 to 6 pm. Nothing was ready until about 5 pm, the guests started arriving around 7 pm, and we shut down at 1 am. Its just that way.
Alex