Insights · Baptism
A winter baptism has a warmth of its own: candles, fir greenery, a church full of people while it’s cold outside. It just needs a little more preparation.
This guide covers what to ask the church, how to dress the baby, what an early sunset means for the day, winter decoration ideas and what to think about for the reception.
Contents (8)
A winter baptism: why parents choose it
Some parents don’t want to wait until the following summer, especially when the baby was born in spring. Others want the family together over the holidays, when relatives who live far away come home. And some simply love winter. Outside the summer season it’s also often easier to get the date you want at both the church and the venue.
The church: heating and water
Before you book, ask the priest:
- Whether the church is heated, and what time the heating goes on.
- How the water in the font is warmed and who takes care of it.
- Whether there is a spot near the font, away from draughts, to undress and dress the baby.
- What times that church holds baptisms in winter.
Every church has its own customs, and every Metropolis (diocese) its own rules on when baptisms can take place. For the days when they usually do not, see the questions at the end of our guide to baptism photography, and always confirm with your church.
The baby’s clothes (and the towel)
- A warm outfit for the trip to the church, and a blanket.
- A large, warm towel for straight after the font, ready in the godparent’s hands.
- Long-sleeved baptism clothes, and socks or little shoes.
- A second set of clothes, just in case.
The oil cloths and the change of clothes are traditionally provided by the godparent. Everything you need is in our baptism checklist.
Winter light
In winter the sun sets early, and there is less light inside churches. A morning or midday baptism means more natural light for family photographs in the courtyard, and time to reach the reception before dark. If the baptism is in the afternoon, the outdoor photographs are taken straight after the ceremony, and the rest indoors, with the venue’s lights.
Winter decoration
- A wreath of fir, cotton, pine cones and red berries around the font.
- Candles and lanterns, where allowed.
- Wood, linen and knitted textures on the table.
- Deep colours, such as burgundy, forest green and gold, or white with silver for a “snowy” feel.
- Favours with a winter character: a candle, a little jar of honey or jam, an ornament for the tree.
For ideas in every season, see our baptism ideas.
The reception
In winter the reception is usually indoors or at home. If the celebration is at midday, look for a space with natural light. You’ll also want a quiet corner for the baby and enough room for prams and coats. If the baptism is close to Christmas, the venue’s festive decorations can become part of your theme.
A baptism close to the holidays
The holidays bring the family together, but they also mean more people chasing the same dates at churches, venues and suppliers. If you want a baptism around Christmas, book early and ask the parish which days they hold baptisms. If you also want festive photographs of the whole family, see our Christmas family photo sessions in Patras.
Winter gives photographs something summer doesn’t: faces closer together, under lights and candles.
Frequently asked questions about a winter baptism
Do baptisms take place in winter?
Yes. Only a few days of the year are usually closed to baptisms; ask your parish about the dates you have in mind.
Does the baby get cold in the font in winter?
The water in the font is usually warmed before the ceremony. Ask the priest how it is done in your church, and have a large warm towel ready.
What time is best for a winter baptism?
Morning or midday, for more natural light in the outdoor photographs and to reach the reception before dark.
What does the baby wear at a winter baptism?
A warm outfit for the journey, long-sleeved baptism clothes, socks, and a blanket for after the font.
Can a baptism take place at Christmas?
Usually not on the holidays themselves, but often shortly before or after. Confirm with your parish.
A winter baptism?
Tell us the date and the church. We’ll let you know in advance how we plan to make the most of the day’s light, inside and out.
Photographs: Dimitris Stergiou and the studio team