2012: Celebrating Unhurried Easter Traditions

Resurrection Eggs

For our family, the Easter holiday is much more than a bunny, plastic eggs, and new clothes. Teaching my children the Easter story from Christ’s birth through His resurrection is foremost in our celebrations. Yes, I say celebrations because rejoicing in our risen Savior is an everyday event.

Previous Routine

Typically, our Sunday morning routine becomes rushed and hurried. Many times we miss Easter Sunday’s early service due to the Easter baskets, taking the tags off the new clothes, and prying my children from their new toys. By the time I get to the service, my mind is not focused on rejoicing.

This Year’s Plan

This year, I proposed to Paul that we celebrate the Easter egg hunts, Easter baskets, and Easter pictures on Saturday. Without having to present the baskets of goodies and then asking them to put them away for later, our children can leisurely sort through their baskets and play.

Hubby loved the idea, so we plan to enjoy some family time on Saturday, get a great night’s rest, and then joyfully arrive to celebrate our risen Savior with our church family on Sunday morning.

Our plans are tentative and may change, but I look forward to focusing on Jesus Christ’s victory over death on this Easter Sunday. As you make your plans, consider ways to make this holiday special. Need some inspiration? Try these ideas:

Resurrection Eggs

By far, my favorite Easter tradition is using Resurrection Eggs to share the Easter story. Each of my children has their own set which they use to tell the Easter story. Though I could buy Resurrection Eggs, I choose to make my own. 🙂

Coloring Eggs

Since our family does not eat hard-boiled eggs, we color our eggs without boiling them first. Yes, we are very careful with them, but then I can use the eggs as I need them. If you hard boil your eggs and want a unique way to coloring, Favecrafts.com offers this free Easter Egg e-book.

Egg Hunts

Though we don’t fill our eggs with prizes or candy, our children love the egg hunts. The favorite hunts are after dark with flashlights. (Note to self: Remember to count the eggs before you hide them. If not, you will be searching for them in the morning. ;-))

Easter Baskets

Our family reuses our Easter baskets each year, and we bypass the crafts. But if you crave the crafts, then you might like All Free Holiday Crafts’ free Easter crafts e-book.

Recipes

You might be surprised to know that I have never hosted Easter dinner. Gasp! I usually supply a side item but not a  full spread. If you are preparing a feast or need a new item to serve, then the free e-book by Mr. Food may come to your rescue.

If you just want a fun dessert, I love the Resurrection Rolls made with crescent rolls, marshmallows, and more posted at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam.

In planning your Easter celebration, remember why you celebrate this holiday. Enjoy your activities without the hustle and bustle. With a little more planning this year, I hope this Easter will be a Sunday full of rejoicing in our risen Savior. Happy planning!

Question: What is your favorite Easter tradition?