Easter was always an exciting holiday when I was growing up. I would spend the night with my grandparents the night before Easter, and I could SWEAR I heard the Easter Bunny scooting across the floor in the night. Upon waking I’d bolt out of bed to see what candy and other treats I’d been brought, then we’d head to church for Easter services and a massive egg hunt. My day would end in a sugar coma on the couch, watching “The Wizard of Oz” with my parents. Below are 8 ideas for Easter traditions you can try with your own kids. Pick and choose a few of them each year … and stick with the ones your family loves!
1. TREATS. Dying and decorating hardboiled eggs is a classic, but you could also make something out of the ordinary like Jello eggs or egg-shaped sugar cookies. Last year my husband and kids made Rice Krispy eggs dipped in melted chocolate chips, then they added sprinkles before the chocolate set.
2. SHARING. Kids enjoy sharing with others … and being sneaky! When dark hits the night before Easter, sneak over to a favorite neighbor (or drive to a close-by friend’s) and scatter eggs in their front yard. You can mix and match hard-boiled and plastic eggs. Fill plastic eggs with candy, coins, tattoos, stickers, erasers, etc. Even though doing an anonymous fun thing is great, you should probably leave a note or card on their door so they know who put all that fun stuff in their yard.
3. BUNNIES & CHICKS. Bunnies and chicks are the unofficial mascots of Easter, so find a place where your child can pet some! Bunnies and chicks can be found at kid-friendly farms, pet stores and zoos. Some stores have promotional days where you can come in and pet and hold these little sweeties and take pictures.
4. EASTER BUNNY PHOTOS. Get your child’s picture taken with the Easter bunny. Both Del Monte Center and Northridge have an Easter Bunny in residence. Bass Pro Shops in San Jose traditionally offers free Easter Bunny photos. The schedule hadn’t been released as of press time.
5. EASTER BASKETS. Easter baskets for the kids are a given, but they don’t have to be over-the-top. You can buy a simple empty basket at a craft store and fill it with things like Peeps, toys, small books, plastic eggs filled with candy, etc. If you have time but are short on money, bake treats to put in the baskets, make a special card for your child or write out coupons for things like getting out of chores or an ice cream cone out with just Mom. Don’t forget about your older kids on Easter … everyone can appreciate an Easter basket!
6. EASTER EGG HUNT. An Easter egg hunt can be held just about anywhere. My church doesn’t hold an Easter egg hunt, so we have one in my mom’s yard after church on Easter Sunday. Our family all pitches in and hides plastic eggs filled with candy, sugarless gum, dollar bills and more. You could also hide eggs the night before in your own yard (or even around the house!) after your kids go to sleep so they can have an after-breakfast hunt at their own home! Check our sidebar for local Easter Eggs hunts.
7. A SPECIAL MEAL. Get together with family for a special meal. If you won’t be able to be with family this Easter, invite some friends and neighbors over for a potluck meal at your place. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant … a ready-made ham, paper plates, and plastic cutlery just mean less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
8. DOWN TIME. End the day relaxing with a bowl of Easter candy, some popcorn and a movie the whole family can enjoy. After a fun day celebrating Easter in all the ways you love, end your family day with some “hanging out” time. Nobody is allowed to text or play handheld video games or email. This is a time to snuggle up and reflect on the gift of family and friends.
Kerrie McLoughlin is the proud and happy mom of five. Check out their adventures at thekerrieshow.com.
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