Make Easter a Family Togetherness Time
Celebrating Springtime in Any Climate, Hot or Cold
Mar 19, 2009
Although the coming of spring may vary at different latitudes, the celebration of its coming is in the attitudes. Children know Easter is coming. There are ways to welcome the hope of spring in cooler weather, even if it snows! Family Easter activities can be done any time during the Easter week, not necessarily just on Easter Day, since many families have social and religious activities scheduled for then.
Share an Easter Breakfast
Awaken to hot chocolate. Hanging out in the kitchen while hot cereal is prepared warms both the body and the soul. Swirl chocolate chips into Cream of Wheat just before taking the first bite. Arrange chips in the shape of two bunny ears as the cereal is served.
Make Easter Egg Baskets an Adventure
The Easter Bunny may choose to let the baskets show up after returning from church, or after a walk. The baskets don't have to be just a sugar binge. Include real carrots and eggs which were dyed a day or so before.
Many children enjoy finding a plant there since it reminds them that springtime is rebirth of nature. Put in a sack of soil and a planter or spade. Gardening is a wonderful activity since it gets children outside, helps connect them with the earth, and teaches them where food comes from.
Enjoy Family Lunch for Easter
What a fine meal one can have from an Easter basket! Real carrots make a salad worthy of any bunny. Eating a few dyed eggs provides the protein. Top it off with a chocolate bunny and/or some sweet treats for dessert.
While drinking root beer, learn about "Spring Tonic." Historically, spring tonic (now called root beer) was made from boiling the root of a sassafras plant. It was enjoyed hot, saving any extra as a cool drink later. (This would also be a great time to learn about the several types of leaves on a sassafras plant!)
Dye Eggs as Family Togetherness Activity
Make this event more special with the use of paint smocks or old shirts. Play or sing favorite Easter music like The Easter Parade, Here Comes Peter Cottontail, or Marshmallow Peeps Sing Alongs. Parents don't have to spend lots of money, but can make it special with the gift of time and a bit of drama.
What a fine opportunity to teach how to boil eggs, use a timer, handle hot pans carefully, and the joy of eating their mistakes. Kids in the kitchen can peel eggs and dip them into salt, pepper, or other condiments like mustard, mayo or catchup. Such skills are an investment in a child's future since they will always be able to make a snack or meal from boiled eggs. Older kids can be shown how to dice (or use an egg slicer) to make egg salad by adding pickle relish and mayo to taste, then stirring.
There are several ways to decorate eggs. Follow the directions on a packet of Easter egg dye. Also, non-toxic markers make wonderful tools for personalizing each creation. Some children enjoy using stickers on their eggs.
Hide and Hunt Easter Eggs
Egg hunts can be done anywhere, even in the snow! Kids can find treasures on a snowy walk, while sliding downhill, or inside in dangerous weather. Egg hunts give a chance to teach manners by setting a number at which kids stop taking eggs and help others who don't have enough.
Easter can be a great time for family to come together to have special meals, enjoy an Easter basket, and dye and then hunt eggs in any climate.
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