Come to terms with Easter being different this year
This year Easter will be different.
It will mostly be different because those days will be the same. Without a workplace to attend physically, a playground to enjoy, shops to peruse, brunch and lunch parties to delight in or sporting grounds to enjoy, Easter day could so easily feel like the previous 30 days before it-monotonous and restrictive.
That’s why I’ve put this list together. To share things we are doing in our house to change up the regular day. So that while Easter will look very different for us this year, we can still do activities to celebrate it is a being a special day and event in our calendar.
I know that I need to accept that it will look different this year. I won’t be meeting with my family, my church family or going on our traditional Easter holiday. For me, I’m embracing the things in this list, and looking for joy in them, accepting that they will shape what my Easter looks like this year. And just because it is different, doesn’t mean it can’t be full of joy.
Bake
Baking can be challenging, messy and stressful, particularly if we have high, nay, any expectations. But if we lower our expectations, baking at Easter can really bring your family together.
It can change up your routine and give your kids welcome relief from school at home, and can provide you and your kids both great learning opportunities and satisfaction as you go through the process. We’re doing two projects in our house:
Easter Craft
The last thing anyone wants right now is another trip to the shops. So the best craft, is craft done with what you already have. These crafts vary in age and skill level, and also in effort and materials required.
Find an event to follow online
For many families, Easter is a time for the family to gather at church. Even if that is not your family, you still likely meet as a family to enjoying each others company.
This year will look very different for everyone as we restrict ourselves to staying, yet another day, with our immediate household, inside the same abode you’ve probably been in for weeks. So finding something to bring your family together on Easter Sunday will be a great addition to your day.
If you normally go to church and want to continue that practice, most churches have moved their services online during this period. Search some of your local churches to find one that is live streaming or posting services online.
The best bit – you can do church in your pyjamas!
If church isn’t your thing, have a search for other events you can follow online on Easter Sunday. Several Zoos are live streaming their animal enclosures, bands and musicians are posting full concerts, circus performances and there’s always plenty to see on one of the streaming services. Alternatively you could lock in some time to video chat with friends and families across the city, country and world. Facebook, Whatsapp and Facetime can all be used for video calls. Or if you have a larger group logging in – Zoom and Houseparty are two great services you can use to celebrate together.
By this time, we’ll all have seen A LOT of online content- so if you can, find something that will suit your family and something that is a little bit different. Check out some different options below:
Do a thankfulness activity
Thankfulness activities are typically reserved for Thanksgiving events.
But this year, it’s time to make an exception.
There is so much going on in this world right now to make us stressed, anxious and fearful. So much to constantly draw us to the negative.
These things can so easily crowd out all the things that we can be thankful for. The things that bring us joy.
And so Easter is the perfect opportunity, to bring your family together to do a thankfulness activity. Be it bunting, a chain or a tree – take the time to sit down with your family, whoever is in your household, to reflect on the things you are all thankful for, and commemorate and celebrate those things.
Plan a simple Easter egg hunt
In our family, our Easter egg hunts were always simple.
I’ve also enjoyed more crazy and competitive hunts with other family and friends throughout the years. But this year, with everything going on, I’m taking it back to the simple joy of my childhood.
Some little eggs strewn about
A couple of medium eggs hidden with some of the kids favourite things
One main bunny/egg hidden with something they’ve received only in the last year
Show a neighbour some love
As we reflect on what we’re thankful for, it’s also a great time to show a neighbour some love – while maintaining social distancing.
Pick up an extra bag of eggs, write them a note about your thankfulness for them or share with them some of your Easter craft.
Social interaction in any form is a hot commodity right now. Now more than ever, there is no doubt that your neighbour will appreciate hearing from you and being reminded that you are their friend.
While you’re at it – maybe include a neighbour card, in case they need something in particular.
