Some years it’s really easy for me to get lost in the to-dos of Easter. You know what I mean– the baskets to fill, the egg hunts to attend, the meal to prepare. By the time I get through the weekend, the only time I’ve spent thinking about the real reason for Easter is during church. And that’s not the example I want to set for my daughters.
So here are 5 simple ideas to help us remember the real reason we celebrate Easter. These ideas are low cost and low effort so you don’t feel overwhelmed by more things to add to your to-do list.
- Go to an Easter church service.
I know this can be difficult if you are out of town or preparing a noon meal for family, but going to church on Easter, even when it’s inconvenient, shows your children that your first priority is honoring God. - Watch a movie or read a book to your kids about Easter.
I have a very active toddler, so we will be going with the movie option. Here is a list of Easter movies on Netflix and a blog about the best Easter books for children. - Take part in Lent.
I know it’s a little late for this one, but your family could do a 7-day Lent and give up something for the week in remembrance of what Christ sacrificed for us. - Do a random act of kindness.
Choose a random act of kindness to do as a family, such as giving food to the poor, buying another person’s groceries or mowing a neighbor’s lawn. In being givers, we follow the example of Christ. - Take an Easter Walk.
I have not done this activity because my child is still too young, but love the idea. The Easter Walk book, written by Deborah Rowley and Dan Burr, tells the story of two children who take a walk with their grandfather on Easter. For each of the six scriptures he reads them, they must find something that will help remind them of the true Easter story, for example, they must find something sharp when he reads to them about the crown of thorns.You can read the Easter Walk story to your kids as you walk through a park, subdivision or farm, and have them find similar objects for each verse. (But I would check eBay for the best price on the book.)
Do you have other traditions that your family does to celebrate Christ? I’d love to hear them.