Are you noticing the latest trend on social media this week? Easter baskets have reached an extraordinary level. Influencers are showcasing extravagant baskets brimming with high-end gifts like designer shoes, jewelry, gift cards, gaming consoles, and gourmet treats. While these baskets are indeed stunning, I can’t help but wonder when Easter started competing with Christmas.
Reflecting on my childhood in the eighties, Easter baskets were simple: a book, some plastic eggs filled with jelly beans, and a chocolate bunny. The whole thing cost my parents around $10, and we were always thrilled with our Easter goodies. Fast forward to today, and it seems Easter has morphed into a holiday that rivals Christmas morning.
Many of us dress up for church, capture family moments in cute outfits, enjoy a festive dinner, and perhaps partake in an egg hunt or visit someone dressed as the Easter bunny. We even have the classic dyeing of eggs, filling our homes with the unmistakable smell of vinegar.
Here’s a gentle reminder: you are not required to buy your child a gaming system or any expensive gifts. Your child doesn’t need designer accessories, gift cards, or even fancy chocolates. This year, I also noticed extravagant Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day baskets online, overflowing with themed goodies. For Valentine’s Day, my kids receive just a book and a chocolate treat, and for St. Patrick’s Day, I whipped up some Irish soda bread, which I think counts for something!
I cherish holidays and love celebrating Christmas with cookies, music, decorations, and a thoughtful four-gift rule. However, I refuse to stage perfectly coordinated gifts for social media validation. It’s perplexing how these curated posts receive so much attention; they often feel like mere bragging rights. My aim is for my kids to appreciate the holiday experience, not just the gifts they receive.
Importantly, many families may not have the means to create lavish holiday experiences. The ability to present an elaborate gift basket is a privilege. I long for a return to the simple Easter traditions of the 1980s—enjoying a family dinner, wearing pastel colors, and organizing a backyard egg hunt filled with coins, stickers, and candy. The thrill of trading candy post-hunt is an experience in itself!
Easter should not be about competing with Christmas. If you can afford to fill a basket to the brim, consider the message it sends to your children. Why teach them that their holiday happiness depends on a basket overflowing with expensive items? Instead, redirect those resources to a charitable cause, create baskets for those in need, or host a meaningful meal for others.
As we navigate the ongoing pandemic, I’m particularly grateful for this holiday. My children will have modest baskets with a book, a small toy, and some treats. We’re excited for our egg hunt, which will include some of our favorite candies.
Ultimately, happiness cannot be bought. If your Easter baskets resemble ours, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re doing great! Don’t feel like you’re failing if your children aren’t receiving extravagant baskets filled with pricey items. You can create a memorable holiday without overspending.
If you, like me, are inundated with over-the-top Easter basket images, consider unfollowing those accounts. You deserve to embrace the joy of Easter without the weight of comparison. Focus on creating meaningful experiences for your children and indulge in some delicious treats for yourself.
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