As a child, I dreaded Easter. The church visits, the lingering cold weather, and the limited candy allowance made the holiday less enjoyable. Plus, the dreaded ham dinner was a tradition I could have done without. However, once I became a parent, I chose to reimagine Easter, and it became a holiday I genuinely embraced.
One cherished tradition from my ex-partner’s childhood involved hiding jelly beans around the house for the kids to find on Easter morning. We also allowed our children to indulge in as much candy as they wanted, adding to the fun. Yet, as they entered their teenage years, the excitement of Easter seemed to fade, leaving me nostalgic for the days when they would rush into my room to hunt for jelly beans.
Activities to Bring Back the Celebratory Spirit
To bring back some of the celebratory spirit, I’ve discovered a few activities that resonate with my teens:
Hide Money in Easter Eggs
Here’s a little surprise: don’t tell them there’s money in the eggs! I tried this last year, and initially, my kids were unimpressed. Then, my daughter stumbled upon one with cash, and suddenly, my sons were right behind her, eager to join in. I mix in their favorite candies to keep it interesting, making the hunt even more thrilling.
Order Takeout for a Relaxed Meal
I’m not keen on slaving over a big Easter dinner, so we opt for takeout—whether it’s pizza or Chinese food, we enjoy it at home. I set a lovely table, creating an inviting atmosphere, and we savor our meal together. This not only fosters connection but also allows for leftovers to enjoy later while watching TV.
Maintain the Easter Basket Tradition
Even if my teens pretend not to care, I still prepare one large basket filled with their favorite treats and a small stuffed bunny for each. It may seem childish, but these little gifts often spark joy and nostalgia. I keep it simple, adding items like face masks since we all enjoy a nice pampering session.
Revive Old Traditions
I still hide jelly beans for them, but now it’s easier because I can do it at a more reasonable hour. I continue to purchase the same candy from their childhood and stick to my rule of not turning Easter into a holiday for extravagant gifts. Keeping it simple while incorporating familiar traditions creates moments of happiness and connection.
By preserving these cherished customs, I can see bits of their younger selves shine through when they excitedly search for eggs or hug their stuffed animals. As any parent of teens knows, those fleeting moments of joy are truly the most precious.
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this resource. Also, if you want to explore options for starting a family, visit Make A Mom for an authority on the subject, or take a look at UCSF’s center for excellent information.