Easter has many religious traditions surrounding it whether you are Christian or Pagan. However, in today's society there are many aspects of Easter that are considered to be secular. Most often it is because they don't realize what the various commercial Easter traditions represent. This is apparent by the marketing done right before Easter.
So what do you think, when you think Easter? Most kids will mention Easter Egg Hunts, candy, and the Easter Bunny. With many kids, religion is the furthest from their mind. Even those raised in strict religious families tend to answer religiously because that is what they think you want to hear, but really they are looking forward to the Easter Bunny.
Although, we are a Pagan household and my children do know the history behind Easter both from a Pagan point of view and a Christian point of view, we carry on our own family traditions that aren't steeped in dogma.
Easter eggs are funny. Regardless of their representation, kids just want to get in and be artistic. You can find plenty of Easter egg dye boxes throughout most stores. Sometimes the kids like to use a variety of avenues to decorate that doesn't come in a box. They have used markers, wax, crayons, stickers, paint, and more. Even if we don't use real eggs, the kids love to fill the plastic eggs with candy and sometimes money. It's all about letting out their creativity and looking forward to the hunt.
Easter has arrived and the second most important thing on a child's mind is The Hunt. Someone sends the kids off to another room or location while the eggs are being carefully hidden. Anticipation mounts in the young minds of the kids. They are ready to start running to be the one to find the most eggs. As soon as they are given the go ahead, kids scatter in all directions quickly scooping up egg after egg. If the plastic eggs are used, this means more surprises.
Kids and their parents flock to the mall each year to visit the Easter Bunny much like they do each Christmas to visit Santa Clause. The Easter Bunny is a big part of Easter for kids. He is the one that brings them a basket filled with goodies.
Ah, yes. The infamous Easter basket filled with tons of candies and sometimes cheap toys. They clutter the shelves and risers of many stores each year in order for the Easter Bunny to pick them up and take to children everywhere. This is the number one thing most children get excited for at Easter.
Some fix a rack of lamb or duck. My family has been fixing ham for generations. Some side dishes may include a light salad, Catalina carrots, deviled eggs, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole and fruit. For us it is just like most holidays, just another excuse to cook up a feast and pull the family together.
Who doesn't like sugar cookies decorated all festive? Children love to help out in the kitchen so this would be a good opportunity to spend time with your child, not to mention it will also have yummy rewards.
Many children love to work with their hands and be creative. There hundreds of crafts for children and adult to do around Easter. Below is a list of website filled with craft ideas.
Easter Games for Kids
Fluffy Needs A Tail- This is just like pin the tail on the donkey except you draw a bunny on a poster board and use cotton balls with tape.
Easter Bunny Says - It is played just like Simon Says only it is Easter Bunny says.
Easter Relay - Separate the kids in to two teams. Provide each team with a spoon and a marshmallow chick or plastic egg.
Easter Bunny, Where's Your Egg? - Cut out a large paper egg. Decide who will be the Easter Bunny. Have that child close their eyes as the paper egg is placed under another child. Then the children will chant, "Easter Bunny, Easter Bunny, where's your egg? Somebody stole it from your home!" The Easter Bunny has three guesses to guess who has the egg.
No matter what traditions your family holds, Easter can be a fun time for the whole family to celebrate the arrival of Spring and create lasting memories. Easter doesn't have to be bogged down with dogma to just enjoy the company of friends and family.