Easter is the most important holiday in Christianity. Easter is important because Jesus Christ Resurrected from the dead, as He promised, on Easter. Christians believe that Jesus is the Savior because of the Resurrection. The exact date of Easter changes each year. The date is determined by the first Sunday after the Full Moon that occurs on or after the first day of Spring. Easter will always fall on a Sunday.
Lent ends when the Easter season begins, and it is the second most extended season in the liturgical calendar. Ordinary time is the most extended season.
On Easter, many people will attend Mass. We went (and still do) attend Mass each Sunday. I remember when I was little, picking out a new Easter dress. It was often pink with frills. People dress up on Easter because it’s such an important day. We wouldn’t have Christianity without Easter. Jesus made a promise, and He followed through by rising from the dead. If He can rise from the dead, then we should believe in everything that He has taught us.
While this is wonderful to attend Mass on Easter, attending Church each Sunday is the opportunity to get the full benefits of knowing and learning about Jesus.
Traditions and History
The Easter Bunny, Easter Baskets, and dinner are popular Easter traditions. Decorating Easter eggs is also a fun tradition. Dying eggs can be fun and creative to do. Creativity and bright colors are a beautiful ways to welcome Jesus. Eggs can be hard boiled and painted. You can buy the plastic eggs or squishy eggs that kids can play with afterwards.
Did you know that the Easter Bunny came from a German tradition? German immigrants told children to build nests in their bedrooms, and the bunny would come to fill them with eggs. The eggs often held candy. Many people still continue to follow the Easter Bunny tradition.
I loved being the Easter Bunny to my children, and it was fun! It wasn’t just fun for the children, but for me. I loved seeing their faces beam with bright smiles and wonder. Taking the time to know what to fill their basket and spending time putting it together. Filling the eggs and hiding them brings to mind wonderful memories. Laura and Jason were always slow in the beginning when learning how to do an Easter egg hunt. Each year, they were able to go faster and faster. I loved when Laura hid eggs for Jason. We also had fun hiding Easter baskets and the kids had to find them.
My parents made us Easter baskets. They were filled with chocolate and chocolate bunnies. We could eat some each day. I enjoyed the pink and yellow jelly beans. For some reason, on the night of Easter, the movie Superman or the Wizard of Oz was playing. I ate some candy as we watched the movie.
Anything done in love is held dear to Jesus Christ. Even if these fun traditions of the Easter Bunny might seem frivolous, loving your children can never go wrong. Even if you can’t afford a lot, do whatever you can in love, and you’ll find zero regrets.
Fill an Easter Basket
- Candy – A chocolate bunny is a given in any basket at any age. We love this bunny, but there are many to choose. Chocolate candy such as this bag is great and not many will pass by. Skittles, starbursts and don’t forget the jelly beans! I ask whoever I’m making this basket for what their favorite candy is so I can give them what they like.
- Toys / items of interest – Toys and items of interest varies by personality and age. Fidget toys seem to be a hit at any age. Bubbles, stuffed bunnies, books, and outside toys are a popular hit. I also put in books and a Rosary. Try to add something about Jesus in their basket.
- Teenagers – Teenagers would like candy! Fidgets are always popular as well as gift cards. Socks, clothes, books and games are always a hit. Teenagers need gifts that reminds them how much they are loved and respected. Keep that in mind when you’re making a basket.
- Adults – I’d still love a basket. Candy! Soft pillows, blankets, gift cards, jewelry, accessories to any electronic devices, and snacks are excellent options.
Enjoy the holiday and the season with the joy and focus on Jesus Christ!
