As a child I have fond memories of picking out my "Sunday best" - a chance for a new dress in bright, happy spring colors to sport at school and at church. I can recall dyeing boiled Easter eggs until my hands ran with the colors of the rainbow, and the excitement of hiding my decorated eggs with candy-filled plastic eggs for our family egg hunt event. It was the one day of the year, excluding Valentine's Day, where as a child I would get a pass on how much candy was too much.
Easter for a child is a special time. There is a certain magic and anticipation that makes this holiday one filled with fun memories surrounded by family and friends. From the Easter bunny to the Easter baskets filled to the brim with goodies. From egg hunts to Sundays in the Park - playing at the playground, BBQs or picnic lunches.
As a parent myself now, it is a time to sit back and see Easter through the eyes of my children - 5 years old and 18 months old. To watch them play and laugh, and truly enjoy the pure joy of Easter and the spring season. I can relive my own experiences with the Easter holiday through the joy and happiness of my children, and what a great reason to find beauty in this celebration!
Easter does also include the meaning of renewal. The Easter Bunny is an ancient symbol of fertility, the Easter egg a symbol of birth and renewal. Easter also traditionally falls on the 1st Sunday after the start of the Spring season. There are so many opportunities to feel refreshed, renewed and overjoyed during Easter - the weather, the signs of nature after the cold of winter, or the religious meaning of the Christian beliefs. Take time to truly appreciate and revel in the sights, sounds and experiences of Easter.
