This Easter is a particularly special one for me as our little family is anxiously awaiting the arrival of our baby girl who is due to arrive any day. It is an incredible feeling becoming a mama all over again, and this time to a daughter. So many thoughts and emotions are churning within me and I feel overcome this Easter Sunday at the incredible blessings that are mine because of my Savior Jesus Christ. Most singularly on my mind is the blessing of being sealed to my family for time and all eternity. For those who have likewise experienced the breadth and depth and power of a mother's love, it is one of the most precious and sacred reassurances to have the knowledge that nothing can separate you from your sweet little ones. Though life's circumstances and trials may result in a brief pause in our ability to be together, as Elder Uchtdorf has said, "There are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings." Because of Jesus Christ, our precious babes can be ours forever- forged, bound, sealed to us with a bond that cannot be broken, so long as we live faithful and obedient to our covenants.
This Easter, my family and I followed the discussion points and activities each day from my Christ-Centered Easter plan I put together last year. Check it out here if you want to know more. We also decided to go very simple on the commercial side of Easter and keep the focus on its true meaning. We didn't even do Easter baskets this year!! (something my husband really wanted us to try). I have to admit that waking up in the morning and eating cinnamon rolls together and listening to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Easter Program instead of putting the focus on Easter Bunny loot, made for a much more serene and reverent morning. My children may kill me, but I think I just might permanently ditch the whole Easter basket thing.
Here is a look at the couple of non-religious fun we had:
MAKING PAPER-PLATE BUNNIES
DECORATING EASTER EGGS
"EASTERFEST" EASTER EGG HUNT
My husband's dental school puts on a huge Easter party each year with egg hunts, crafts, bounce houses, etc.
There is nothing wrong with a little traditional Easter fun, but there are just so many great activities and crafts to help keep the focus on the true meaning of Easter that I'd rather put my time and attention on these rather than on the "Bunny side". Below are some great resources and ideas (for future ref). And don't forget my Easter post (click here) from last year for lots of ideas too.
A Christ Centered Easter Week (Source: mybellemichelle.com) This is a great resource for activities to do with young children each day of Easter Week (Holy Week).
30 Christ-Centered Easter Crafts and Activities (Source: beinglds.blogspot.com)
Why Do We Celebrate Easter Flip Book (Source: theredheadedhostess.com)
A cute little advent of activities and scriptures for young children. (Source: lds.org)
Lastly, just in case you have not already seen it, please check out this short but powerful video clip HERE, about the true meaning of Easter. I promise, you won't regret it.
I hope you all had a fantastic Easter!
