When the chocolate bunnies come out, you know Easter is upon us! Not that this holiday is all about the sweets- although they make a great addition- it is a celebration of both the day that Jesus Christ died as well as the day he was resurrected. Easter week began this past weekend with Palm Sunday and culminates in the following commemorations of Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday, and in some countries Easter Monday. In order to prepare for such events, I highly suggest not going into this festival by eating yourself into a chocolate coma. Sure, stock up on your few Cadbury Mini Eggs or Reese's over the three-day weekend, but be sure to stay indigestion-free long enough to enjoy at least one of these egg-citing ideas throughout the spread of the time:
1. Go on an Easter egg hunt.
2. Decorate and paint eggs.
3. Revisit old board games.
4. Make a charity donation. Go through your cupboard and root out all those tight-fitting, out-of-vogue items of clothing you haven't worn in six months.
5. Take a drive to your nearest mall and capture a photo with the Easter bunny. You know your mother will appreciate it.
6. Attend an Easter parade.
7. Visit a zoo and see the animals.
8. Participate in a 5K- get a workout in as well as make a contribution to those in need.
9. Hold an egg race or egg toss. Get competitive.
10. Go bowling.
11. Bake some Easter cookies or even a chocolate bunny cake.
12. Have a picnic outside.
13. Spend a few hours away for a family bike ride around town.
14. Go out for some late night ice cream.
15. Play at your local park.
16. Grill outside.
17. Wash your car.
18. Go strawberry picking.
19. Attend a fair.
20. Go on a scavenger hunt.
21. Celebrate the Bermudian way by flying home-made kites, eating codfish cakes, and devouring those delicious hot cross buns.
22. Head for the beach.
23. Learn about chocolate…and perhaps eat it, too.
24. Visit a museum.
25. Go horseback riding.
26. Spring cleaning!
27. Have it “Norway” by reading mystery books or watching televised crime detective series on national television.
28. Escape up to the mountains and adventure on some hiking trails.
29. Play mini-golf.
30. Watch classic Easter movies.
31. Put on an Easter play.
32. Get a group together and go out for brunch.
33. Stop over to a farmer’s market and purchase fresh foods.
34. Go fishing out on the lake.
35. Gather with your community in a church and rejoice the resurrection of Christ.
36. Journey outside and do some camping.
37. Plant flowers out in the yard.
38. Test out a foreign tradition by including Haitian music such as bamboo trumpets, maracas, drums, and even coffee cans.
39. Window shop or pick up some bargained designer clothes from neighboring markets or villages.
40. Catch a train into the city and act like the tourist you are.
41. Go swimming or kayaking on the Delaware River.
42. Put together Easter baskets for your siblings or younger cousins.
43. Stalk Pinterest and find the most eggcellent Easter crafts to create.
44. Trade paintings or drawings in exchange for sweets following the Sweden customs.
45. Pamper yourself, whether it means getting your nails done, actually taking the time to shave, or even adding in that 20 minute nap.
46. Play party games. Musical chairs or karaoke can do the trick.
47. Get cooking. Most people, especially children, love capturing quality time in the kitchen. Learn new recipes or pull out your grandmother’s cook book.
48. Watch a live show either in the city or your town’s latest production.
49. Release that built-up stress by coloring.
50. Have your anticipated first meal of Easter blessed before or after the Easter Vigil, on Holy Saturday or on Easter morning for consumption.
On Easter Sunday the 40 days of Lent have now concluded meaning meat, eggs, social media, chocolate, junk food or whatever sacrifice you have “given up” is now permitted back into your diet. Amen.
