My love for Easter began at a young age. I remember getting incredibly excited to wear my Easter dress and participate in the egg hunt my mom set up for my siblings and I each year. Fast forward to today, where my mom *still* scatters eggs around our house, and my love for Easter remains.

As I grew older, I began to understand the magnitude of the Easter holiday. I developed a faith of my own through the years, and my love for Easter transformed into a much deeper appreciation. The sacrifice celebrated on Easter is reason for immense joy and awe. Although Easter initially reigned as my favorite holiday for material reasons, I appreciate it now for something much more personal. This is my primary reason why Easter is my favorite holiday.

Besides this, Easter brings with it so many things I love. Although the first “official” day of spring has already passed us, in my mind, spring truly begins with Easter. It’s the first day when masses of people break out their pastel and floral garments. Just like when I was younger, I love picking out my Easter attire. It’s usually the first time I look for light colors in place of dark, wintry ones.

Spring is my favorite season. Easter as my personal harbinger of spring is another reason to love the holiday. Spring is such a happy season: flowers bloom, the cold air dissipates, and school comes to a close. All of this begins in my mind with Easter.

For a religious holiday, I’ve noticed that Easter is less commercialized. I appreciate this, because it means that more people celebrate for the reason and less for tangible items. Even the eggs that partly symbolize the holiday have meaning to them.

Finally, I love Easter, because it signifies the closure of Lent. I give up something for Lent each year and get super pumped to indulge on Easter. The process of Lent itself is to give up something you enjoy in the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter. As a huge foodie, I usually give up whatever my favorite food is at the time. This year and the last, I gave up sugar. I’ve heard stories of those who gave up their bed, did not wear makeup, or went to the gym every single day. I think Lent is cool, because it’s a very personal way to understand sacrifice.

My love for Easter has transformed over the years, and I know it will always be my favorite holiday.