With spring break only concluding this past weekend, it sadly isn't feasible for me to travel another four hours back home for Easter weekend, especially since my public university does not offer days off for holidays. As much as I would love to spend even more time with my family than I had gotten the chance to over the break, the trip isn't worth the expensive train ticket when I would have to go back to campus midway through Easter celebrations. Just because I won't be spending the holiday surrounded by family doesn't mean that there aren't some great ways to spend the day while still being on campus. Here are a few ways that can make the day special, even miles away from home.
1. Technology
In 2018, we are blessed with the technology to communicate with practically everyone we want across the globe. Since holidays are a time for family, it only makes sense that you would miss your family. FaceTime and Skype are ways that you can be as close to your family is possible from miles and miles away. Even if you only call for a few minutes just to say hi, it can change your entire dynamic of the day. For someone like me, FaceTime is incredibly important, especially on days like Easter when I would love to be home with my family, but simply cannot be.
2. Traditional
Try and spend the day as you would if you were home with your family. If you want, you can find a nearby Easter mass and attend it to honor the day. Afterwards, go out for brunch or cook yourself a nice meal as though you were home with your family. Of course, it won't have the same environment, but it can still help you feel as though you were closer to home on this day. Making it a special day -- or at least one that's different than your average day-to-day life -- will definitely help the homesickness. Also, getting your friends involved in this day will totally help!
3. Festivities
If a traditional day is not something that you're interested in, then try indulging in the fun festivities of Easter. Gather some friends for an Easter egg hunt around your apartment, dorm or area of campus. Then, spend the rest of the afternoon binging on candy and dying Easter eggs. Maybe if you feel like splurging, buy some of those sugar cookies with the Easter themed designs on them. It'll be a great way to pass the time with your friends!
Easter is a holiday meant to be joyful. No matter how far you may be from the celebrations that you had grown up with, there are still plenty of ways to go out and make this Sunday different than the usual, if that's what you want! While celebrating the holiday in creative ways can be enjoyable, you can also just take the day to relax and have some quality time to yourself. Whatever you choose to do, I hope it's wonderful.
