What a busy Easter weekend I had, how about all of you? I don't know about anyone else but I have noticed Easter has become way to much like Christmas than a day of church, candy and rest. I saw more stressed out moms than I have since Christmas, trying to buy last minute gifts. I avoided all stores on Saturday and opted for a nice hike so I didn't have to run into all the last minute Easter shoppers.
Spending an afternoon with nature made me think back to my childhood and what Easter was to me. I come from a large family of many aunts, uncles and cousins. When we were all in the same town we would gather together after rummaging through our Easter baskets that consisted of chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and fun little things like bubbles and chalk. We would get dressed in our nice dress clothes and have Easter hunts and dinner. It was a time for family and at the end of it we were all happy and satisfied with the day we spent. It seems like in today's society Easter is the new mini Christmas where high priced gifts overshadow the little things like chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and stuffed animals. Am I the only one who feels this way?
As I finished my hike and headed back home, I logged onto Facebook where I was bombarded with pictures of extreme, over the top Easter baskets. Kids were getting new bikes, video games, new wardrobes, and the list goes on. It really took me by surprise. Was I missing out as a child or is this the new norm?
I continued my weekend pondering these thoughts as I traveled home 2 hours to see some family and friends on Sunday. It was a busy day, but I did what mattered most: spent time with the people I loved. There were no elaborate gifts or over the top baskets. We had a traditional dinner with ham and scalloped potatoes. We ended our meal with an over the top candy heavy dessert. Everyone was happy and content with just spending a meal together and eating .a little candy. Memories were made, no one was stressed and no big gifts were given. This is how I want to remember Easter. Sweet and simple.
As I finished my hike and headed back home, I logged onto Facebook where I was bombarded with pictures of extreme, over the top Easter baskets. Kids were getting new bikes, video games, new wardrobes, and the list goes on. It really took me by surprise. Was I missing out as a child or is this the new norm?
I continued my weekend pondering these thoughts as I traveled home 2 hours to see some family and friends on Sunday. It was a busy day, but I did what mattered most: spent time with the people I loved. There were no elaborate gifts or over the top baskets. We had a traditional dinner with ham and scalloped potatoes. We ended our meal with an over the top candy heavy dessert. Everyone was happy and content with just spending a meal together and eating .a little candy. Memories were made, no one was stressed and no big gifts were given. This is how I want to remember Easter. Sweet and simple.