Easter should be our most joyous season, yet with the “Stay at Home” order caused by the COVID-19 Virus, it can feel anything, but joyous. We are all feeling worn out, frazzled, and grieving. Here are some ways for families to keep Easter and remind them of the joy of the season.
Holy Time: Set a time each day (if that is too ambitious, then once a week) for a holy time. Explain to the children that this time is to practice Sabbath. Set the alarm so that when the predetermined time arrives, it is a reminder to start. Ideas include, sitting in prayer with eyes closed, practice some deep breathing or “box” breathing, sitting in a circle and saying what you are grateful for today, or praying a song (offering a song as a prayer to God and then maintain a few moments of silence after it is finished.)
Find a way that works for your family and make it a priority.
Finding Joy: Each family member has a day and a predetermined time, all the family participates in what brings the person joy. Start with a prayer, let the person explain what the activity or thing is that brings them joy, all try it and then end with sharing what each person is grateful about the activity or thing, then close in prayer.
Easter Butterflies: Each person in the family design a butterfly. Put them in the front window to remind people walking by that it is Easter. Hearts and signs can be added too.
Empty Tomb Stone: On a walk, find a rock that can be decorated. When you get home, use permanent markers, paint, ribbon, and other craft objects to decorate the rock. While you are decorating the rock, each time a color is added or an object, say a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Place the finished rock or rocks in a bowl to be used for prayer during Holy Time or Prayer Time.
Scavenger Hunt Walk: As you go for a walk outside, look for signs of new life. Try to remember what certain bushes, trees, or paths looked like in Winter. Notice the differences now. Remind yourself that this time will pass to and we will enter Spring. After you have found 10 things, say a prayer to God, then continue the hunt until you find 10 more, then pray and continue repeating until you arrive home again.
Prayer Walk: Before you leave home, each person chooses a color. Every time they see that color on the walk, they offer a prayer to God.
Easter Pen Pals: Make a list of people you miss seeing and don’t forget the people, who may not be considered friends but are a regular part of your life (like the janitor at school or church). Each week of Easter send a letter to one person on your list telling them that you miss them, what you like about them, and what is going on at home for you. Encourage them to write back. The more letters you send, the more you will get in return.
