As a child, I dreaded Easter. The mandatory church service, chilly weather, and strict candy limits made the holiday feel more like a chore than a celebration. Plus, I was never a fan of the traditional ham dinners. However, when I became a parent, I decided to reinvent Easter, and now, I truly cherish it.
One of my favorite traditions came from my ex-husband’s childhood: hiding jelly beans throughout the house for the kids to find on Easter morning. We also allow them to indulge in as much candy as they want, which definitely enhances the fun.
Yet, as children grow into their teenage years, many holidays, including Easter, can start to lose their charm. The joyous excitement I once saw in my kids seems to fade, and I often find myself longing for those early morning moments when they would rush in to hunt for jelly beans.
To keep the Easter spirit alive with my teens, here are some ideas I’ve found effective:
Hide Money in Easter Eggs
A fun twist is to hide money in the eggs without telling them! This little surprise worked wonders last year. Initially, my teens were indifferent about egg hunting, but once they discovered the cash inside, their enthusiasm skyrocketed. I also sneak in their favorite candies for added excitement.
Order Takeout for Dinner
Cooking a big Easter dinner is not my idea of fun. Instead, we enjoy ordering pizza or Chinese food, which many restaurants offer on Easter. I love setting a beautiful table and sharing a meal with my kids; it gives me two chances to connect with them—once during the meal and again during our TV time with leftovers.
Continue the Easter Basket Tradition
Even if they act indifferent, I believe my teens still appreciate the Easter baskets. I prepare one large basket for all my kids, filling it with their favorite treats and a small stuffed bunny. They might deny it, but those little plush toys remind them of their childhood, and I suspect they still cuddle with them at night.
I keep it simple, avoiding extravagant gifts like clothes or tech gadgets. A few small surprises, like face masks, have become a cherished tradition that we all look forward to.
Revisit Childhood Traditions
I still hide jelly beans for my teens, but thankfully, I can do it in the morning without waking them up at dawn. I stick to the same candies from their younger days and continue the stuffed animal tradition. I refuse to turn Easter into a holiday filled with expensive gifts; simple pleasures and nostalgia are enough.
Upholding these traditions not only brings joy to my kids but also allows me to glimpse their younger selves when they delight in finding eggs or clutching a stuffed animal. For me, that’s the essence of Easter.
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