Are you noticing the trend on social media this week? Easter baskets are totally out of hand—like, we’re at level two-thousand. Influencers are posting picture after picture of their kids’ enormous baskets overflowing with pricey items like sneakers, jewelry, gift cards, gaming consoles, and gourmet chocolates. While these baskets are undeniably stunning, I can’t help but wonder when Easter became a rival to Christmas.
Growing up in the eighties, my Easter basket consisted of a book, some plastic eggs filled with jelly beans, and a chocolate bunny. That was it! My parents probably spent around $10, and every year, we were overjoyed with our Easter treats. Fast forward forty years, and I still don’t get why Easter has transformed into a holiday that competes with Christmas morning.
For many of us, Easter involves dressing up for church, capturing family photos, enjoying a festive dinner, and maybe encountering a creepy Easter bunny. Not to mention the classic egg-dyeing session, which always leaves our house smelling like vinegar and eggs.
Here’s a little reminder: You don’t have to buy your child a gaming console or even a video game. They don’t need that designer bag or gift cards, nor is it necessary to splurge on fancy chocolates.
This year, I noticed a surge of Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day baskets online, each filled with red, pink, and later, green treats. My kids get a book and a marshmallow chocolate for Valentine’s Day, and for St. Patrick’s Day? Well, I baked Irish soda bread—does that count?
I adore holidays and fully embrace Christmas with cookies, music, decorations, and the four-gift rule. However, I refuse to color-coordinate my kids’ gifts, snap photos, and post them for validation on social media. It’s bewildering to me that such posts garner likes; they hardly represent the norm and come off as blatant bragging. No thanks!
I want my kids to cherish holidays for the experiences they bring, not just the gifts they receive (if any at all). Moreover, I recognize that many families can’t indulge in extravagant celebrations. Crafting a perfect gift spread is a privilege.
I long for simpler Easter celebrations, reminiscent of the 1980s. Let’s prepare a delicious ham dinner (or whatever suits your family), dress in pastels, and hold an egg hunt in the yard after church. Those eggs could contain coins, stickers, and candy, allowing kids to swap their finds like they would after trick-or-treating. (Oh, the thrill of candy trading!)
Easter shouldn’t be Christmas on steroids or a competition in any way. Let go of the guilt.
Even if you can afford to assemble an elaborate basket, why do it? Why let children think their holiday happiness hinges on receiving a basket heavy enough to serve as a workout? Perhaps use that extra cash to support a worthy cause, create baskets for those in need, or host a socially-distanced meal for others.
I’m genuinely grateful for this spring holiday, especially during these pandemic times. My kids won’t be receiving overflowing baskets filled with toys, clothing, or gift cards. Instead, I’m sticking to my parents’ tradition of gifting my kiddos a book, a small toy, and, of course, a sugary treat. We’re excited for our egg hunt, which will certainly include some of the Easter candy my husband and I enjoy. Bring on the Cadbury eggs!
The truth is, money has never equated to happiness. If your kids’ Easter baskets look like mine, give yourself a pat on the back—you’re doing great! There’s no reason to think you’re failing your children if they don’t receive a mountain of goodies supposedly delivered by a rabbit. You can create a memorable holiday without overspending.
Now more than ever, we must be aware that the pandemic has altered many of our financial situations, allowing us to prioritize and find joy in simple activities rather than material possessions. I know it sounds cheesy, but it’s true.
If your newsfeed is flooded with extravagant Easter basket showcases, do yourself a favor and unfollow. You don’t need that kind of privileged negativity in your life. Treat your kiddos to a few lovely items and let them be thrilled that the Easter Bunny made a stop. And while you’re at it, indulge in something sweet for yourself and enjoy the true spirit of Easter, rather than feeling envious of someone else’s situation.
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Summary:
Easter celebrations have shifted dramatically over the years, with many feeling pressured to create extravagant baskets filled with expensive gifts. The author reflects on simpler times, expressing a desire for holidays to focus more on experiences rather than materialism. Embracing modest traditions can foster genuine joy during holidays without the burden of competition.