What actually makes holidays special? This year, Easter will probably look very different than it has in the past. Many of us aren’t going to be having large feasts surrounded by family, friends, and guests. We won’t be putting on our florals and pastels to go to church. Because of limited food options and opportunities to shop, or perhaps a sudden decrease in income, our tables might not be covered in glazed hams, creamy mashed potatoes, and delectable desserts.
I love all of these things about the holiday, and I love that they help us focus on the significance of what Easter is all about. But that is all they really are– a way for us to mark and celebrate this special day; they aren’t everything.
What if this year was a time to simplify the holiday, and put the focus on what it’s actually about? I’m not suggesting we have to put away the china, dress clothes, or menu in order to truly appreciate the significance of Easter. But sometimes doing the unusual can be a reset and help us focus on what we are celebrating and why.
As someone who loves putting a little extra *zing* into holidays, I wanted to think of some ways to create a special, but simple holiday. My husband and I usually join both of our families on holidays, but it may be just us this year.
There are still ways to mark this day as special without the usual hustle, bustle, and gathering that Easter usually has. The theme of this season seems to be rest and slowing down, and we can certainly continue to celebrate in the midst of that fact.
Join in a Church Service
Many of us who attend church regularly have been able to tune in to our congregation’s live stream. If your church is doing an Easter service, it’s a perfect way to feel part of a celebration happening across many families and homes, even if you never leave your house. If you do not have a church you regularly attend, but want to join in for Easter, a quick search will bring up local options, and larger church gatherings such as Hillsong and Redeemer.
Alternatively, you may want to hold a mini service at home with your family. You can play or listen to worship music in your home, and read the resurrection story with your spouse, kids, or housemates. Make it work for you!
Make a Special Meal
This year may not be the year to pull out a huge dinner with all the trimmings, or maybe you want to anyway! Food is one of the first things we think of when we think of holidays, and making a simple but out of the ordinary meal can help make this Easter feel special.
Sometimes it’s more about the effort than the actual end result being perfect. I do not consider myself a culinary expert, but I love making cute creating bites on special days. This year, since it’s just my husband and I, it’ll be a creative time in the kitchen, because ham dinner with all the trimmings just isn’t something I’m going to tackle at 35 weeks pregnant.
Simple but delicious recipes will probably be the name of the game this year, which will help us keep the day relaxed while still making it a little festive.
Do an activity together
Whether it’s just you, you and your spouse, your family and kids, or your roommate, try to find something fun to do together! Playing a card game, board, game, or just going for a stroll together can make the day feel special and relaxing, while keeping in mind the most important aspects of the day–Jesus and the resurrection. Reading, doing coloring pages (kids and adults alike), or just spending time with whomever you happen to be with this year, are all fun ways to observe the holiday.
Whatever Makes the Day Special for You
Remember what it’s all about: Redemption. Life. Hope. The preparations and celebrations we do on holidays are only to point our eyes to say Look! today is not just an ordinary day. We are remembering something significant. Whatever you decide to do this Easter, remember it does not need to be anything. A large feast with your family, or quiet cup of coffee and a bible passage read alone can achieve the same goal– remembering His goodness, His sacrifice, and His love for us.