They always say holidays get better when you have kids. To be honest, at Christmas I didn’t really notice a difference. If anything, Christmas felt like a blur this year. If it hadn’t been for Amazon, gifts probably wouldn’t have happened at all. I was wrapping up an insane semester of school, in which I taught two classes and took a class, all with a newborn dictating my schedule. Oh, and we did happen to fly to Seattle on Christmas Day. If anything, the holidays felt like the ultimate postpartum feat. I didn’t have time to think about how everything was much more special with a baby in my arms.
But on Easter, I saw the magic. I caught my first glimpse of how every single holiday is going to be more fun with children running around. Because there are long conversations with friends after Easter church service. And Easter baskets filled with books and toys. And cute dresses and big bows. And friends who come over to share a meal. And ham and pies to be eaten. And grandmas and grandpas to give hugs and presents.
Now don’t get me wrong. I completely understand that Easter is about our Risen Lord, not about candy and clothes. And I actually did quite a bit of contemplating over the last week or two about how we should celebrate Easter with kids, in order to keep it focused on Christ.
And this is what I came up with… mom and dad give Easter baskets {not a creepy bunny who lives at the mall} as a symbol of our love and generosity, which is only the tiniest reflection of God’s love and generosity toward us in the gift of His Son.
So bring on the egg hunts next year, because Jesus gives us the ultimate reason to celebrate. I can’t wait to watch chubby toddler legs on the hunt for plastic eggs hidden in plain sight.
I love the book Giraffes Can't Dance! It's a great one 🙂 this was our first Easter with our baby girl too and I've really been trying to think how to celebrate but keep the focus on Christ so I was glad to read your perspective on that .
Z looks so much like you in the second picture!
That's a wonderful way to celebrate Easter and keep it Christ-focused and fun. Looks like everyone had a good time! 🙂
Gah! She is too cute! I loved Easter this year, too, especially with a baby that is curious about everything! I'm with you about the Easter bunny, too. Such a creep and not the message we want to give to our daughter. We did a basket but I'm not sure where I'll go with it when she's older. Love your idea!
Eek! You're a momma now. I love it! She's gorgeous!
I haven't been around the blogosphere, but, I just started a new blog last night and am excited to be back at it. I hope you will follow me again like you did when I hosted BrownEyedBell(e)
Can't wait to get caught up on the happenings of your blog!
My new one is http://www.thedandelioneffect.blogspot.com