How Does Your Family Celebrate Easter?

Growing up, Easter was a big deal in our house.  If I am honest—all holidays were.  My grandma used to even leave a Halloween present from “The Great Pumpkin” for my brother and I. Yes.  THE GREAT PUMPKIN.  As in “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.”  I KNOW, RIGHT.  We grew up in that house, every holiday is an excuse to go overboard!  I loved every minute of it.  And I want to be the SAME WAY with my kids! 

So Easter.  New poofy dress.  Shiny patent leather shoes.  Pictures with the Easter Bunny.  Church.  Big family Easter dinner with delicious ham and all of my Grandma’s best side dishes.  Egg Hunt. Baskets. Pastel colors everywhere.

My childhood was full of difficulties. I share so much about that when I write and speak… but it was also filled with memories that are treasured, special and filled with love and beauty.  Easter Sundays are some of my favorite memories.  My two favorite holidays are Thanksgiving and Easter.  If I had to choose, Easter would win.  Not just because the world I grew up in, in America, gets blanketed by pastel colors (and chocolate) but because JESUS.

Nyasha and I have been married for almost two and a half years.  That first year is a whirlwind.  The second was crazy town for us because BABY. Now we are trying to settle in a figure out things like, how will we as a family celebrate Easter.

Obviously I want to recreate my amazing family Easter memories.  I want my kiddos growing up with a house full of people-with laughter and love the signs of celebrating a resurrected Jesus.  Ru loves Easter egg hunts. We have established the egg tradition well.

We are considering something new this year.  Serving.  It seems like the most appropriate way to celebrate Jesus as the resurrected Saviour.  Our family knows and loves Jesus.  Our kids are growing up with Jesus at the center of their home.  I do not say this with any arrogance, I say this from a place of desperation.  I screwed my life up so badly, that all I have today is totally dependent upon the grace I have been granted.  I am so thankful that my kiddos get to see this me, the one that loves Jesus.  Lil Viv is 13 months old and already clasps her hands in prayer when we pray.  That fills my heart with such JOY. 

So how will we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection this Sunday?  I am sure we will paint eggs.  I am sure we will do a hunt.  I am certain that as a family we will try to serve someone well.  Check back here and I will let you know how it goes!

 Easter 2015 with Grandma!

How does your family celebrate Easter?