Easter Sunday is a wonderful chance for grandparents to bond with their grandchildren. Easter marks the holiest day of the Christian world, with Jesus Christ's resurrection three days after his crucifixion. For Christian families, Easter provides an incredible legacy building opportunity as grandparents transpose their religious principles and holiday traditions to their youngsters. And, surely, American families have carried forward celebratory traditions for Easter to reinforce the core concepts of rebirth and joy.
But from this earth, this grave, this dust,
My God shall raise me up, I trust.
--Walter Raleigh
Hence the entry of the Easter Bunny! Similar to Kris Kringle (or Christkindl) arriving the night before Christmas, the Easter Bunny derives from long-held German traditions. First introduced to America via the Pennsylvania Dutch settlers in the 1700's, the Easter Bunny (or German Osterhase) made his way into American folklore. Stealthily arriving the night before, the Easter Bunny brings treats and surprises to create a delight for our children. In early tradition, children would build brightly colored nests (often made from caps and bonnets) and place them in the home at night. If the children had been good, the Osterhase would lay brighly colored eggs in the nest.
As the tradtion evolved, the self-made nests were replaced by manufactured Easter baskets. And, many families today will hide an Easter basket with colored eggs and chocolates in the house for little ones.
In our family, the Easter Bunny hides his own basket full of candy, small toys, and leaves a clue to the "treasure hunt" to find his basket. And, of course, the kids spring from their beds wide-eyed for the basket hunt at first sunlight. (My wife and I springing first for the coffee cups.) The day before, with the kids, we make an event out of coloring Easter eggs. And, it's the Easter Bunny who hides those for us. Following Easter Sunday service, the extended family gathers to celebrate with an feast of Ham, eggbakes, cinnamon rolls, and lots of other goodies. Afterwards, the kids enjoy the Easter egg hunts. And, it's a particularly special treat if warm spring weather puts a hug on the whole day.
Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.
--Martin Luther
In addition to the power of religious affirmations, the joyous family occassions, and delectible goodies, Easter Sunday offers for many a personal re-awakening. Make the effort to stoke the fires deep in your core. Rekindle those life goals, principles, and legacy projects you've been working on, or thinking through. What better time to stir the passion of your soul. Make a clean start. And, move forward in enriching your life, finding your purpose, and securing your legacy with your grandchildren.
The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.
--Robert Flatt
On this page, you'll find a number of new and creative ideas to connect with your grandchild. Take the opportunity to embrace the personal power of Easter, and ensure an extra special occassion for your grandchildren.
Easter Ideas for Grandchildren
EMail an Easter card:E-cards are available for free (though some offer enhanced features to subscribers), and only take mere moments to create and email to your grandchildren. If you're pressed for either time or money...e-cards are the way to go. In fact e-cards are so quick and easy...why not do one in addition to whatever other Easter plans & treats you have on your agenda. There are many e-card sites. Here are two I have used and can recommend:
Supersize your Easter e-Card: Technology is advancing quickly and with more of us on broadband now than ever, your options to creatively express love to your grandchildren in new ways is also expanding. Imagine your computer becoming an artist's palette to create a moving, living e-card from your own pictures, videos and music. Sound difficult? It's simple, and FREE! Surprise yourself right now, and put the sophisticated platform of Smilebox to work for you. Create the absolute best Easter card you ever sent or have yet even imagined. And, it's much, much easier than you think. Click the link below and check it out...
Grab that Digital Camera: The grandkids will grow in a flash, so it's so important to capture those fleeting images. Does your family get it's Sunday best on for Easter morning? It's hard to imagine a more opportunistic moment to snap some family pictures. The flowers are out, birds are chirping, and your grandchildren are adorable, neat and spiffy in their church clothes. And, everyone is happy as can be, right?! Well, not always...but certainly your forecast for smiles are peaking on Easter. Did you know that you can enter a monthly contest with snapshots that capture the cuteness of your grand ones? The annual grandprize is a $25,000 college tuition fund. Cost of snapping a digital picture = FREE. That's one heck of a return for a 2 minute investment of your time. Especially when you win either way by capturing a grandchild photo that could become a family treasure!
Dress them Up: Kids grow up so quickly that you'll likely only get one chance to wear some of those priceless outfits. So don't miss your chance this Easter to have them looking their Sunday best. Treat your grandkids to just the right dress or duds for this spring holiday...and just wait till the "look how cute!" and "how adorable!" comments come rolling in on Easter Sunday.
Color an Egg: Kids love variety. So pick up a new or different egg coloring kit this year, and plan an event. Build up the excitement too. Want to know the secret to get your grandchildren ecstatic about an activity? Simply show some over-the-top excitement yourself! Your enthusiasm will be contagious...
Surprise Dessert or Dinner:Has your family lost that loving feeling at dinner time? Sometimes, as we transition into grandparenthood, and our adult children are swamped with the rush of every day life with little kids...special meals take a hit. We let the clock run out, or we struggle as new family traditions are in a state of flux. Where WILL we have an Easter meal this year? If you'd like to re-energize your family's tradition to gather for a great meal...surprise them with an sampler Cheesecake. Or even, an amazing meal altogether. Not only will you find some delicious Cheesecake options over at Omaha steaks for less than $30 but also suggestions for dinner. Imagine bacon wrapped filets, baked stuffed potatoes, and your cheesecake sampler. Add a coule veggies on your own, and you've got dinner for 6 for less than $100! Save time, and save your family's greatest traditions while you're at it!
Throw a Party: If your family doesn't have a formal Easter agenda established as of yet, grab the bull by the horns...and take charge! Throw your own Easter party, and invite the grandkids on over. Or perhaps your grandchildren are across the Country or too young to fully take part? Well, use the chance to get in the spirit and also practice your Kid party skills with other kids...chair the Easter kids party committee in Church, neighborhood, or any local organization.
Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, "Christ is risen," but "I shall rise."
--Phillips Brooks
Easter Books for Grandchildren
Grab a book for your little one this Easter. Read it leading up to Easter season and watch their enthusiasm and excitement build to a fever pitch. Reinforce Easter as the holiest celebration of Christianity in addition to the thrill of the Easter Bunny, to help them connect with Sunday church service. Make your book a keepsake with a special note inside.
Easter Movies
When the family gathers for a Holiday, it offers up an opportunity to snuggle with your grandchildren, and settle in for a family movie. Grab some blankets and pop the popcorn!
Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there.
