Easter is just around the corner!!! If you’re anything like me, you’re probably busy with homeschooling and housework and not thinking about what the kids expect to happen on a certain upcoming holiday. To help you avoid hitting up the grocery store for bulk eggs and food colouring at midnight on Good Friday, here’s a list of awesome Easter resources and ideas to help you have a holy, peaceful weekend with your children.
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Easter Books for the Whole Family
The Thief Who Stole Heaven by Raymond Arroyo is based on the legend of the thief who was crucified with Jesus. This book journeys from Christmas to Easter, as the thief first encounters Jesus as a baby, which gives him the grace to recognize Jesus on the cross.
God the Father and the Best Day Ever by Gracie Jagla begins at Easter Sunday, but then goes back to creation to tell the story of why Easter matters. Jagla explains Easter in a way kids of all ages will understand and helps adults see the story anew.
The Story of the First Easter Bunny by Anthony DeStefano is a refreshing and heartwarming reminder of the true meaning of this most holy of Christian holidays. Told from the point of view of a bunny with big ears who witnesses Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, this story will delight readers.
Around the Year with the von Trapp Family by Maria von Trapp includes songs, recipes, and traditions that have helped her family grow and flourish in their faith, thanks to the seasonal rhythms of the Church. The Easter chapter includes stories of her own family as well as a recipe for herb soup and unleavened bread, Easter egg ideas, and hymns.
Of course, saint stories are perfect for any special occasion in the church! Check out these awesome books about saints:
- The Saints Chronicles (graphic novel series, currently with 5 books)
- Voyage Comics (magazine-style saint stories)
- St. Therese of Liseiux graphic novel
- All You Holy Women, Pray for Us (board book)
- North American Martyrs Kids Activity Book
Decorate Easter Eggs
One fun tradition for Holy Saturday (the day between) is to decorate Easter eggs. This is a great family tradition, as every member can participate and create beautiful eggs. Some methods are more time-consuming than others, and some require more prep, so consider the age / abilities of your egg decorators before choosing how to decorate your eggs. One year, I was ambitious and tried to use natural food dyes to make our eggs.
We tried beet juice, tumeric, coffee, and cabbages, I believe. These took longer to prep as most of them had to be boiled for some length of time and then the water cooled. The eggs also had to sit in the dyes for several hours to absorb the colours. This required more patience than some of my children had, but the end result was really beautiful.
Maria von Trapp says, “It is quite popular in our house to etch the first lines of Easter songs–staves, notes and words.” She adds, “Others fasten dried ferns or little maple leaves or herbs around the eggs before they are boiled in dye. When these leaves are finally taken off, the shape of the flowers and the herbs remains white, while the rest of the egg is colored. This is easily done and looks very pretty.”
Katie Kimball suggests using kids’ tattoos for an easy, no-mess way to decorate Easter eggs. You can also use heat-shrink egg wraps for a quick, easy way to decorate. These even come in beautiful, traditional pysanky designs so get some for yourself as well as the kids.
Easter Basket Ideas
What do Easter baskets and Christmas stockings have in common? The kids expect them and the parents have to find something to fill them. Something that’s not too sugary or junky or cheap or unwanted or expensive. Katie Kimball has an awesome list of healthy, themed Easter basket ideas that aren’t either candy or junk. My go-to is usually books and art supplies, like a new colouring book or marker set.
For more ideas, browse these small Catholic businesses (remember to order early to ensure it arrives by Easter!):
- West Coast Catholic’s Easter basket bundles
- A Humble Home (Canadian shop!)
- Baritus Catholic Easter stickers
- Shining Light Dolls Easter collection
- Brick House in the City kids’ gifts
- Modern Catholic Goods Easter sale
Don’t forget to stop by your local Catholic bookstore for ideas too! Many have small books, stickers, gifts, and more available there.
What are your favourite Easter traditions, ideas and books?
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