Looking back, I chuckle at just how much advice I received as I was about to have my first son. I laugh because almost all of the advice was never needed, used, or, I’ll be honest, solicited. Meanwhile, social media added to the never-ending mom advice that never considered my unique situation or truly knew what was best for my family.
Even with the excessive advice, one thing no one prepared me for was the sensory overload, particularly the constant background noise, whether the baby was crying, nursery rhymes were blaring, or my toddler was beating his toys against the floor.
But I must remind myself that what is considered sensory overload for the adult is actually learning, exploration, and discovery for children. Their five senses are a sponge, soaking up whatever is placed before them. This is why, as believing parents, we are to safeguard their sphere of influence, being careful about what is placed before them to be absorbed.
The Necessity of Being Intentional
Though we might think we are conscientious about keeping our children from exposure to bad things, passivity is just as dangerous. We can’t let this holiday pass without saturating their hearts and minds with the goodness of the Easter truth.
This requires intentionality, especially in a culture where holidays are heavily marketed towards children. The world has its own definition for Easter. While it’s often innocent fun surrounding chocolate bunnies and pastel outfits, if our children don’t recognize that this holiday is the crux of our salvation, we have failed them as Christian parents.
I don’t like using the word “failed” in parenting, because it’s a selfless responsibility that's unique to each family and challenges an adult’s humanity at every turn. But, truly, if we don’t allow Christ to take precedence in our hearts and homes to honor and celebrate His resurrection, we are leaving our children without the legacy of discovering eternal life.
Their little souls are ours to point to Christ, to turn towards the truth and say, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:22, NKJV).
Now, this isn’t as hard as it might seem, nor does it require a theology degree or excessive knowledge of church tradition concerning Easter. Again, it’s about intentionality.
There are four simple ways to fill the simplest children’s Easter traditions with the true meaning of the holiday:
1. Being Intentional with Easter Egg Stuffers
Easter egg hunts are pure joy for little ones, and as a mama, I find just as much thrill in watching my oldest son toddling through the grass while lugging a basket that’s a bit too big for his body. So why not be intentional with the items I place inside his brightly colored collectible treasures?
I’m not knocking candy—I’m a sweets gal—but rather than loading Easter eggs with candy (that most mamas don’t want their little ones having anyway), consider Christian-based egg stuffers: Easter stickers, costume rings, or temporary tattoos (organic, non-toxic brands are available on Amazon).
You could even hide the classic Resurrection Eggs that many Sunday school programs use to walk children through the Easter Story. After they have all been collected during the hunt, an adult can walk the children through the Resurrection Story.
2. Being Intentional with Crafts
With major supply companies like Amazon and Hobby Lobby, it’s hard NOT to find fun, easy crafts for each stage of childhood, even Christian-based Easter crafts.
There are wooden crosses to paint, resurrection felt boards to decorate, color-coordinated beaded necklaces to string, and the list goes on.
I encourage you to incorporate some of these simple, affordable, Christian-based crafts into your child’s Easter holiday.
Bonus points for parents joining in on the fun. These are prime opportunities not only to create holiday memories with your children, but also to host important conversations about the true meaning of Easter.
(For older kids, I highly recommend getting everyone outdoors and letting them make a resurrection garden. Even with my toddler, this is a messy but fun, core part of our Easter celebration. What is a resurrection garden? There are many tutorials available online!)
3. Being Intentional with Snacks
Everyone loves a classic chocolate bunny or peanut butter egg, but there are plenty of yummy, Christian-based Easter treats available, too.
There are Easter silicone molds you can use to create everything from homemade peanut butter cups to jellos. There are cross-shaped pans for baking larger sweets, edible Christian decorations to sprinkle on cupcakes, and even a trending resurrection display that turns an empty donut into a tomb!
Food is a central part of most celebrations and holidays, and Easter isn’t much different. Why not use food, especially dessert, to remind kids of the true meaning of Easter?
(For older children, see if any local museums, antiquity centers, seminaries, or churches are offering a traditional Passover meal or Last Supper demonstration. These opportunities can be incredibly impactful for older children, teens, and even adults. I have personally participated in a Passover meal experience, and it remains one of the richest, most special parts of my Christian walk.)
4. Being Intentional with the Guest List
This is a big one, one that has challenged my comfort zone and reminded me that we are to demonstrate evangelism in front of our children.
When we recognize the meaning of Easter, that souls and their eternal destination are on the line, Easter is no longer a safe, comfort-zone celebration. Of course, it’s fun and sweet—I’m not suggesting that you take away from the joy of the season, certainly where children are concerned.
However, you are doing your God and your children a disservice if they don’t see you invite non-believers to your Easter egg hunts, parties, and Sunday church celebrations.
While your family might host an egg hunt for the grandchildren and cousins, or your life group might host an Easter craft night for the kids, don’t neglect to invite people who need the gospel.
The reason we rejoice in Easter is that it’s our salvation, our freedom from sin and the punishment we deserve. Why wouldn’t we invite others to learn why we celebrate this holiday as something far more beautiful, meaningful, and eternal than bunnies, lace dresses, and baskets of toys?
Show your children what it means to get a bit uncomfortable, and generously open your home and your church to those who might not celebrate Easter the same way you do.
The Parental Calling This Easter
We were blessed with children to rear them in the gospel, to point them to the One who will love them perfectly and never fail them. As humans, we certainly won’t perfect this calling, but we should make it our life’s work and joy to point the next generation to the goodness and salvation of Christ.
There are few better opportunities than the Easter season to saturate your children’s senses in the hope of the resurrection. Don’t let this holiday go to waste as you nurture your children in the Lord!
“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed, and when you are getting up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NLT)
Photo credit: GettyImages/DGLimages
