Making Room

Around here there is a growing, zealous trend (at least in some circles), towards less commercialization of holidays that are meant to be religious. I’m sure you’ve heard the debate many times, “How can we keep Christ in Christmas and the miracle of the Resurrection in Easter when Santa and the Easter Bunny are part of the deal?” People have somehow decided that if Santa and the Easter Bunny show up, Jesus won’t.

I do think there is some truth to this, and I agree that the religious significance of certain holidays tends to get a bit lost in the craziness, but…I’m not quite ready to throw over Santa and the big bunny just yet. Some of my happiest memories as a child involved Santa down the chimney and baskets from the Easter Bunny; yet I still managed to gain a deep love, respect and testimony for my Savior, His birth, His Atonement and the miracle of His Resurrection. I managed to make room for both in my life. I think my kids will manage to do the same.

So…in short…the Easter Bunny still shows up at our house on Easter, and so does Jesus. (Not literally, but you know what I mean)

After an exhaustive search (the bunny was a good hider this year) the kids finally found their baskets (or buckets in this case)…

We colored eggs too. The egg is a beautiful symbol of the promise of new birth and new life. Coloring eggs with the hues of spring is a lovely (and messy) tradition. This year my mom watched us color eggs all the way from New Zealand via Skype. She had the privilege of seeing me, the careful parent, be the only one who spilled a cup of Easter egg dye; a lovely puddle of pink stain on the white counter top.

Our eggs, although colorful, were just standard. If you want to see much more impressive ones by Emilie and gang, click here.

Later that evening we had a wonderful FHE about the true meaning of Easter. It’s always amazing to me how quiet and attentive my kids are when we discuss anything at all about the Savior. A natural, quiet reverence settles over them, which is something rare and nice. I love being able to teach my children about what is true and what matters most. I know they feel and know that Jesus and his gifts to us are in a whole different league than the Easter Bunny.

Garden Tomb – from Google Images

My cousin Sonja has a 9 year old son going through cancer treatments. He will have his leg amputated early next month. Sonja wrote this beautiful Easter post. I loved what she had to say about the restoration that comes with the miracle of the Resurrection. It has became that much more personal to her this year.

To end our celebrations the kids and I indulged in the perfect Easter treat: Peep S’mores. I love S’mores, and yes…they are better with Peeps. These will be a new Easter tradition in our family from now on. Because I say so.

It was a beautiful Easter, with room for it all.

I hope you had a happy Easter too!