Easter is the root and foundation of everything good.  Jesus lives!  This is why we breathe, hope, smile, laugh, and love.  As a matter of fact, Christmas would not be such a big day without Easter.  Furthermore, Easter comes at the perfect time:  we are finally recuperated from Christmas, and relieved that winter is over.  It is time to staple some truth, some revival, in our lives and in our hope.

For the last few years, Chris and I have been trying to make Easter more significant in the kids' lives and in our own lives, way past egg hunts and bunnies.  Those pastel treats are still included, but the need for revival at Easter is what we work toward.  Here are many things that we have started to include around the Easter holiday, and some things that are still on our to-do list.

1. Plant a lily.

I vividly remember reading Matthew 6:28:  "Consider the lilies..." many years ago, and stopping there, thinking, "So, Jesus thinks lilies are pretty...hmm..."  We now have a tradition at Easter time to plant a lily for Jesus in the yard.  With so many lily variations, it's fun to go to the nursery and pick out a new one each year. 

2. Have game night.

The reason for this is because our family rarely takes the time to actually have a game night, unless we're camping.  Shame on us, but it makes the game night more significant, along with Easter.

3. Read through the Book of John. 

There are 21 long chapters, which you may have to divide up.  We begin reading the Book of John about three weeks before Good Friday, and we aim for morning and bedtime.  We miss here and there, which is why we allot ourselves enough time.  Even if you start too late, try starting with John 17, and soak your heart in Jesus's words of prayer for YOU.  You will fall into such a deep love and gratefulness for Jesus.

4. Watch a favorite movie on the life of Jesus.

We love the clay animation of "Jesus: the Miracle Worker."  There's also "Jesus of Nazareth, " and "The Bible" episodes of the life of Jesus.  And if you're reading through the Book of John along the way, you'll hear someone say, "Hey!  We just read about this part!"

5. Bake some Resurrection Bread.

 Ingredients include canned biscuit dough, mini marshmallows, cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter.  Separate large biscuits in two, and flatten into two circles.  Brush with butter, and then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, add 4 to 5 mini marshmallows.  Envelope (bury in the "tomb") the marshmallows by folding over the biscuit dough to make a crescent.  Press the ends together with a fork.  Brush the top with melted butter, followed with more cinnamon and sugar.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.  Notice, when done, that the marshmallows have disappeared from their tomb! And they're yummy!

6. Have guests over.

Take time to show others you care for them. Set aside your busy schedule to have friends or family over for tea, devotion, dinner, dessert, or lunch!

7. Easter egg hunt. (of course) 

No age limit.  Have one in the house or backyard if everyone is getting too old for the community hunts.  Or, volunteer to help in your church's egg hunt.  

8. Decorate the house.

Decorating, crafting, or painting crosses reaffirm the importance of Easter in your family. Need ideas? One word: pinterest. 

9. Watch a live re-enactment of the crucifixion and resurrection.

Becoming more popular, take yourself to the time period of Jesus by attending a play/performance in your community.  Research re-enactments in your area.

10. Worship with your church family. (of course)

More important than the Easter egg hunt.

11. Give.

To anyone -- the mailman, a neighbor, a grandparent, a friend... Give a gift in reflection of God's greatest gift, his own Son.  Give a plant, a lily, an invitation to church, your own testimony, cupcakes; or your child may want to paint an Easter picture or make a craft for someone who needs to know God's love.

12. Keep a prayer list posted.

As Jesus thought of others, Holy Week is a great time to do the same through prayer.  Keep names posted that members of the family are praying for.  Daily, pray with the family for each person on the list.

13. Fast, or give something up.

I spoke about this in detail in another post, "Easter Traditions."  For one week before Christmas, we fast, or give up food, the computer, TV, or sweets for the week.  This seems to cause the kids to become down-hearted, so we are sure to add in those special surprise treats (#14) to show them that they are gaining more than they are giving up.

14.  Throw in some unexpected surprise treats!

Something that is not usual -- chocolate milk in the morning, surprise movie/popcorn night midweek, unexpected trip to the park, a game of hide-and-go-seek in the house, a trip to a museum.  This helps to get their focus on how much can be gained by giving some thing up for the Lord.

15. Listen to Easter music.

Similar to listening to Christmas music.  Good hymnals ("He Lives!" and "At the Old Rugged Cross,") , and some Christian music ("O Glorious Day!") that focus on the redemption at the cross and the resurrection. 

It is really all in an effort to stay reverent, which is true joy.  If you have any other great Easter traditions, please post.