As a child, Easter season was always a special holiday growing up. Coming from a Catholic background, it was always a sacred day but there was also the fun anticipation of the easter bunny leaving special treats and the excitement of egg hunts.

With kids and a little family of my own now, I’ve enjoyed starting our own new Easter traditions and continuing old ones. I’ve loved putting together an easter basket for Jonah over the years, and recently for Baron.  I probably have more fun putting them together than my kids actually do opening them. I like to keep the baskets simple, carefully choosing age-specific gifts and special treats, and it’s a tradition I always look forward to continuing now that I’m a mother.

Whether you incorporate religion into your Easter or not, here are a few ideas for making Easter special and fun for your favorite kiddos:

• Decorate an Easter Tree: We started this tradition at our Issaquah home on a tree outside our front yard.  Jonah always enjoyed hanging egg ornaments from the bare branches. You don’t have to use an outdoor tree. A faux brand inside your home with a few plastic eggs strung on for ornaments adds instant spring style to any space.
• Cook a big Easter Brunch:  I like to go all out and make a hearty breakfast with the usual pancakes, eggs and bacon, while adding some special dishes such as quiche, fruit tarts, special pastries and fun drinks. I love dishware so Easter is always a fun occasion to bust out the pretty plates and special cups.
• Create a Fun Tablescape: Add fresh blooms or faux floral stems, add fun spring themed plates, napkins and cups to make your Easter meal more fun and out of the ordinary.
• Egg Hunt: On the weekends prior to Easter Sunday, we always loved attending a private egg hunt hosted by a local farm where kids have free range to roam the fields or gardens adorned with colorful eggs.  You can create the same spring magic at home by scattering plastic eggs filled with treats around your yard or garden for kids to find and discover at their own pace. Hiding the Golden Egg is always exciting to see who finds it! The golden egg is usually filled with lucky money.  This year on Easter Eve, we’ll be going to an Easter egg hunt at a vineyard and winery – I can’t wait!  Then on Easter Sunday, we’ll have an egg hunt in the backyard for the boys.
• Easter Crafts: Egg coloring or egg decorating, there are tons of kits out there that are easy to use and minimal on the mess!
• Easter Baskets: I love leaving out the kids easter baskets by the door step or by the fireplace scattered with eggs to show the easter bunny came to visit.  Some fun and small gift ideas to add to baskets:

* A golden egg

* Flower seeds and garden shovels

* A new book

* Stickers

* Bubbles

* Sidewalk chalk or crayons/drawing pad

* Their favorite candy and chocolate eggs

* A small toy

* A spring accessory or outfit for church or spring occasions

• Religious Ideas: Attend Easter Sunday Mass, read a religious or spiritual Easter book with your children, tell the story of Easter through Resurrection Eggs

I hope everyone has a joyous Easter weekend! What are some of your favorite Easter activities or traditions?