When candy seems to take over the minds of children and adults alike since they come in wonderful little shapes and spring (what is that again?) inspired colors. The candy is sweeter, the toys noisier and the stuffed animals larger than life. What other time of year can you find a behemoth of a bunny that towers of your toddler? Punching bag anyone?
So here we find ourselves and for the first time we actually need and want to care about what goes in those lovely little baskets. As we embark on this path of parenthood we find a number of questions popping up.
~Storage. Where do we hide these little surprises? How far in advance can we prepare?
~What do we put in a basket of a toddler that doesn't even drink juice? He has had sweets and loves them, but really? Do we want to provide it on our end when it will be EVERYWHERE?
~How can we make this a green and local holiday for our home? The "made in China" stickers are everywhere and are not welcome under our roof. No offense China.
~The most important aspect: How do we use this as a teaching opportunity for our children? We are setting foundations in all that we do and this opportunity isn't any different. As believers we desire to make sure our children remember the reason for this season as well.
Don't worry, we know this is a treasured holiday to us and we don't plan on making it dreary with our concerns. But we have realized that "parenting intentionally is what makes the difference between a great and a good parent" (credit goes to Joy Dombrow for that nugget of parenting wisdom).
So tell us, what are you doing for Easter baskets this year? Any ideas? And if you don't have children, what was your favorite Easter basket growing up? We would LOVE to hear your ideas and memories!
Fortunately my kids like hard-boiled eggs almost as much as candy! We do the egg hunt (like Peter and John searching for the risen Christ) but I don't get them an Easter basket. Their Grandma uses an Easter basket as an opportunity to buy outdoor toys to enjoy the spring. Last year Aidan received a year's supply of bubbles, a bucket and shovel and a playground ball. I ate all his candy. :)