Making memories
East Coasters springing into a low-key Easter despite the eggs-travagant commercialism
It’s beginning to look like Christmas with wreathes, plush toys, themed clothes and crafts, home décor, hanging lights and even crackers to pull apart at the dinner table.
However, while retail stores are eager to engage and convert with their campaigns, many East Coast families say they are not scrambling to consume these materialistic Easter-themed items while breaking the bank this month for the holiday that falls on Sunday, March 31.
Sara Hawkins of Mount Pearl, N.L., says she will celebrate Easter by spending the day with family and reflecting on its religious roots (the resurrection and atonement of Jesus Christ).
“I grew up in a conservative family and the religious side of Easter was paramount. We had a sombre church service on Friday, a big family-focused service on Sunday and then spent time with our extended family. To this day, I feel that holidays should be less about the stuff and gifts and more about the time spent with family,” said Hawkins.
Hawkins shares a sweet Easter tradition to connect and build treasured memories with her nine and 12-year-old children – where fun has no age limit.
“I started doing the egg hunt with my kids from birth, mostly because I like doing it myself. We hide chocolatewrapped eggs high and low inside the home because you can never depend on an outdoor hunt with our Newfoundland weather.”
While the hunt may last 10 minutes with Hawkins’ older children, the handful of items in their Easter baskets cultivates a hobby that will see them outside and active throughout the warmer seasons while learning skills to help their development.
“We have a small backyard garden where we plant root veggies. We have berry bushes on the front, and we planted an apple and a pear tree last year. Both my kids enjoy gardening. We also have small fairy gardens (their idea) with wildflowers for the bees and we are not allowed to cut the dandelions according to the kids because bees love them,” said Hawkins.
A TIME FOR TRADITIONS
Regarding traditions, many East Coast mothers commented on a Saltwire Facebook post that they plan to host an egg hunt for their kids accompanied by a small gift exchange and a roast ham or turkey family dinner with all the trimmings.
In Charlottetown, P.E.I., Jenna Arsenault is assembling a small family egg hunt, a roast dinner, and a few gifts for her three-year-old son.
“Our Easter is about family and will not resemble a second Christmas. We usually do spring and summer gifts, bubbles, outside toys, small things, etc. These gifts to enjoy outside are not from the Easter bunny but gifted by us as parents. Then the bunny brings the chocolate eggs,” she noted.
“We also do a roast weekly, so it’s not a huge difference other than adding a few extra side dishes. Our son has a fall birthday, so it’s the only time to get him stuff as a present that isn’t just a random gift. Once he’s older, the gifts will become more appropriate to meet his needs.”
EASTER GIFTS
From Halifax, N.S., Samantha Mcphee says she, too, shops for Easter sales and clearance items for her two daughters after the cold and dark winter to ring in the excitement of spring’s lighter and brighter season.
“Seeing the look on their faces is the most special thing to me; their excitement is worth everything,” said Mcphee, who selects outdoor items to put in their Easter baskets.
“My family spends a large chunk of our time in the spring and summer outside or on adventures because I dislike winter, so Easter feels like the perfect segue into my favourite times of the year. And, I’ll admit, I’ve always been known to be ‘extra’ for holidays and birthdays because we only have so many years when our kids are young and believe in the magic.”
Mcphee is not alone in wanting to shake off the seasonal blues with cheer-up gifts that will put a smile on everyone’s faces.
A 2024 study for the Retail Council of Canada by Caddle reported that 87 per cent of Canadians observing Easter will spend as much or more than last year, with more inperson celebrations, hosting meals and last-minute shopping sprees—most likely to snag deals.
“But despite making the most of the holiday, as a single mom, it’s essential to raise my girls so they can be grateful and give back. We always donate toys, clothes, and especially food near holidays. My girls love bringing food to the community fridge and toys to toy drives,” added Mcphee.
She noted that social media comparisons affect parents nearing the holidays.
“Within a month of a major holiday, you can count on numerous posts in Facebook parenting groups asking, ‘How much is normal to spend on your child?’ And while I understand people wanting a rough estimate, it’s one of the worst questions to ask.”
Mcphee explained, “In a world of Stanley cups and iphones, we spend so much time comparing ourselves to each other. What one family spends per child might be different from what you will spend or can afford and that is fine. Everyone should focus on what’s best for them and their family because situations differ. And in a perfect world, we wouldn’t compare or judge each other’s choices.”
While it’s fun for children to receive surprises on the big day, Mcphee values the tradition of keeping connected with family the most.
“I grew up with a single mother who worked hard to provide for her three daughters. We had everything we needed, and the Easters were great. Now that I’m in that position, I can reflect on what my mother did for us, making all those memories even more special,” she said.
“We always had our basket of goodies, rain boots, and a coat to prepare for the rainy days ahead. I remember so vividly the Easter I received my Skipit! A classic 90s staple, all the bruised ankles in the world couldn’t dampen my excitement.”
She summarised her Easter as one that revolves around traditions that keep the family together.
“I love spending time with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and girls, bonding with them over the holiday. My Aunt and Uncle always had such a strong presence in my life growing up; having them be in my kids’ lives is key for me, and it’s the perfect time to catch up and create new memories.”