8 Steps to a Simple Easter

Like Christmas, Easter is supposed to be a religious observance, but in America our faith often seems to be placed in money and possessions, rather than in God.  We are devout consumers, no matter what else we may believe.  Many of the 63% of Americans who identify themselves as Christians will give more thought to new church clothes, Easter table centerpieces, and full Easter baskets (even if they include a chocolate cross) than they do to the reason for the celebration. 

Let's reclaim this holiday.

People don't spend as much for Easter as they do for Christmas/Hanukkah, Valentine's Day, or even Halloween, but it is still definitely seen by retailers as a time to push candy, flowers, stuffed animals, spring fashions, and home décor (especially tableware).  Wallethub.com reports that $22 billion was spent on Easter in the United States in 2024.

Personally, I'd rather keep Easter a DIY, family- and faith-centered experience than to give retailers yet another holiday to control and profit from.

Whether or not you believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ after his sacrificial death on a cross, you may still enjoy celebrating Easter as a time of renewal, hope, and love for family and friends.  As a minimalist, you won't want to acquire a lot of unneeded stuff that may have to be decluttered later, so you'll want to find ways to mark the occasion without defaulting to shopping mode.

8 easy ways to celebrate Easter

1.  Be practical about clothing purchases.

If you don't typically dress up, then investing in dressy clothes doesn't make much sense, especially for children who grow so quickly.  Check consignment shops and thrift stores if you must have Easter outfits, but choose basics that can be dressed up.  A cute sun dress, casual and perfect for a lot of use this summer, can be paired with a cardigan for Easter.  A pair of khaki or navy pants or shorts can be paired with a collared shirt, and both can be worn again.

2.  Plan an Easter egg hunt.

The Christian tradition of eggs at Easter is a very old one, and at least partly associated with the fact that eggs and dairy may be given up for Lent.  Dye hard boiled eggs naturally with beets, red cabbage, onion skins, blueberries, or turmeric.  It's more fun and eco-friendly than commercial dye kits, and won't affect the flavor of the eggs.  You could also color eggs with crayons or colored pencils.  Later, use the eggs for Salad Niçoise, or simply mash them with a bit of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper and serve them with Bibb lettuce on some good whole grain or sourdough toast.

3.  Keep Easter baskets simple.

Avoid the huge prepackaged baskets that are usually filled with junky toys and low-quality candy.  If you don't have baskets saved from last year, consider buying a bucket* that can be used for beach play, picnics, and gardening later this summer.  Shred green printer paper and construction paper to use as filler (it's recyclable too), and use moderation in your candy purchases.  (By the way, you'll enjoy the candy more if you happen to give up sweets for Lent.)  If you want to include small gifts, think about crayons, sidewalk chalk, card games, bubble solution, origami paper, and other items that will be used and used up.

* This blog is reader-supported, with NO ADS.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.

4.  Make your own decorations.

You don't need the cheap, mass-produced items that are for sale in every big box store, which will exist in landfills for centuries.  You can craft a simple wreath with greenery from your garden (try fern, boxwood, ivy, rosemary, eucalyptus, etc.) and add a pretty pastel ribbon.  Or anchor some long twigs in a tall vase and hang origami rabbits and butterflies from them.  Use craft sticks and leftover yard to make colorful God's eyes with your children.  They can also help make paper flowers using pastel cupcake liners.

For a beautiful table centerpiece, try these ideas:

• Use some of your favorite houseplants.  Add simple white candles for a pretty glow.

• If you have a flowering tree or bush in your yard, cut some stems to fill a vase, or buy a bouquet of tulips from the grocery store.

• Separate and "plant" a flat of spring flowers from the nursery in vintage teacups, if you have them.

• Pay tribute to spring farmers' markets by filling a large bowl with vegetables such as carrots, scallions, artichokes, and radishes.

• Place colored eggs, jelly beans, or even pretty rocks among the plants/flowers.

5.  Don't fuss over dinner.

Roast chicken with lots of vegetables for a delicious one-pan meal.  Make a lemon cake for dessert and serve it with fresh strawberries if you can get them, or a thawed frozen berry medley (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries) if you can't.  Pour sparkling cider or wine into any glassware (French bistros use these for everything), and set the table with your regular dishes, using a pastel tablecloth or woven seagrass placemats.

6.  Attend church.

Even if you're not a believer, attending a religious service can be a worthwhile experience.  Most churches will have special music and even dramatic presentations for Easter, and the sanctuary will usually be beautifully decorated with flowers and banners.  And if you pay attention, you'll probably gain some food for thought as well as some inspiration for the week ahead.

7.  Get outside.

Stores try to sell the season, displaying warm weather clothes and factory-made spring décor in January. But nature isn't in the stores!  Go play with your kids in the local park, or take a bike ride.  Visit a local hiking trail.  Take your time and look for interesting rocks or spot some birds.  Gather wildflowers in a basket and press them for homemade greeting cards or botanical art.  Notice new leaves, clouds, and spiders' webs.  If you live near pastureland, look for lambs, calves, and foals.  Whether it's sunny or raining, daylight hours are longer and the world is awakening.  Pay attention!

8.  Start a gratitude journal.

It's easy to focus on the problems and disappointments in life.  Change that with a notebook, a pen, and some quiet time.  Think about people who have helped you, an opportunity before you, a specific comfort or beauty that you appreciate.  Make it a habit to list some of these every morning or evening.  The practice of gratitude will let you see how wonderful your life really is.