Happy March!
Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s time to pull out the Easter decorations and start planning!
Easter Planning…
Eyes on Him
Before the planning begins, take a fresh look at the Easter story (Matthew 26 – 28, Mark 14 – 16, Luke 22-24 or John 18 – 20). Pick one or read and compare them all, but just enjoy spending some time truly appreciating all Christ endured to offer complete forgiveness of sins and salvation to each and every one of us. Thank Him for loving you that much.
Kick Start
Below is a list of 20 questions I put together to help kick start my Easter planning each year, but one overriding question stays at the front of my mind through it all – How can I truly celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection this Easter.
Don’t get overwhelmed by this list. It’s just 20 questions to get you thinking and planning. It is not intended to burden you in any way. Also, you can expect a tips, ideas, recipes and menus newsletter to come.
Now, grab your calendar, some paper and a pen and you are all set to start planning.
Tip – I find it helpful to start by dividing my list into sections or columns (To Do, Ideas, Shop, Groceries…)
1. When are Easter Sunday services? Mark it in your calendar.
2. Will you be attending an Easter pageant, egg hunt or some other community event? Mark it on your calendar. Do you need to look up the details or buy tickets?
3. Where will you spend Easter Sunday? Will you be at home or will you be in the home of a friend or relative? List any needed traveling plans on your calendar…
4. Would you like to do something special on Good Friday? If so, list your ideas.
5. Will you host an egg hunt? List any preparations you will need to make under the appropriate section on your list (buy or unpack plastic eggs, baskets, Easter grass, purchase candy or treats for inside eggs, send out invitations…)
6. Will you dye/decorate eggs? List eggs on your grocery list and dying/decorating supplies on your purchase list. Don’t forget to check to see if you will need additional supplies for the type of dye you choose – like vinegar.
7. Will you fill Easter baskets? If so, list each person you will put together an Easter basket for. Under their names, write any ideas you have for their basket and if you will need to purchase an actual basket or bucket. Choose a date you will shop for these items and mark it on your calendar.
8. Will you be purchasing or making Easter treats for anyone else like teachers, Sunday School teachers, neighbors, co-workers, coaches, friends… Add these names to your list.
9. Will you plan or attend an Easter party? How about at your child’s school? If so, mark this on your calendar and list any needed items. Will you take a food item or Easter eggs, candy…
10. Will you plan a special time to read the Easter story from the Bible or from a story book with your family? Do you like to use Resurrection Eggs? List unpacking your Easter story book and/or Resurrection Eggs under your list of things to do.
11. Will you plan special times and/or activities for your children or grandchildren to discuss Jesus’ death and resurrection? List these ideas.
12. Will you be planning a special Easter breakfast? Start thinking through your breakfast menu and list the needed items on your grocery list.
13. Will you be planning a special Easter lunch? Start thinking through your lunch menu and list the needed items on your grocery list.
14. Put locating any needed recipes on your To Do list.
15. Will you use fun Easter paper plates, dessert plates or napkins… Add this to your list of things to purchase.
16. Think through your Easter calendar with clothing in mind. Think about what you and your family will wear to church, to the Easter party and any other Easter events on your calendar. Will you purchase something new? If so, add needed items to your list and decide on a day to do this shopping.
17. Camera ready? List emptying memory card and charging batteries under your To Dos.
18. Check your calendar. Is it realistic for you to do all the calendar events you have listed? Remember, Easter is about celebrating Jesus. Nothing about that should be stressful. Cross off, cancel and move calendar items as needed.
19. Check the lists you have made. Is it realistic for you to accomplish all you have listed? Are you already feeling overwhelmed? Pray and cross things off so you are left with only the most important items that truly celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.
20. Find an easily accessible place to keep the lists you have made and start making progress. Remember to enjoy every minute of it as you celebrate the amazing victory we have in Jesus!