Easter family traditions can provide kids some of their favorite memories and can even be major milestones in their spiritual development. Share these ideas with families in your kids ministry. The activities can be done in the days leading up to Easter, as well as Easter Sunday itself.
1. Rally Around an Opportunity for Ministry.
Preparing Easter baskets for needy children is a joy that can be shared by any family. Secure a name/names from a local homeless shelter/mission. Plan for and gather the ingredients needed for a fun-filled Easter basket: basket, grass, cellophane, ribbon, candy treats, a card or book with the “real” Easter story. Encourage your kids to make homemade Easter cards to include in the basket. Let the kids in your family help you deliver this treasured creation. Engage your kids in a conversation about the real meaning of Easter on the way to deliver this gift on the Saturday before Easter.
2. Plan for Family Worship.
Regardless of your church’s plan for a time of kids worship, would you be willing to include all of your family in a time of worship for Easter? Consider inviting your nearest friends and relatives to be a part of your church’s Easter worship. Be sure to include your family’s older preschoolers and school-age kids. Parents make significant impressions on their kids when seen worshipping through prayer, singing, and Bible reading. If you are a grandparent, consider including as many of your grandchildren as possible for this time of Easter day worship. Make sure you communicate with older preschoolers ahead of time about what to expect in “Big Church.” If you’re having a meal at home after worship, encourage your family to talk about their experience during worship.
3. Schedule a Time for Family Fun.
Even adult children enjoy being a part of traditional family fun. Include family members of all ages in a time of family fun. My kids, even through adulthood, have enjoyed games of egg toss (with real eggs!), Easter egg hunts, and the sharing of “He is Risen!”/”He is Risen, Indeed!” cards. Kids of all ages enjoy “homemade” cards from their parents, grandparents or whoever has played a major role in their upbringing. You might even consider writing an “Easter Letter” to each of your kids inviting them to this time of fun. Also include in the letter what your prayer is for your child related to his/her response to the Easter story.
Additional note: Grandparents can be key players each year in making sure that their grandkids are exposed once again to the true meaning of Easter!
