Easter Can Be Celebrated in Many Ways

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For Christians, Easter is the holiest time of the year. The holiday is a celebration of Christ, whom Christians believe gave up his life on the cross, then subsequently was resurrected to join his father in heaven. Many religious scholars believe some of the traditions of Easter were actually handed down from pagan rituals. In fact, some speculate that the word "Easter" itself, is actually a derivative of "Eostre," the pagan Anglo-Saxon goddess, and/or "Eostare," the Norse pagan festival of spring. As a result, some of the devoutly religious prefer to refer to Easter Sunday as Resurrection Sunday, instead.

Easter is also a time when colored eggs, baskets and bonnets are out in full force. Many families have the religious affiliation to the holiday happily commingle with the secular celebration -- replete with sweets and finery. They'll attend Mass together and then head home to search for Easter eggs and dine on a feast of ham or lamb and Easter pastries.

There are many other ways to celebrate the Easter holiday and evoke the wonderful feelings of this time of rebirth, whether you have strong religious beliefs or just care to enjoy the start of the spring season. Here are a few to consider:

* Volunteer your services at a senior center, soup kitchen or hospital. Spending quality time with others who may not have family nearby is also a nice way to show you care.

* Enjoy the magic of nature. Easter is conveniently located near the start of spring. Take a moment to look at the buds on trees waiting to bloom, and listen to the birds who've returned to their roosts. Plan a trip to tour spring festivals, including places where tulips are blooming in full force.

* Make it an annual tradition to plant an Easter tree or flower in your garden. In a few years you'll have a lovely retreat all in bloom.

* Volunteer at an animal shelter. Each year many families purchase chicks, ducklings and bunnies for their children because they are adorable. However, these animals quickly grow into large chickens, ducks and rabbits, and many end up cast outside or in animal shelters. Help educate others that these impulse buys are not healthy for the animals.

* Spread the word. If you want to make the religious focal point of the holiday integral to your celebrations, educate your children early on about Jesus Christ and his selfless acts. Purchase a Bible for each of your children and share the mysteries of the Christian faith with the family.

* In lieu of candies and chocolates in the Easter baskets you create, fill them with gifts, like a receipt for a donation to a charity, seed packets so loved ones can sow their own Easter memories or even thoughtful sentiments about how much you care for each person. Take the focus off of "receiving" and put the emphasis on "giving." You'll be guaranteed a warm and fuzzy feeling -- no bunny required. Happy Easter!