Passion Week, Passover, and Bunnies

Bunnies, boiled eggs dyed in food coloring, and Peeps. Yes, I am one of these freaks that loves Peeps. For some of us, this week is a fun week to have family gatherings, cook an Easter meal, and have awesome egg hunts. But for others, it holds religious significance. For the Jewish community, it commemorates the start of Passover. For the Christian community, it is Passion Week, the week we celebrate the ministry, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Whichever way you choose to celebrate Easter, this year looks different for all of us. No gatherings of 10 or more people, six-feet distances, no big Easter egg hunts, and most of us are under stay-at-home orders. Does that mean we have to lose the joy of this holiday? Absolutely not! Here are some ideas for you and your family to consider this Passion Week.

Family Traditions--Whatever your traditions may be, keep to them as best as you can right now. For instance, have an egg hunt with your immediate family. Attend an Easter service in your home; many churches are streaming their Sunday services. If you make deviled eggs every year, you can still do that. Have a Skype meal with your family since you cannot celebrate Easter together. You can even start a new tradition, maybe having family communion on Thursday, participating in a Seder meal (click here for resource ideas), or even try your hand at a Pane di Pasqua. Things become special because of the effort we put into them.

Craft--Since we are living through the toilet paper apocalypse, I imagine most of you have loads of empty toilet paper rolls. Did you know you can make all kinds of Easter crafts? Whether it be a silly little bunny or even a cross, there are so many things you can make with these empty rolls. Or you can weave a beautiful paper basket and make fake eggs to decorate. We have been given a unique break, a scary one, but unique nonetheless. Why not make the best of it, staying home and crafting with our kids. Here is a great Pinterest board with easy Easter crafts.

The Marais Passion Week Plans--What will my family be doing this week? Each day we are going to read the story of the life of Christ and the events that led to the Cross and Resurrection. On Wednesday, we will eat a traditional Sedar (as best as we can). Remember, Jesus was Jewish, so he still celebrated the Jewish holy days. Passover is the celebration of the salvation of the Jews from the Egyptians in the Old Testament. On Thursday, we will have family communion, just as Jesus did during the Last Supper. On Good Friday, we will read the store of the crucifixion. And on Sunday morning, we will join with Christian believers around the world and rejoice in the resurrection. And of course, we will have an egg hunt with our awesome 2-year old, craft with our empty toilet paper rolls, and spend time with each other.

What are you planning on doing this week? Do you have any family traditions? Drop a comment and let us know what your plans are this week.