March 7, 2003, Newsletter Issue #70: Getting Ready For Easter

Tip of the Week

The word "holiday" actually means "holy day." Therefore we should begin to prepare ourselves for a day full of meaning and unique expression. Unfortunately, often times we fall prey to the pressures that society, church or family and friends put upon us. With a bit of planning ahead we can eliminate this stress and become free to enjoy the holiday as is intended.
1. Don`t be unrealistic! It is easy to set yourself up for failure by expecting too much. If you have young children there is bound to be unexpected events that make your day less than perfect. Young children often grow tired and cranky with all the activity. They also may be over-stimulated. Plan your activities according to what is realistic. Don`t fall to the trap of too much activity for one day. Even those with older children have to limit what is realistic for one day together.
2. Celebrate the meaning of the day! Easter signifies resurrection and new birth. Find unique ways to express this. There are many online sites offering ideas for ways to celebrate and activities for families to do together. As your family grows your activities may change, but choose something that would be rewarding for your family this year. It may take a little extra thought but learn to be creative. You very well may come up with an idea that your family will carry on into the next generation.
3. Make memories! Some of the best memories can be made at times like holidays if we learn to lessen the stress and just begin to enjoy each other. Simple things like coloring easter eggs can be precious moments around a table that will be something remembered for the rest of our lives.
4. Learn to choose your battles. Don`t let little things cast a shadow on the holiday. Accidents can happen while dying eggs...just clean it up and don`t let it dishearten you in the least. If you are expected to be somewhere at a certain time, plan ahead. Have the clothes all ready the night before. Don`t get caught in a pressure cooker; by pre-planning you can avoid these types of things.
5. Keep things simple. Don`t let the holiday turn into something materialistic. Everyone loves having a new outfit of the latest fashion and easter baskets overflowing with things. However that may just be adding unnecessary stress to your life. Maybe it has been a hard year financially but that should never rob you of enjoying the holiday. Focus on non-material things rather than trying to find joy in store bought pleasures. Give of yourself rather than giving something materialistic. After all isn`t Easter really about giving of one`s self. Jesus gave his own life to redeem ours.
I encourage you to become submersed in the true meaning of Easter and let that be your reason to celebrate. God Bless You and Yours during this "holy day!"

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