Easter at my house

[Skinner]

I did not celebrate or even acknowledge the existence of Easter for about 15 years, from my early 20s until my first child was born. As far as I was concerned, it was a holiday that did not exist. But when my wife and I started a family, we thought it would be fun for the kids to have a little Easter egg hunt on Easter, like we did when we were kids. So after a decade-and-a-half hiatus, Easter returned.

Our next-door neighbors had children the same age as ours, and when we saw them outside on that Easter morning five years ago we decided on the spur of the moment that it would be more fun for everyone if we combined our Easter egg hunt. So we combined our eggs and spread them around both front yards. The kids had a blast. The whole thing lasted about 15 minutes, and then we each went back into our houses. It was a very modest event. What we didn't realize at the time was that it was the beginning of an annual tradition.

The next year we once again combined our Easter egg hunt with the next door neighbors. And we decided to add brunch, and a few other people. So EarlG came over with his wife and son. And one of my wife's co-workers came over with her family. And my adult niece was there.

The next year we invited a few other people -- families with young children. And the brunch got bigger. And the next year we added some more people. And more people the year after that. We started inviting other families in the neighborhood. This year we invited pretty much everyone we know on our block, along with a bunch of our other friends. We had about 50 people.

Among the people attending our Easter egg hunt and brunch this year, we had: Church-going devout Catholics, church-going devout Protestants, observant and non-observant Jews (including an atheist Jewish Reconstructionist who keeps kosher on Passover), lapsed Catholic and Protestant Christians, some atheist and agnostic former Christians, a number of atheist Hindus (and possibly some observant Hindus), some children with mixed families that include one Western parent and the other parent from an Asian religious tradition (Buddhism and maybe also Shintoism), a pair of Swedish nationals of indeterminate religion, and some children (including my own) whose parents are not raising them in any faith and do not tell them what they are supposed to believe.

My wife and I stayed up until 2am on Saturday night cooking the food, cleaning the house, and stuffing candy into plastic eggs. It was hard work, but it was worth it. The food was fantastic, and the people were friendly. Everyone seemed to have a good time.

That's what Easter is to me. It is not a religious holiday. But it is also not a time when anyone is made to feel bad about what they believe -- whatever it is. You can be religious or non-religious, and you don't even have to celebrate Easter in your own family. Everyone is welcome at my house on Easter. All we ask is that you be friendly and respectful to other guests, and please help yourself to all the food.

[trotsky]

1. It's a great way to honor the celebration of spring, something that predates any religion.

Bolt on something if you wish, but let's not lose track of the holiday's origins!

[ret5hd]

2. "Everyone is welcome at my house on Easter."

Sure, you tell us that now after it's all over. Give us some foresight next year, OK?

BTW, my wife is vegetarian. Can you accomodate her?

[Skinner]

5. Yes!

The strata was vegetarian (but not vegan). Same with the sweet rolls, roasted potatoes, bagels, fruit salad, orange-avocado salad, and veggie tray. In fact, we only had one item with meat -- a ham.

[PDJane]

3. Congratulations, Skinner. I think you've got it.

Since most religions teach, one way or another, love....

[Autumn]

4. That's how any holiday should be.

Good times, and good people and putting any differences apart in our lives are what make any holiday special.

[calimary]

48. Amen!

[cbayer]

6. Simply perfect.

This sounds so much like what I used to do when my kids were young.

We developed a tradition of going camping for the weekend and the families/couples/singles who joined us grew over the years.

The kids would spend Saturday painting eggs and making other decorations.

Parents would stay up late building the baskets and hiding the eggs.

Food was abundant and we all felt free to talk with each other about what the day meant (or didn't mean) to us as individuals.

My current family includes non-believers, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Catholics, spiritualists and people who shy away from any category at all.

Sharing, eating and laughing is what this day does best and yours sounds wonderful.

Thanks so much for sharing and big hugs to you and yours.

[rhett o rick]

7. I googled "Skinner" but couldnt find your address.

Seriously, this is a great OP. This is what it's all about.

I couldnt make it on Easter, what's planned for Memorial Day?

[awoke_in_2003]

37. I still...

Last edited Mon Apr 21, 2014, 06:46 PM - Edit history (1)

have his phone number from when I was a mod. How much is it worth?



Just to be clear, I would never do such a thing. Oh, and I am very lazy about removing phone numbers. I still have the numbers of a cousin and a friend, both who have did within the last 3 years.

On edit: I realized some might think it creepy, so I finally stopped being lazy and cleaned out my old, unused contacts.

[Triana]

8. Well-done Skinner.

You've made it about community and sharing - and above all fun for the kiddies. That makes more sense and is more valuable than anything else, IMO. Both religious and non-religious can be pleased (or, should be) with this kind of celebration. Well-done!

[TBF]

9. My 10-yr old daughter is the Christian in our family -

it is the influence of growing up in Texas (with religious friends/activities). I do take her to Sunday School on occasion but we haven't actually joined a church because my husband and I are in the respectful agnostic category. We both come from somewhat religious families but chose not to join organized religion as adults. We don't want to influence our kids either way. This year we took them to a local easter egg hunt and had a nice brunch out.

[Nay]

10. Our celebration is exactly the same, basically a pagan tradition from

Germany (Eostre, a spring goddess of fertility) or Nordic lands (Freya, goddess of fertility represented by rabbits, eggs, blooms, sex).

In fact, our son had some non-observant Muslim friends over to celebrate with the egg hunt. I told them the actual origins of Easter and that Christianity had basically stolen an older tradition. They were fascinated.

[zeemike]

11. Now THAT is what progressive thinking is all about.

Congratulations for demonstrating it with action.
Big K&R

[pinto]

12. Sounds like fun all around.

And, as you say, a lot of work.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

13. You have done something so very cool!

Good for you.

I know everyone had a great time, and it's something the kids will always talk about, and possibly emulate when they grow up.

This is how we build peaceful communities.

[Enrique]

14. no re-enactment of the crucifixion?

what kind of Easter celebration is that?

[4_TN_TITANS]

15. Nice post!

And example to Liberals on how to celebrate Easter.

[merrily]

16. Colored eggs and bunnies are fertility symbols, with pagan origins.

And don't get pagans or those who read the Old Testament closely on bringing "Christmas" trees indoors as any kind of religious symbols.

In any event, I don't think anyone, regardless of religious belief or lack thereof, needs to worry about an Easter egg hunt or anything that gives children joy and brings neighbors together. Nor is any time a good time to pick on people for their sincere religious beliefs or lack thereof, as long as no one else has to suffer for the religious beliefs of another.

Happy whatever to one and all, always.

[Kali]

17. yep, fun traditions

that may or may not have religious origins. we did similar things with our squids. Xmas too. Sharing traditions is one of the binders that form community.

[Warren Stupidity]

18. That's how we celebrated Easter in my family when I was a child.

It was a celebration of spring, with eggs, chocolate, food and fun. We did the same for our kids too. Same with Christmas - all the festivity, none of the nonsense.

[11 Bravo]

26. Sounds like you might not fit in at Skinner's Easter celebration.

Describing the beliefs of others as "nonsense" hardly qualifies as "respectful. YMMV

[Warren Stupidity]

33. thank you for your concern.

Skinner described exactly the same sort of celebration: all of the fun food family and friends, none of the nonsense.

[bullsnarfle]

19. I'm a little old -

ok - a LOT old, but...

would you please adopt me? I like your family.

[hrmjustin]

20. For me it is church in the morn and food and booze with the family.

[LibDemAlways]

21. Sounds wonderful. Never publicize where

you live, though, or expect a huge DU presence next time!

[Peacetrain]

22. As a devout Christian.. your Easter celebration sounds wonderful

As a non religious person you are putting many who claim strong religious ties that impact their behavior to shame..I applaud you.. you are and your family are kind.. what more is there to this life..

[840high]

36. ...^ that

[paleotn]

23. wonderful....

now that's an Easter we can all enjoy. Thanks for sharing!

[deutsey]

24. I hope this can be heard over all those axes grinding around here. n/t

[lillypaddle]

25. So where are the pics?

Sounds like fun. Good on ya.

[Jack for Sanders]

27. Well that certainly won't earn you any posting cred around here.

Enjoy you're stay.

Expect your pizza delivery soon.

[democrank]

28. Wonderful message here, Skinner.

Thanks



~PEACE~

[Hekate]

29. Smiles and hugs

from this grandma

[HockeyMom]

30. Family tradition

We don't celebrate it as a religious holiday, but keep the tradition of the family, and extended family, getting together for a big meal. Yesterday was the first time that I have been in the state for Easter in years. I made a big Italian dinner and then my kids and their spouses went to their in-laws homes for dessert. It was a very nice time being all together.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

31. What a role model you are.

True spirit of embracing all.

[Inkfreak]

32. Cool story, bro.

No, seriously..cool story.

I enjoyed this OP tremendously. And agree with your sentiment wholeheartedly.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

34. Our family gets together for Ham and Easter Eggs.

I varied it a couple of years ago to make Spinach Lasagna (for the color mainly and change up the Ham which seems to make it to every major holiday gathering). Religion is seldom a factor or even discussed. The young children are too big for the Easter Egg hunts now.

Sadly, the new crop in the extended family are becoming so religious that they have for some reason turned against family gatherings. One niece married a gun nut (reserve coast guard), and the other was basically adopted by Christian zealots and married into our extended family. Baby showers, first Christmases, and birthdays are distant memories of only 2 years ago. It's just weird how this happened. They may one day return. But yesterday was just my brothers, sister, their offspring, my husband, and my mother. Chocolate eggs and bunnies in abundance, and only the smallest of political skirmishes.

[herding cats]

35. I applaud your all inclusive approach to the holiday!

I think if more of us could have the same level of respect you, and your guests, have for each other the world would be a much nicer place in which to live.

For what it's worth, I also think you're setting an excellent example for your children. Teaching them tolerance and respect for all people is one of the core responsibilities of a parent. Mark my words, the future adults your helping to shape will make you proud one day if you keep on raising them like this.

You're doing it right.

[awoke_in_2003]

38. Sounds like a fun time all around...

my wife goes crazy at all holidays. At least I get a good ham out of this one.

[FailureToCommunicate]

39. Starting a family and re-starting traditions, great job Skinner! My twin boys (now

in second year of college!) joined us for Easter services at the church (First Church, Boston 1629) which is only steps to the Marathon finish line. There were runners from all over the world attending the service. Later I joined up to dance thru the Public Gardens with a morris dance team (pagan roots) that been going for forty years, which after several pub stops ends with a feast with longtime friends and family.

There is often an colored egg hunt in there as well...

Just trying to cover my bases in this most celebratory of seasons.

Thanks for all your hard work on DU, and Happy Spring!

[Warpy]

40. Your neighborhood is as nuts as mine is

and I don't know about you, but I love the intercultural mix. The occasional friction just spices the whole brew up.

[underpants]

41. Have fun burning in Hell

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024848890

[KoKo]

42. Wonderful Post....! Thanks for sharing that with us..

[MFM008]

43. awesome

[annabanana]

44. (note: Next time include some pics!) . .. . . . .n/t

[UtahLib]

45. I can think of no better way to celebrate any holiday

than making it a wonderfully inclusive tradition.

[3catwoman3]

46. It sounds absolutely...

...delightful. I wish I were one of your neighbors.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

47. Great time for deviled eggs....

Boil a dozen eggs for 12 minutes in a small pot. Pour off the hot water and pour in cold to cover the eggs with a 1/4 cup of vinegar. Let stand for five minutes. Pour off and flood with cold water to cool the eggs. Peel the eggs (the vinegar earlier nailed the membrane between the shell and the whites making peeling a breeze.) cut the eggs in half and scoop out the hard yokes into a bowl and lay the whites out on a tray. Mix in the bowl with the egg yokes 1/4 tablespoon of salt (or to taste) and 4 tablespoons of sour cream and 4 tablespoons of cream cheese. Whip it together with a fork making sure all of the half egg yokes are broken up and mixed. Add a little more sour cream if it seems too thick. Use two forks to fill the half egg whites. Garnish with paprika. Some folks just use mayo or (urp) Miracle Whip. Some add a touch of vinegar to the yoke mix.

[pacalo]

50. I like your recipe...

The sour cream & cream cheese sounds yummy! I think I'd use just a touch of both, though. Dill weed is what I usually use as a garnish; you should try it.

I'd choose the dyed eggs over chocolate any Easter!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

51. I plan to hit CVS for half price chocolate tonight.

[pacalo]

52. Good idea!

I like the Russell Stover marshmallow rabbits!

[Spitfire of ATJ]

57. Well, they were picked pretty clean but we got some goodies....

Easter is getting as bad as Halloween as far as candy. They even have big bags of individual mini bags for "basket stuffers".

[pacalo]

58. Same here, too...

I took a ride to Walgreens (thanks to you ) & there were no Russell Stover marshmallow bunnies except for the sugar-free ones .

I got some RS caramel-marshmallow eggs, peeps, a chocolate bunny, & some jelly beans.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

60. Gotz to have them malted milk eggs. ;-)

[freshwest]

49. WHERE did you hide the eggs? My folks hid them so well, some didn't show up for years.

My stepmother hid one in a tennis shoe drying on the clothesline, others on the bumpers of cars, and some were up in the trees. She made us work for 'em.

[NYC_SKP]

53. This is as fine a description of a classical holiday as I have read.

Thanks. The metaphor of community isn't lost on us.

[MADem]

54. Everyone is welcome; be friendly and respectful!!!! Such a notion!

The "help yourself to all the food" is a bonus!

Well done, you! I hope you enjoy many, many more...!

[Iwillnevergiveup]

55. Is this the sequel

to "It's A Wonderful Life?" Sure sounds like it.

[mackerel]

56. Brilliant!

[Cha]

59. Great attitude, Skinner.. I bet you had so much fun! I just made

a thread on the White House's Easter Fun with the Kids that I think you'd enjoy.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/110223388

[Ilsa]

61. I like this wonderful tradition you've started.

Religious holidays don't have to be about religion to be remembered and honored. Simply having this special event sharing your children, breaking bread together, and sharing laughter, will create a wealth of memories of friendship, love, and community.

[Starboard Tack]

62. Great post! Well done!

Best to you and your family.