Easter has always been special to me—not just for the religious and cultural meaning, but because of a tradition my dad started when I was a kid. It wasn’t anything big or fancy, but it stuck with me in a way I didn’t fully appreciate until I got older. Looking back now, I see how those moments shaped how I think about family, love, and the joy in the little things. So, I’d love to share one of the most meaningful Easter traditions my dad gave us—it’s a memory I’ll always hold close.
The Beginning of the Tradition
It all started when I was about six years old. My mom was busy prepping Easter dinner, and my dad decided to keep me and my siblings entertained. But instead of plopping us in front of the TV or handing us candy, he came up with something entirely his own—a scavenger hunt. It wasn’t just any scavenger hunt; it was a carefully planned adventure. Each clue led us to another, and by the end, we’d not only find a basket of treats but also learn something new about Easter, our family, or even ourselves.
How It Worked
The scavenger hunt became the cornerstone of our Easter mornings. Here’s how Dad made it special:
- Custom Clues: He’d write clues tailored to each of us. For me, it was usually rhymes or riddles because I loved puzzles. For my younger brother, it was drawings or pictures since he wasn’t much of a reader yet. Everyone felt like the hunt was made just for them.
- Hidden Messages: The clues didn’t just point us toward the next treat—they often shared little life lessons or family jokes. I remember one clue that read, "To find the next treat, don’t walk—hop like a bunny," which had my brother and me laughing as we hopped around the house.
- The Final Surprise: The last clue always led to the big reveal: a basket filled with candy, toys, and, most importantly, a handwritten note from my dad. The notes weren’t anything fancy—just a few lines about how proud he was of us or a reminder of how much he loved us. But those notes became the highlight of the hunt for me.
Why It Meant So Much
Looking back, the scavenger hunt wasn’t just about the candy or the fun of solving clues. It was about the time and effort my dad put into creating something unique for us. As a kid, I didn’t fully appreciate how much planning it must have taken. But now, as an adult, I see it for what it was: an act of love.
- It Brought Us Together: The hunt wasn’t competitive; it was collaborative. My siblings and I had to work together to solve the clues, which sometimes led to bickering but more often brought us closer.
- It Made Us Feel Special: Each clue was personal, which made me feel seen and valued in a way that no store-bought gift ever could.
- It Taught Us Something: Whether it was the importance of teamwork, the joy of problem-solving, or the simple act of being present, the scavenger hunt was always a learning experience.
How the Tradition Evolved
As we grew older, the scavenger hunt evolved. The clues became more complex, and the hiding spots more creative. One year, he even took the hunt outside, incorporating the backyard and garage. Another year, he turned it into an Easter trivia game, with questions about history, pop culture, and our family.
Even when I went off to college, my dad kept the tradition alive. He’d email me a digital scavenger hunt, complete with clues and riddles, and I’d call him once I’d “found” the virtual basket. It wasn’t the same as doing it in person, but it reminded me that no matter how far I was from home, I was still part of something special.
My Turn to Continue the Tradition
Now that I have kids of my own, I’ve taken up the mantle of the Easter scavenger hunt. It’s a little intimidating—my dad set the bar pretty high—but I’ve added my own twist to it. For example:
- Themed Hunts: One year, we did a superhero-themed hunt, with clues “hidden” in comic books or written as secret codes.
- Interactive Elements: I’ve started incorporating small activities into the hunt, like “Do 5 jumping jacks to find your next clue” or “Sing your favorite song before opening the next envelope.”
- Involving Technology: My dad may have emailed me clues, but I’ve taken it a step further with QR codes that lead to videos or interactive puzzles.
Watching my kids light up as they solve each clue reminds me of how I felt during those hunts with my dad. It’s a full-circle moment, and it’s made me appreciate the power of traditions even more.
Lessons Learned from a Simple Tradition
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that my dad’s Easter scavenger hunts were about much more than the holiday itself. Here are some of the lessons I’ve carried with me:
- The Small Things Matter: It didn’t take much—a few clues, some candy, and a note—but it left a lasting impact.
- Time Is the Best Gift: The effort and attention my dad put into those hunts meant more than any store-bought gift ever could.
- Traditions Are Bridges: They connect us to our past, give us something to look forward to in the present, and create memories for the future.
A Final Note
As Easter approaches this year, I’ve already started planning our scavenger hunt. I’ll write the clues after the kids go to bed, carefully hiding them around the house while trying not to wake anyone. It’s a labor of love, just like it was for my dad. And when the kids wake up on Easter morning, their excitement will remind me why this tradition matters so much.
Because in the end, it’s not about the candy or the toys—it’s about the connection. It’s about creating moments that your family will carry with them, long after the chocolate bunnies are gone and the Easter grass is vacuumed away. It’s about love, plain and simple.
So here’s to my dad, the man who turned a simple holiday into something magical. And here’s to the traditions we create, the memories we hold onto, and the love that ties it all together. Happy Easter.
