As a father, Easter has always held a special place in my heart. It’s more than just colorful eggs, chocolate bunnies, or a day to dress the kids in their Sunday best. It’s a time for reflection, connection, and witnessing the pure joy and wonder of childhood. Each year, this season brings with it a unique opportunity for me to see life, love, and family through a different lens—one shaped profoundly by the role of being a dad.
Here’s my story of Easter, told through the eyes of a father.
The Excitement Begins: Preparing for Easter
There’s something magical about the buildup to Easter. It starts weeks in advance—those first hints of spring in the air, the longer days, and the shelves of stores brimming with pastel decor. My kids, of course, pick up on this energy immediately. Their excitement is contagious, and as a father, I can’t help but feel my own anticipation grow.
- Crafting Memories: Preparing for Easter means more than just checking off a list of tasks. It’s about sitting down with my kids to paint eggs and realizing we’ve made more of a mess than masterpieces. It’s about imperfect crafts that end up being perfect because of the laughter that comes with them.
- The Joy of “Firsts”: I remember my oldest child’s first Easter egg hunt. Watching their small hands reach for bright eggs, not quite understanding why we were hiding them in the first place, was a moment that genuinely melted my heart. Now, with more kids in the mix, the chaos of multiple “hunters” only adds to the fun.
The Spiritual Side: Passing Down Values
Easter is as much about faith as it is about family fun in our household. For me, it’s a time to reflect on deeper meanings—renewal, hope, and love. But as a father, it’s also an opportunity to share those values with my children in a way they can understand.
- Simple Lessons, Big Impact: I try not to overwhelm my kids with theological discussions. Instead, we focus on small, meaningful lessons. For example, we talk about kindness, sacrifice, and what it means to show love to others. Even a simple story about helping a friend can become a meaningful Easter lesson.
- Traditions That Matter: One tradition I cherish is attending a sunrise service with my family. There’s something humbling about standing in the early morning light, surrounded by loved ones, and reflecting on the significance of the day. Seeing the wonder in my kids’ eyes as the sun rises is a memory I hold close every year.
Easter Morning: Through a Father’s Eyes
Easter morning in our house is a mix of chaos and pure joy. It starts early—earlier than I’d like most weekends—but the sound of kids whispering excitedly about whether the Easter Bunny has come is worth it.
- The Hunt Begins: Watching my children race through the house hunting for eggs is a sight to behold. It’s not just about the candy (though that’s a big part); it’s their unfiltered joy, their teamwork, and even their occasional squabbles over who found the “golden egg.”
- Little Moments, Big Feelings: I always try to step back and take it all in. The way their faces light up when they find a particularly tricky egg. The pride they feel showing off their baskets. These moments remind me to savor the small things that make fatherhood so rewarding.
Lessons in Patience and Gratitude
Of course, no holiday (or parenting experience) is perfect. Easter comes with its own set of challenges—meltdowns over chocolate limits, disagreements over egg colors, or the occasional tear when a basket isn’t exactly what someone expected.
- Teaching Gratitude: Moments like these are opportunities to teach my kids about gratitude. I remind them that Easter isn’t just about what’s in their basket but about the love and effort that goes into creating these moments for them.
- Patience as a Parent: Easter also teaches me patience. As much as I want everything to go smoothly, I’ve learned to embrace the imperfections. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect photos or flawless decorations—it’s about being together.
