It’s Easter time! This one will have to be one of the most anti-climatic Easters ever as it’s happening right in the middle of battling a pandemic. Usually flights would be fully booked, schools would have closed for Easter break and supermarkets would be fully stocked with chocolate treats as families get ready to travel and spend Easter with their loved ones. With the new changes in the world, this is the first Easter in a long time where we aren’t being bombarded with Easter egg and chocolate adverts online. For the more religious Christians, this would be a time to attend Mass daily in preparation for Easter Sunday.  That is now out of the question as churches have been closed in order to keep practising social distancing. In spite of the changes happening in the world, we should still be able to have some sort of celebration during Easter while still keeping our social distance. Here are a few fun and creative ideas to help you celebrate Easter at home during this period.

1.       Have a picnic in your backyard/balcony

This is a great way to enjoy some outdoor sun and fresh air while still staying safe. Pack a picnic basket with your favourite sweet treats like cupcakes and croissants. Don’t forget some chilled wine and refreshing juices. Find a nice spot in the garden where the sun hits really well. If you live in an apartment, think of having a picnic in the balcony. Lay out a cosy blanket/cloth and place your yummy treats on it. Enjoy some much needed time outside while celebrating the gift of life.

2.       Dress up

It’s so easy to feel unmotivated to look good now that we’re constantly stuck at home. Most people would usually wear their Sunday best to go out and socialize in public spaces. Dressing up makes a person feel good and contributes to making them feel happier. Spending days in, days out in the same drab clothing will surely contribute to making you feel drab.  On this special day, get up, shower, wear one of your favourite dresses, even do your makeup. It’s proven that this helps in boosting your confidence and mood. You’ll feel much more energized and excited to go about your day.  Lastly, take some pictures in your full glam look and share with your loved ones. A few compliments here and there are always important and much appreciated

3.       Have a video chat with your loved ones

Schedule a video call with your closest friends and share how you’re feeling that day. To make the chat more interesting, plan to do something fun virtually together. This could be playing a virtual game, trying out a cooking recipe together and eating at the same time while you chat. This helps to add to the feeling of belonging. It’s important to try and maintain personal connections during this time.  This will alleviate the feeling of loneliness and make you happier to know you’re all in this together.

4.       Bake or cook your favourite meal

This period has already had most of us spending way more time in the kitchen whipping up and trying a variety of recipes. Food makes many people happy and is a sure way to brighten up your mood and celebrate on this special day. Think of your favourite meal that you wouldn’t usually make for yourself but instead would usually enjoy it at a restaurant. Search for a recipe that you can follow to cook this favourite meal, buy the necessary ingredients and get to work. Even though the meal may not turn out as yummy as it may have at that restaurant, the whole process of doing this special thing for yourself will definitely help to brighten up your mood and get into the spirit of celebration

5.       Have an Easter Egg Hunt with your family

Try to keep the Easter spirit alive by creating your own Easter egg hunt.  To try and minimize wastage of real eggs, find a DIY Youtube video that shows you how to make your own paper eggs. Spend time decorating these and hiding them around the house. Get your family members or whoever you’re social distancing with to play the Easter egg hunt game with you. This childlike activity will leave you feeling energized, light hearted and happy. Getting creative is always a good way of exercising your brain and preventing your mind on dwelling on the negative situation that may be happening around you.

6.       Binge on some good Easter TV

Netflix has really been coming through for us during this period. Take advantage of their catalogue of Easter movies and have a good binge with your loved ones either virtually or in person while enjoying some much needed chocolate and popcorn.  Some really good Easter movies on Netflix that you can watch are “Hop”, “Joseph: King of Dreams”, “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” and “Come Sunday”.

7.       Surprise your loved ones from afar

Being far away from your loved ones, especially during special occasions is proving to be very difficult for a lot of us. One way to make your loved ones feel special is by surprising them from a distance. Just because you’re not physically there doesn’t mean you can’t express your love and gratitude to them. Send them some fresh flowers for Easter or better yet a gift hamper full of their favourite sweet treats. This will definitely put a smile on their face and make you feel satisfied.

8.       Attend an online church service

Last but definitely not least, if you’re a Christian this would be a great time to attend an online church service. Many churches are now streaming their services for everyone to enjoy virtually. Tune in to your church service virtually and enjoy some much needed gospel and prayer

Whatever you end up doing we hope you had an absolutely pleasant Easter and made the most out of the situation we are in.