This year Easter Sunday falls on April 12th. Unfortunately, it also falls at a time when the world is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. This pandemic has resulted in 43 states, as of April 3rd, issuing shelter-in-place orders, according to CNN. While this may put a damper on any Easter plans you may have previously had, there are still a few things you can do at home to celebrate the holiday.
BAKE TASTY EASTER TREATS
Since your home, gather up the kids and head to the kitchen to whip up some Easter yummies. Need some ideas? How about these Peeps Blondies from Catch My Party? Or maybe these Bunny Trail Cookies from Party City? Still need more ideas? The Spruce Eats has a recipe for Easter Nest Rice Krispies Treats and Good Housekeeping has this Sheep Cupcake Recipe. And if you are in San Antonio, check out the DIY cookie kits by Ms. Chocolatier.
CONNECT WITH LOVED ONES VIRTUALLY
Just because you are physically isolated during the coronavirus outbreak, doesn’t mean that you need to be socially isolated as well. Thankfully, there are a few options available to you when it comes to connecting with family and friends on Easter and beyond.
Facebook Messenger– Popular for text chats, but also has audio and video features that can connect up to 6 people at one time.
FaceTime– Allows up to 32 iPhone users to join a video call at once.
Google Hangouts– Hosts up to 10 people per video chat.
Skype– Probably the most popular video chat service. Allows up to 50 people to be on one video call at a time.
Zoom– In the free version, up to 100 people can participate in a video chat at one time. Paid subscription plans are $14.99 and $19.99 per month.
DYE COLORFUL EASTER EGGS
What is Easter without dyeing and decorating eggs, right? Luckily, this is not an activity you have to give up because of the current pandemic. There are a few methods you can use to ensure your Easter eggs turn out amazing. Taste of Home has instructions on How to Dye Easter Eggs with Food Coloring. Koolaid.com shows you tips for Making Kool-Aid Tie-Dye Easter Eggs. Got Cool Whip handy? Passion for Savings features ideas on How to Dye Easter Eggs with Cool Whip. Looking for a natural way to dye your Easter eggs? Check out How to Naturally Dye Easter Eggs with Blueberries from Produce for Kids.
LIVE STREAM CHURCH SERVICES
Easter is one of the most sacred holidays in the Christianity religion. The reason for this is because it is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. In order to try and stop (or at least slow) the coronavirus from spreading, the government placed strict restrictions on public gatherings, forcing most churches to stop holding in-person church events, including Sunday mass. Because of technology, churches are able to live stream their events. That means you can attend Easter service right from home. If your church isn’t live streaming their service on Easter, here are a few options for you.
Washington National Cathedral– Washington, D.C.- A cathedral of the Episcopal Church- Their Live Easter Webcast, at 11:15AM (EST), will feature guest preacher- Presiding Bishop Michael Bruce Curry.
Lakewood Church– Houston, Texas- Non-denominational Christian megachurch- Easter Service Live with Pastor Joel Osteen- 8:30AM (CST) and 11:00AM (CST).
Community Bible Church– San Antonio, Texas- Interdenominational megachurch- Online Easter Experience- 10AM to 11:30AM.
Oak Hills Church– San Antonio, Texas- Nondenominational multi-site church with 5 campuses in San Antonio and 1 campus in Fredericksburg. On Easter Sunday, there are 3 online services- 8:00AM, 9:30AM and 11:30AM.
WATCH EASTER-THEMED MOVIES
After Easter dinner, settle the family in the living room for an Easter-themed movie or two. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Here Comes Peter Cottontail: The Movie– A 2005 computer-animated, adventure movie that is the sequel to the 1971 TV special- Here Comes Peter Cottontail.
Hop– A 2011 3D live-action/computer-animated, comedy, fantasy movie.
Peter Rabbit– A 2018 3D live-action/computer-animated, adventure, comedy movie that is based on the stories of Peter Rabbit that were created by Beatrix Potter.
Rise of the Guardians– A 2012 3D computer-animated, adventure, fantasy-comedy movie.
The Dog Who Saved Easter- A 2014 direct-to-video, family, romantic-comedy movie.
Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo- A 2004 direct-to-video, animated, adventure, comedy movie.
