by Trista Arney, Parent Reporter
Despite Calgary’s weather, April has arrived – and Easter is close behind! With budget concerns, physical distancing, and isolation in place, Easter celebrations will likely look very different for many families. While these measures are necessary for public health, it is also important to acknowledge and allow ourselves to feel strong emotions about having to alter traditions and celebrate differently this year. It’s normal to feel disappointed by these disruptions! However, it’s a good time to think about finding new ways to celebrate and come together while remaining physically separate.
Here are some suggestions for fun ways to celebrate the holiday:
Family Dinner
For many families, Easter and other holidays are a chance to gather for meals. Health officials tell us that this isn’t an option this year; it’s best to restrict our gatherings to those we live with.
We’re so fortunate to live in the digital age! Why not host a virtual Easter brunch or dinner celebration with family and friends? There are many free online video chat platforms that allow groups to virtually gather; Zoom, Discord, Skype, Google Hangouts, and FaceTime are just some examples. Set up a smart phone or laptop at the dinner table and pretend that relatives have been able to gather – no need to pull the folding chairs out or do extra dishes!
Recipes
If you regularly celebrate Easter, your family likely has some traditional recipes which always feature. Here are some suggestions to keep those traditions going:
- Reach out to the family member who makes a special dish and ask them to share the recipe – or, better yet, give you a virtual lesson over the phone or via a video call! This is a great way to pass on family recipes to your kids.
- If you’re used to purchasing Easter breads like hot cross buns or paska, try your hand at baking them yourself! Contact your local bakery if you’re able to support them; many are offering delivery or curbside pick-up options.
- Try using a smaller ham or turkey than you would usually prepare for a crowd, or plan ahead to freeze and repurpose leftovers! Our family loves turkey soup, so even though there will only be the three of us this year, we’ll freeze the extra meat for use in soups, casseroles, and other recipes.
