Admit it! We’ve all been thrown for a loop this year.

This year, Easter weekend falls at the end of spring break, and for some reason, it feels like too much to handle all at once.

Spring break? Easter? Oh no! My bunnies and baskets and Easter decorations are still in a box in the garage, and I’m just hoping that last year’s Easter clothes still fit. No wreath on the door, no cards in the mail – I feel like a real Easter failure. With all of my spring break planning, Easter has simply fallen by the wayside.

But Easter is too important to let slide simply because the kids are out of school. And the truth is, Easter isn’t about bunnies and candy and Easter eggs. It’s about celebrating one of the most important Christian holidays of the year.

Easter is a time when Christians honor the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made through His death on the cross, and it’s a celebration of His resurrection.

Remembering and honoring the true meaning of Easter doesn’t require an egg hunt or a new Easter hat. It requires humble reflection on one of the greatest sacrifices ever recorded in human history. So, if spring break plans are interfering with your usual Easter agenda - a visit from the Easter bunny, an egg hunt, and a big family get-together - then maybe that’s a good thing.

This year, take advantage of this unique situation and focus on teaching your children the true meaning of Easter. Go to church as a family, or, if you’re out of town, pray together and take time to reflect on the sacrifice God made for us. Talk about ways they can honor and thank Him for all that He has done for us. Easter is a celebration of life renewed.

Like the egg, which is a symbol of new life, Easter is a time of new beginnings. What are some new beginnings that your family is experiencing?

You have a wonderful opportunity this year to experience Easter in a whole new light. You may even find that Easter without all the typical trappings is more special than you ever imagined. If not, double up on your decorations next year and plan a big Easter lunch. Peter Cottontail is always available!