Making memories: 5 sweet family Easter traditions to start this year

Bunnies, eggs and a big family brunch – do all these feature as part of your Easter traditions normally?

One of my most favourite thing about being a mum is making our very own family traditions – rituals and habits and celebrations that I hope my children will always treasure and hopefully, one day, bring with them when they grow up and start their own families. The last couple of years have been so different, that this year, when life has slowly returned to normal,  I am doing everything I can to make it extra special. For many of us, Easter means chocolate Easter eggs and a visit from the Easter Bunny to deliver these on Easter morning. My kids always love waking up to inspect the mess he made on his nightly visit, leaving half-eaten carrots and muddy paw-prints all over our terrace and even floors inside. However, I always love making Easter about more than just chocolate and bunnies. This season, spring, is also rooted in renewal, rebirth, eternal life and hope for the future, and here are some easy ways to make your Easter traditions about some of these too: 1. Plant something Here is the beautiful thing about kids: They love doing things with you – pretty much no matter what, as long as they can be involved in something with you, be it baking, making or fixing. So in the spring, what can be better than getting them out in the garden (or the balcony) and plant some seeds, be it for flowers and vegetables or both. Not only has time spent in the garden been proving to boost both health (hello vitamin D!) and happiness – and the best bit, you will all love these moments spent together. 2. Go on a family walk There are so many beautiful walks to be found around us – whether you prefer the local park or a hike up the hills. Look for spring flowers,  spot out for birds, or glance into homes along the way to check if the children have put up Easter decorations. The point is, it doesn't really matter where, as long as you do it as a family. 3. Bake a family recipe Any holiday season is a great excuse to get excited about continuing some old family traditions, be it with family heirloom decorations for Christmas, or your great aunt Mary's famous sponge cake recipe for Easter. Kids tend to love baking and look – I know it's messy. But time spent together in the kitchen is also the perfect time for bonding, learning and sharing – moments you hope your kids will always remember, and that you know you always will. 5. Make Easter treats for your neighbours Pick flowers, make cards, bake sugar cookies – it doesn't really matter – as long as you end up showing your children a little bit about the importance of kindness and the idea of paying things forward. Making it Easter-themed just makes it more fun and seasonal. Leave it outside their door as a secret surprise – or pop over and gift it to them first-hand. It doesn't really matter, as long as you are showing your children what is really important – being kind to those around us. 6. Stay present This Easter, try to take a step away from all your devices – and make this a priority for both you and the kids. Instead, try to stay in the moment, be present, soak in the laughter and fun and family time – and snap some pictures with the purpose of keeping them for the family album, not just to score hearts and likes. What are YOUR favourite Easter traditions? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @herfamilydotie