Family Easter Traditions

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! (D & C 76:22)

Family Easter Traditions
By Ann H. Banks
Ensign, Apr 1982

“Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught.” (2 Thes. 2:15.)

“Easter is a sacred day, a day of thanksgiving and divine worship,” President David O. McKay once said. “It is not a day just for rejoicing because of the opening of springtime, not merely an opportunity to display beautiful hats and fine clothing—it is an occasion for the expression of gratitude to God for having sent His Only Begotten Son into the world to be ‘the way, the truth, the life.’ ”

Creating and holding onto Easter activities that reflect President McKay’s words is a challenge for all Latter-day Saint families. Such traditions can not only effectively teach gospel principles and serve to strengthen testimonies, but can also help create an atmosphere in which family members gain self-esteem—thus helping build strong family relationships."
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"Many families find scripture reading time the best opportunity to discuss the important Easter events. Some scriptures to study the week before and then discuss on Easter are Matthew 28:1–20 [Matt. 28:1–20]; Mark 15:42–47; Mark 16:1–20; Luke 23:50–56; Luke 24:1–53; John 19:38–42; John 21:1–25; and 3 Nephi 8:5–7, 17–18, 20–22 [3 Ne. 8:5–7, 17–18, 20–22]. "
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“My parents are firm believers in family councils,” says one LDS teenager. “My dad sometimes jokes and calls them summit meetings. We meet together when things get fouled up or when something really neat happens. My parents let us discuss what we think we should do about problems, and they let us decide what we want to do for vacations and holidays. We always talk about our activities, but sometimes I know it’s the way they ask questions that makes us think. One Easter they asked, ‘What would Jesus have you do?’ ”

Giving children an opportunity to choose their activities gives the traditions added interest. Children are more likely to embrace an activity if they help choose it.

Family prayer is given additional emphasis in many families the week before Easter, with more than usual attention given to thanks for Jesus’ love, his sacrifice, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. The members of one family set personal goals for a particular virtue they wish to achieve. Each person strives throughout the week to achieve his goal and to have a “perfect day” on Easter.

The “show love tradition” is also observed in many LDS homes both at Christmas and at Easter. After discussing the great love of Jesus, family members make a special effort during the week to show the love they have for one another."
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"Colored eggs, baby chicks, tasty food, and new clothes may be symbolic of new life. But focusing our attention on our Savior and his gifts of life through the Resurrection and the possibility for eternal life through his Atonement is the best way to make Easter a day of “divine worship” and to establish gospel-centered family activities worthy of this sacred day."

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