To Easter, or not to Easter....

To Easter, or not to Easter, that is the question...

Greetings all, as I've read through the recent articles from AIG on the practices and customs of Easter, I am reminded that some feel the practices of this holiday are dishonoring to God, and should not be indulged. While I can understand the desire to distance oneself from pagan rites or idol worship, I also try to find joy in whatever I can, and especially in the "Holy days" I've been raised in that point to our Lord and his sacrifice. As such I am a great promoter of Christmas, Easter, and also things such as Birthdays, Anniversaries, Fourth of July, New Years, etc. In my own observance of these holidays I seek to honor God (especially when biblical events are at the root of the holiday) and enjoy friends and family.

Now, I know that we are to honor God every day, not just on specific days, I am not promoting such a practice, but I also believe that if "every day" is special, then no day is special, and that "special" days do not diminish the daily honoring of God, or even friends and family. (I honor Christ at Christmas, but I honor him all the year as well - I honor my son on his birthday, but by no means does that mean I don't honor or enjoy him the rest of the year).

Now, that being said, I wanted to put out there some of the things I do (or will do) to keep the honor on God in Easter:

1. I've always enjoyed easter egg hunts, and while my boys are a little young for this now (2 and 4 years old) I intend in the future to read them the stories of Christ and his appearing to the disciples after his resurrection, then hide my eggs in areas that are similar to those appearances - by the path/road - by some water (fountain, pool, cat's bowl) - near the tomb (more on this next) - Up (shelf, bookcase, mantle - for the "upper" room) - Ascension? Cloud? -- Still working on some of this, but you get the idea.
2. Tomb - was going to make a paper mache tomb with a "stone" door. Put the eggs in the tomb on Good friday - take them out and hide them (above) on easter sunday with the door rolled away.
3. Easter cookies - this is a link to some special cookies with meaning to the incredients

Anyone have any other ideas for meaningful Easter traditions?

Happy Easter everyone!