Easter is coming this Sunday, and we’re getting ready and excited to celebrate here at Kelley Astore Interiors! Whether or not you’re religious, Easter marks a time to celebrate spring and all the budding life around us. Especially after such a difficult year, this spring feels especially symbolic and full of hope for a new and better life. All over the country, flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer, and the trees are sprouting with new life. Keep reading to find out 4 fun ideas to celebrate spring or Easter this year!

Traditional Celebrations: Family Time & Easter Egg hunts

Whether or not you’re religious and will be attending a service, there are many traditional ways to celebrate this time of year that will always be fun. Get the kids involved with dying and decorating Easter eggs, and then use the eggs you’ve decorated together to set up an Easter Egg hunt. Establish a prize for the winner and watch the whole family have a fun time.

Set up your backyard for an Easter Dinner with the family. Decorate with fresh flowers and soft colors. Be sure to check out our article for tips on hosting an outdoor celebration! If you’re unable to have family over this year, schedule a time for everyone to hop on a Zoom call for a virtual Easter Dinner. Have everyone go around and name a few things they’re excited for this spring and their hopes for their lives post-pandemic.

The most important part is being with the people you love, in person or virtually. Spring is such a beautiful time of year and should be celebrated in harmony with your loved ones.

Go on a Long Nature Walk

As blossoms fill the trees, this is one of the best times of year to get out in nature and take in the sights and smells of spring. On a sunny day, invite your loved one to join you and choose a trail you haven’t taken before. Turn it into a family fun activity by challenging the children to see how many different plants and flower species they can identify or find. If they’re able to find a certain amount, reward them with chocolate eggs or with choosing a movie to watch that night.

Alternatively, book a day off work and head into nature with your journal. Find a peaceful and quiet spot to lay down a picnic blanket and write down all of your intentions for the spring. Pay attention to the songs of the birds and the wind gently blowing through the trees – let it fill you up with hope for a better future.

Get in the Garden

The spring planting season has arrived and the warmer weather invites us to get into the garden. There is something in soil called Mycobacterium Vaccae which actually activates neurons in the brain that stimulate serotonin production. Serotonin is the brain chemical responsible for making us feel happy and content. That’s right – gardening is a natural antidepressant, which is perfect for anyone who gets the winter blues. Whether you’re planting in pots, a raised bed, or straight in the ground, it’s the perfect time of year to begin gardening on a regular basis. If you’re not sure where to start, visit your local garden center and employ the help of the staff to get you started. If you’re short on time or eager to fill your garden quickly, garden centers will have plenty of potted plants that are ready to be transplanted straight into your soil.

Get Creative With Flowers

One of the loveliest things about nature is that it is meant to be interacted with – not just looked at. It’s the perfect time of year to begin experimenting and getting creative with flowers. Why not try learning how to arrange your own bouquet? There are online classes and free resources to help get you started.

You can also try learning how to press flowers to keep their color and life around much longer than their natural life span. Alternatively, learning how to dry flowers and bouquets is a fun and simple task that will leave you something beautiful to decorate your home with.

Bring the spring inside!

In addition to these fun easy ways to celebrate Easter, be sure to check out our article on four ways to brighten your home in preparation for spring!

One of my favorite Easters was when I was able to celebrate in NYC. There were so many beautiful flowers around, and I can’t wait to go back when I’m able to. There is no doubt that this past year has been particularly hard on many of our hearts. Let us strive to learn from the Earth: no matter how cold or devastating the winter seems, Earth always comes to life in the spring. We too can grow again and look to the sun for our nourishment. Let us be gentle with our hearts and with each other. Happy Easter and happy spring!