Easter is one of my favorite holidays because not only is it a time of joy, renewal, and reflection because it is spring, but we are also celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter can also be a time of indulgence and excess, especially when it comes to sugary treats.
On Easter Sunday kids love getting baskets filled with chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, and jellybeans. Kids are not the only ones that receive these sugary gifts on Easter. All that sugar can be harmful to our health and lead to a sugar crash.
Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy alternatives to Easter basket treats that are just as fun and festive. Here are some ideas for a healthier Easter basket. These are also alternatives for your Easter snacks or gifts to give loved ones this Easter Holiday:
Fresh fruit: Instead of candy, fill the basket with fresh, colorful fruits like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and grapes. You can even cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
Trail mix: Make your own trail mix by combining nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a small amount of dark chocolate chips. This will provide a healthier snack that still has a sweet taste.
Homemade granola bars: Make homemade granola bars using oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. You can even shape them into Easter egg shapes for added fun. You can also simply make homemade granola. I have the perfect recipe for this. You can find my recipe for Mama’s Homemade Granola on my website here.
Yogurt-covered pretzels: Choose whole-grain pretzels and dip them in plain or honey Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, sweet treat.
Dark chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has less sugar than milk chocolate. You can even combine dark chocolate and apples and make a gorgeous chocolate-dipped apple! I have a recipe for dark chocolate dipped apples that is not just for Halloween! You can find it on my website here.
Stickers and small toys: Kids love getting small toys and stickers in their Easter baskets. Choose items that are age-appropriate and will encourage creativity and imagination.
Playdough: Make homemade playdough using flour, salt, and food coloring. It’s a fun, non-sugary activity that will keep kids entertained for hours. You can find a vegan-friendly recipe for homemade playdough on World of Vegan’s website here.
Books: Add a fun Easter-themed book to the basket to encourage reading and imagination. You may even find a new Bible or devotional that is aged appropriate; this is a perfect gift for Easter!
Bubbles: Who doesn’t love bubbles? Add a small bottle of bubbles to the basket for some outdoor fun.
Seeds and gardening tools: Spring is the perfect time to start a garden. Add some seeds and kid-sized gardening tools to the basket to encourage outdoor activity and learning about nature. Grab yourself a matching set of gardening tools and schedule a time for a family gardening project!
Did you know that Easter is one of the most widely celebrated Christian holidays? It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, which occurred three days after his crucifixion. Easter is a time for reflection, celebration, and renewal, and it holds deep spiritual significance for Christians around the world.
At its core, Easter represents a message of hope and renewal. It reminds us that even in the face of death and despair, there is always the possibility of new life and transformation. This message not only resonates with Christians. People of all faiths and backgrounds can appreciate the message of Easter as it speaks to the human desire for redemption and the power of love and compassion to overcome even the darkest of circumstances.
For Christians, Easter is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the significance of his resurrection. It is a reminder of the depth of God’s love for humanity and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our salvation. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, Christians believe that we are offered the gift of eternal life and the promise of forgiveness and redemption.
Beyond its religious significance, Easter also has cultural and societal importance. It is a time for families and communities to come together, to share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in traditions like egg hunts and the giving of Easter baskets. These traditions have been passed down for generations and serve as a way to connect people to each other.
There is no coincidence that Easter is celebrated during springtime. The message of Easter is about new life, new beginnings, and hope for the future. It is a time for reflection, celebration, and renewal, and it offers a message of hope that resonates with people regardless of what religious affiliation they may have. Whether you are celebrating with family and friends or simply taking a moment to reflect on the meaning of this season, Easter is a time to be grateful for the gift of life and the power of love and compassion to transform our world.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Happy Easter!
Christine