the great gift of easter is hope.

 Last year, Easter was anything but ordinary. It was the first time in my life that I was unable to spend the holiday with my family. (You can read more about that here.) That was extremely difficult. My parents did an "Easter basket" drop off that included some chocolates and treats. Though the gesture was wonderful...it wasn't the same as spending the day with my loved ones. Normally, the day is spent watching holiday movies, doing Easter crafts, playing games, and then eating dinner together. It was heartbreaking to be separated from my immediate family last Easter. But this year, we should be able to mostly celebrate together on the Saturday rather than the Sunday. (Where I live, we are going back into a full lockdown Saturday night. Sigh.) But I will take what I can get at this point. 

So...what is the plan this year? Good Friday was yesterday and it was more or less a typical day. However, there was the added bonus of an online David Archuleta concert. (In case you don't know, David Archuleta was a contestant on Season 8 of American Idol and has since released several fantastic albums.) During the pandemic, David has been holding various virtual StageIt concerts. Some have been general and others have had specific themes. One was even a holiday concert! This time, it was an Easter themed show. Though the $15 USD price is pretty steep for a 30 minute online concert....it is about the only way that I am able to enjoy live music these days. So, it is what it is. 

Today will be our Easter together. (Since we can't get together tomorrow.) The day will be spent with a very small handful of my loved ones. I'll treat my husband to a few little things (various items ordered online) and then we will head over to my parents to watch movies, play games, and generally just hang out together. Dinner will include lots of homemade items (courtesy of me and my mom) and it will be lovely. Basically, I am looking forward to celebrating the holiday in any way that I can. Last year, I ended up watching Easter themed movies, like Hop and Alvin and the Chipmunks Easter Collection on my own. This year is sure to be better. Even though things still aren't back to normal.

"I still believe in Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and true love. Don't even try to tell me different." 

- Dolly Parton

Fingers crossed this Easter is one to remember. For all the right reasons! However you are celebrating....enjoy every moment. 

What do you have planned for Easter? How will you celebrate?