Organizing Easter without stress: simplified traditions

Start by defining what really matters

Before you start planning, first ask yourself a simple question: what do my kids usually remember about Easter? Often, it isn't the perfection of the table decorations or the variety of chocolates they received, but rather the egg hunt in the yard, the meal shared as a family and the fun of a shared activity! 

So identify your two or three must-have traditions and focus your energy on them. For the other tasks you usually have on your list at this time of year, simplify, delegate or eliminate them, guilt-free!

Plan ahead

Easter stress often comes from realizing too late that we haven't bought the chocolates, that we forgot to invite the grandparents or that we have no idea what's on the menu. The solution: think ahead and plan efficiently! 

Here's a list so you don't forget anything:

• About two weeks before: decide on the Easter meal menu and send out invitations if needed.
• About 1 to 2 weeks before: buy the chocolates and small gifts for the egg hunt.
• A few days before: prepare the creative activities (egg colouring, crafts, or go with a ready-made activity!).
• The day before: prepare whatever you can ahead of time in the kitchen, and hide the eggs if the hunt is indoors. To add a touch of magic, download this fun printable!  

Take the time to write down the tasks to be done in a handy place (like the Octave app, for example!) so you don't forget anything, can keep track of everything efficiently and can share the work with your partner and the kids. Add a recurrence and you'll have a list all ready to go next year, without even having to think about it!

Get the kids involved in the preparations

Kids love to contribute, especially when the task has a festive side. Here are a few ways to put them to work:

• Table decorations: make little paper nests together, colour hard-boiled eggs or create simple decorations with recycled materials.
• Preparing the baskets: if your tradition is to give your kids Easter baskets filled with surprises, ask the older ones to fill their younger siblings' baskets – they'll surely love playing the Easter Bunny!
• Helping in the kitchen: bunny-shaped cookies to decorate, Rice Krispies squares or muffins for brunch are perfect recipes to make as a family.

Simplify the meal 

The Easter meal certainly doesn't have to be a real culinary feat! Focus instead on a simple, well-executed main dish, a few sides you've mastered and a dessert the kids helped make. If you're hosting family, don't hesitate to ask everyone to bring something to make things easier for you. 

To help you out, here are a few simple recipes that are perfect for the occasion:

• Waffle Skewers
• Carrot Cupcakes with Honey Frosting
• Egg Bites
• Lemony Salmon and Crunchy Veggie Salad
• Coconut Cream with Raspberries
• Chorizo Quiche

This Easter, choose simplicity. Plan what needs planning, delegate what you can and leave room for the unexpected. Because a relaxed mom at the Easter table is the best gift you can give your family!

Happy Easter! 🐣