We don’t know about you, but we’re planning a homemade Easter this year. With modest and tasty homemade food like we haven’t cooked in a while, TEDtalks, stand-up comedies, family photos, cool movies and long calls. 

Isolation is the key. But also a huge challenge we haven’t expected, have we? So, here are some ideas on how to keep social distance, without feeling disconnected from others during the Easter season. 

Celebrating Easter in Quarantine

The challenge is to make Easter feel more like a celebration instead of just another day in quarantine. 

There’s no denying it, the biggest loss will be the ability to hug and spend in-person time with loved ones these holidays. Even so, many families will get together … from a distance. Zoom or other similar apps are perfect for creating groups and video calls for your family & friends to gather online and share the celebration. 

Easter is a family affair: physically distant, not socially

Remember this time might be confusing or frustrating for you kiddos who just can’t understand why a trip to grandma’s house is off limits. The new normal will involve a lot of FaceTime with grandparents, virtual storytime or videos, or even cards and colorful notes sent by mail. 

Multi-generational diners are still on, even if they take place under more than one roof, Zoom Easter parties with friends that enjoy a drink together are still fun, stand-up comedy shows are a must. So plan, sync with everyone and have a great time. 

Many churches are currently live-streaming their services and if your place of worship doesn’t have streaming capabilities, “visit” another church instead. Ever wanted to spend Easter Sunday at Washington National Cathedral? Now’s your chance!

Social distancing silver lining: families have a chance to chill out, slow down and take a break from the jam-packed schedules that modern family life often revolves around. That, friends, is mostly uncharted territory for most of us, so let’s make the best of it!

Stressful time for you? It’s ok to ask for help especially since our regular outlets for stress – like the gym or friend gatherings have changed. Services like Talk Space and Better Help offer virtual mental health appointments if needed.

Coronavirus will not be the end of the Easter Bunny

Even if the worldwide situation seems scary these days, it’s still ok to look (and prep) for joy. 

You can still find great stuff for Easter Baskets and gifts for your kids online. As long as you take into consideration that some items will not be shipped as quickly as usual, everything should turn out ok. 

You can take your time to style custom Easter baskets for each member of your family. Think Bath & Body works products, books, Audible subscriptions, Disney+ subscription cars, board games, puzzles, coloring books for kids & adults, comfortable loungewear. 

Meltdown – free Easter projects & fun

🥚 DIY knitted egg → make your own set of Easter eggs using yarn! Get the PDF pattern at Etsy and put those talented hands to work. 

🐰 Bunny Rabbit Sewing Pattern → you need some basic sewing skills and this pattern to create adorable 14-inch tall rag doll rabbits. 

🐻 Bear hunt → inspired by a kids’ book with the same name, it’s exactly what it sounds: walk around your neighborhood in search of stuffed bears in windows. It’s the perfect distraction that unites neighborhoods and families.

👯‍♀️ Dance off → the idea went viral after a grandpa and his 6-year-old granddaughter started fun dance competitions. They live across the street from each other, so each stands on their side and lays down some fun moves. You can do it with your neighbours or even online.

🎲 Scrabble tournament or Bananagrams → or whatever your family’s into.

🐣 Virtual easter Egg Hunt → yes, it’s a thing! Whether it’s social distancing-appropriate Easter egg hunt with your neighbours or an Easter Egg Scroll on social media, here are some great tips on how to make it happen. 

🤠 Establish a new tradition → since everything is upside down this year, maybe it’s the perfect time to start your very own (weird) family tradition. Baking, reading, impromptu comedy shows, miniature everything – it’s all good while you’re having fun, your way!

💌 Score extra points for humanity

• Remember small and local businesses for Easter basket goodies
  • Small businesses are suffering from the lack of customer traffic. But many will still deliver or offer curbside pickup.
• Keep grandparents close to your kids via reading books over Facetime
• Be patient with each other – this is our very first stay-home mandate