Easter in Lockdown
I have yet to find words that properly describe the feeling and emotions around raising toddlers and living through this pandemic; it’s as though we’re living a hybrid Season of The Walking Dead and Contagion (which I do not recommend watching right now!). There are days where I feel in control of my head space around it, and then times where I can’t believe this is real life.
I don’t know about your kids, but mine, especially my toddler, were not designed for isolation and this time has been particularly tough on them although I’m not sure if they know how to place those emotions of social loneliness. What a wild time we are experiencing; one that we will surely never forget and one that will undoubtedly make us stronger, more appreciative of our tribe, and teach us to do more with less.
Of course, as with any Season, “this too shall pass”, and there is nothing like a Holiday to help get us out of our slump of boredom with our current situation. I’ve found joy in preparing for Easter, as soon as I was able to surrender to the fact that it will look quite different than the neighbourhood-wide Easter egg hunt and festive dinner with all our loved ones around.
During this quarantine, I have been baking as though I’m Martha Stewart and I’m really looking forward to preparing a naughty-delicious looking Cinnamon Roll recipe that would only be served in our house on Easter for a few reasons; 1. It takes several hours to prep and 2. We aren’t really eating gluten or sugar at the moment, however I’m throwing those rules out the door for this one. It’s that good as I’m told by my girlfriend Jamie Hodge who started a new Insta account called Bubby’s Kitchen, a must follow, which is where I first laid eyes on these babies. Recipe linked here.
I’m also looking forward to creating really thoughtful Easter baskets for the boys this year as well. Not because they need more things, in fact, I’m trying to shed unnecessary items in our home right now, but I wanted to gather some really special gifts that would remind them of the fun of Spring and give them joy. Check out my list below. I’ve linked as many local shops as possible as they can use the support more now than ever, so if the shop isn’t nearby you, check with your local children’s boutique!
one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine
Lastly, one of my favourite Easter memories from three years is captured below. From my family to yours, I hope our attempt at the perfect Easter cousin photo can bring as many giggles and smiles as they have for us. The boys and I were looking forward to a week-long getaway to Hawaii meeting up with my sister and her family and my parents, but that was cancelled right as the COVID crisis really began to escalate in the States and Canada. The plan was to recreate this photo with an Easter bunny in Waikiki, now with Hayes in the mix. They live in Oregon so it’s always a fun time to get all the cousins together and not something we get to do often enough. It looks like we’ll get our chance next year, and baby brother will have a chance to be part of the photo! (If you haven’t heard, our family is growing! Read my Insta post here)
This time is challenging. I think it’s ok for it to feel challenging even though that may seem trivial as we are simply being asked to stay in our homes. We must keep in control of our attitudes and remember the beautiful things in the world – even if that means gluten-filled sugar smothered cinnamon rolls! I give you permission :)
Wishing you health and safety and a very wonderful isolated Easter!
xo.
Gretchen
