Changing Easter Traditions for the Boys

Growing up, my family included mostly girls. Mom always had nice Easter baskets and outfits for us. Sometimes we inherited our sister's hand me downs and other times everything was new. I do not remember anyone complaining about having to dress up, but looking back at photos leaves me wondering why she had us wear those bonnets and big hats. It looks as though we should be standing next to a covered wagon or starring in "Little House on the Prairie."

The girls grew up and now the family's children are all boys. There are no more frilly Easter hats or fluffy dresses and we had to alter some of our Easter traditions to accommodate the boys' personalities.

Sunday Best

The boys usually dress nice for Easter, wearing suits or slacks, but the outfits never seem to last long. They end up celebrating in undershirts or go completely shirtless because it is too hot outside.

Some of the kids pack a change of clothes and tennis shoes so they can change as soon as church is over.

Climate change must be a real problem because we always managed to keep our Easter outfits -- including the hats and tights or knee socks -- intact for the holiday.

DIY Easter Basket

We used the same baskets for years, but this tradition did not last with the boys. As they got older, they somehow decided the regular woven baskets were for girls. Plastic Easter buckets were an affordable solution and proved more durable than the standard baskets.

As a tween, one of my nephews suddenly matured beyond the usual manly bucket and I wondered if he planned to fill his pockets with Easter eggs. Instead, he showed up with a plastic grocery bag and said that was what all the boys at his school did.

It worked fine for him and he managed to repurpose a plastic bag in the process.

Easter Scavenger Hunt

As the kids got older, it reached a point where the adults spent more time hiding eggs than it took the kids to retrieve them. We added a scavenger hunt to make the celebration last longer. The boys excitedly raced, hopped like bunnies, solved puzzles and recited Bible verses in the process.

Despite their quirks, they are good sports.

As they grow into men, they are learning holidays are about celebrating with family. Whether choosing Easter bonnets or handling self-conscious tweens, they will have plenty of traditions to draw from as they revive old traditions and establish new ones with their own children.