It’s finally that time - the hot cross buns and Easter eggs that have been in the shops since December 26 are finally relevant. Easter is just around the corner. I’m not sure about you, but as I was doing my grocery shopping this week, I reflected on how much Easter merchandise is crammed onto shelves this year compared to previous years. When I was a kid, Easter was nothing much more than a discount egg the day or two after the public holiday. These days you’d be lucky to find an extra egg on the shelves come Tuesday morning.
An ABC article I read recently claimed that Easter is becoming the new Christmas in its commercialism and everything is getting a bit over the top. This statement is probably true, if shops can find anything to capitalise on, they’ll take it. Now, I’m not saying I disagree with egg hunts or Easter hat parades, I’ll be at both of those events with bells on! Celebrating more simply or not at all is also totally acceptable, you get to choose whatever is right for you and your family.
I just hope that wherever you fall on the Easter celebration scale this year, as the shops capitalise on consumerism, you find time to capitalise on the most important things. Maybe that’s a slower pace, an opportunity for more intentional family time, a chance to reflect on the true reason for the season. Easter is a celebration of Jesus rising again after three days in the grave. An annual reminder that what seems like the end doesn’t have to be final, highlighting that every day is another chance to try again. If the start to the year was not you or your families most shining moments, that’s ok. There’s another term to come, another chance to try again.
May the Easter season and the holiday break remind you of the hope that there is more beyond the busyness. I hope you can find some peace amidst the hurry and hold your family close before the next term and all it’s wildness begins.
Pr Miki Nilon
School Chaplain
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