I love all holidays, but Easter is hands down my favorite. For me, Easter represents much more than ham for dinner, hunting eggs, and eating candy. But our family still loves to celebrate some of those fun traditions, too. Americans will shell out a collective $14.6 BILLION dollars again this year. Whether you celebrate Easter without much fanfare or pull out all of the stops, be smart about how you spend this holiday season.
1. Think Practical for Your Easter Best
Bonnets and fancy shoes, bow ties and new dress pants might be on your shopping list for this year. While there’s nothing wrong with a new dressy outfit, be smart about what you purchase and how much you spend. Always search for a coupon wherever you’re shopping and if you’re buying online make use of Ebates. Also think about the year ahead and when you or your kiddos can wear that special attire again. Skip t-shirts and specialty gear the specifically says something about Easter on it since it only makes since once a year and more than likely will be too small next year.
2. Purchase Reusable Easter Baskets
When our girls were small, we invested in some nice Easter baskets. I actually bought them on clearance the year before but they were still a bit sturdier and pricier than your typical plastic bucket. These metal baskets have been used for ten and six years respectively. We store them in the same place in our hall closet and each year, they become a treasured possession all over again. Resist the urge to buy a different basket every year. Even if it means you spend more in up front costs, you’ll save over the long haul.
3. Skip the Grass
Oh that green crinkly cellophane that you find under your couch and stuck to the carpet six months later. I know it’s oh-so-festive, but it’s also literally something you will throw away almost immediately. Opt for materials you might already have on hand like wrapping or tissue paper, construction or kraft paper, or even shredded comics.
4. Keep Track of Your Decor
Plastic eggs, center pieces, placemats and more can all be used again next year. Find a good plastic tub and label it well so that you can find exactly what you’re looking for next Easter.
5. Avoid the Dollar Section or Store
There are so many adorable gift-y items that seem perfect additions for an Easter basket. However, most of these items will be tossed aside in a week’s time. Spend a little bit more and buy something that will last. Cute bunny yo-yos don’t really mean as much in May. We focus on outdoor toys like bubbles, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk and books.
6. Keep Your Meal Simple
It’s easy to get carried away with a big brunch or Easter dinner. Try not to fall into the too many side dishes or desserts trap. Focus in on a main dish, a fruit, a veggie, a bread, and a dessert. Or if you’re gathering with extended family, ask others to “pitch-in” and share the expense of an Easter spread. Also, while you’re shopping, look for low prices on eggs and ham.
7. Look for Easter Egg Hunts & Special Services
A number of churches and civic organizations in the greater Indianapolis area annual host Easter events. From religious services to chances for kids to fill their baskets with plastic eggs, candy, prizes, and more, there’s so much fun to be had and most of it is free. If you live near my neck of the woods, check out greater Indianapolis area for a comprehensive list of Egg Hunts in Central Indiana.
Easter is so special to me because of the greater message it represents – God’s love chasing down all of us with the Hope of Jesus. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to pause and give thanks. Be smart about how you approach this holiday. Celebrate but make a budget, stick to it, and make your Easter special without overspending.
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