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Two Writing Teachers.
For those of you who celebrate Easter, Happy Easter. Today I have been thinking about the how the traditions of this holiday is so different from my childhood.
I grew up in the fifties and sixties and Easter was a more formal affair. The perfect Easter outfit with a hat and white gloves. First attending church and then either a drive to Adelanto, CA for dinner with my great aunt and uncle and their daughter (more like an aunt to me than a second cousin to play with). Before they moved to the desert, they might come to our house. I’ve written a poem about it HERE.
At any rate, the dinner called for good china and silverware, cloth napkins, little salt dishes on the table and a condiment plate. The traditional ham, candied yams and scalloped potatoes had their place at the table. Children to be seen not heard. I loved their glider that sat on the enclosed porch.
Easter baskets were simple; colored eggs, a hollow chocolate bunny, and some candy. My parents certainly didn’t spend the $146 per person average that they say we do today. I remember getting one of those hard sugar dioramas that you didn’t eat but would keep until they fell apart.
Celebrating Easter today is different. Sometimes if it’s spring break,we might be traveling. The expected formal family dinners are a thing of the past. Part of me is sad that we don’t have a more regular tradition of holiday family meals. Part of me is glad because no matter, the holiday, the expectation of being perfect creeps into the scene.
Until yesterday, we didn’t know if it would be just us two this Easter or if we’d be joined by oldest daughter and grandgirl. I settled into the idea that it would be us two and I would make some quiches for our dinner. Then oldest called to say they’d be over. (Youngest is too far for a day’s journey). So I am putting out the good china and we’ll have quiche, fruit salad, and a fresh veggie tray. We’ll also have some yummy brie, jam and oat crackers (because while I am not a brie fan, I love the double cream and when there are tastings, I buy every time).
This morning, husband and I went to church, brought some coffee cake for afterwards, and mingled a bit. No hat or gloves and I’m fine with that. I am making progress in the mindfulness of this moment.
Jone Rush MacCulloch 
I’m so glad your oldest could join you. I also smiled when you took out the china and added a few more items to the menu. I hope you enjoyed your day with your family.
It was a good dinner. We watched Cinder ells as well.
I loved reading about your Easters past and now. Sometimes I feel sad that we don’t have the formalities of the past. Even looking back at my dad’s first birthday party picture all the men were in suits and the women in dresses. Yet you took out the good china for your impromptu Easter celebration so you’re effectively mixing the old with the new.
Love using the china I grew up.
We nearly always have brunch, Jone, and this time the Easter Bunny managed to come to my house to leave the basket of goodies for the girls. I do get out special dishes for Easter so the girls can see some of the tradition. One thing I remember most about my childhood is finding the perfect Easter hat to wear. No more, but I liked it. We had the big dinner too when I grew up, and when we made it to grandparents’ homes, or when married, to my own parents or the in laws. It’s different, but still a special day. I like hearing about yours, past and present.
Thank you.
Sounds like you’ll have a special day! While we don’t get dressed up like we used to, we still get out the china and have a formal dinner including ham and potato salad! Enjoy your day-
Thank you.