Make Way for Easter

I remember it as though it were yesterday…

The tiny, black patent-leather shoes.  Flowery dresses.  A small, new purse.  Every Easter, my mom made sure that my sister and I were the epitome of spring fashion.  My brother had his own fashion trend going as well: black pants, a striped shirt, and red suspenders that everyone loved to pull.  At the time, I thought that this was a code of Easter.  Everyone else was dressed up in whites, pinks, yellows, and purples too.  Now that I look back, I wonder if my mom was just smart enough to know that being so dressed up would keep us calm and well-behaved, despite the amount of chocolate we had consumed.

My Memere and Pepere D. would give each of us our very own large, chocolate bunny every year.  I’m sure you’re not shocked to learn that I named him.  And made him a home out of the box he was stored in.  And was horrified when I found out that certain family members wanted to eat him. 

My Memere and Pepere L. handed out beautiful Easter baskets, wooden and painted in every pastel color possible.  They were filled with green grass and then topped with chocolate eggs and jelly beans.  Sometimes, there would even be an Easter egg hunt at my Aunt Annette’s.  We’d scramble around as fast as possible, trying to find the candy-filled eggs before the other sibling; and then would proceed to count and divide the eggs evenly amongst ourselves.

And then we’d sit quietly in a corner, munching on sugary goodness.  An uncle would occasionally pass by and tug at my brother’s suspenders for a laugh.  An aunt would comment on my sister’s dress or my skirt.  An  older cousin or two would bring up stories about the good ol’ days when they received Easter baskets.  And then it was lunch, and we were digging into plates over-flowing with ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, and cheesecake. 

Easter has been a little more low-key since then, mainly because the family has exploded into even larger proportions.  So for the past several years, it has been spent at my mom’s and dad’s house and has consisted of my parents, my brother, my sister, me, and — of course — the hubby.  And honestly, it’s just as special.  The food  is still amazing.  The company is fun and close.  And the whole day seems to sing of spring, flowers, and warmer weather.

So because the crowd is much smaller now, I have decided to tackle Easter this year and to have it at my house.  I’ve been wanting to host a holiday at my home, and this is the perfect one for me and Nate.  Our home is open and bright, perfect for Easter sunshine.  We have a large kitchen.  And — hello — I made a whole chicken over the weekend and it came out great.  I’m SO ready to tackle Easter dinner!  🙂 

I’m not quite sure yet what the menu will consist of, as several family members dislike ham.  Soooo, I have a lot of recipes to pour over.  But I’m excited!  Let the Easter traditions and memories continue!  Can’t wait to see how Easter 2011 turns out.  🙂