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Celebrate a Safe Spring and Keep Those Spirits Lifted

The Coronavirus shutdowns are forcing historically unprecedented changes to celebrations of Passover and Easter. Religious services, meals and rituals have been an important part of these holidays, but with shelter-in-place recommendations, we need new ways to celebrate. This unusual time gives us a rare opportunity to slow down and really focus on those most important to us.

Let’s look at some ideas to celebrate safely and keep our spirits lifted.

• Video calls: Physical isolation doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Schedule a family video call with Skype, FaceTime or a conferencing service. The conference service Zoom offers free video calls for up to 100 participants. Cousins can play board games remotely, while a 30-minute video call with grandma and grandpa is a lovely way to use technology to connect with family when you’re not able to visit in person.
• Nature is Always Open: Being outside, getting some exercise, vitamin D and fresh air, can make a big difference in your attitude and health. In my neighborhood, people have been walking and playing outside like never before. Weather permitting, go for a walk, run, or bike-ride. Enjoy a nice meal, dessert, or drink outside.
• Play games: Video games are fun especially the ones you can link and play with other campers all over the US and the world, but with virtual learning becoming so apparent, taking a break from the screen is important. Try games such as chess, checkers, backgammon, and board games such as Monopoly, Life, Risk, Scrabble. Playing a classic game of cards is a wonderful way to create some positive competition and have fun!
• Stay at home, but stay in touch. As hard as these times are, we will always remember them. Keep in mind that our kids learn how to cope with adversity by watching us. If your family is home and healthy, you have something to celebrate!
• Though you can’t share a meal, talk to extended family members about what you might do together. Consider a virtual cooking challenge. Share a favorite, allergy-friendly family recipe. That way, everyone can try their hand at creating grandma’s scalloped potatoes or matzo ball soup. Or host a holiday dessert contest.

Psychologist Mary McNaughton-Cassill calls baking a soothing activity that can help us manage stress. “It feels familiar and can even lead to a mindful state,” she says. Kids can get in on the fun too, with simple recipes like rice cereal treats or fruit kabobs.

We hope for those of you observing that you have a meaningful Holiday surrounded by your loved ones.

Happy Passover and/or Easter from our family to yours.