REFLECTIONS ON EASTER

Now, I realize I'm a bit late for this topic. But I'd like to discuss if I may for a minute, the insanity that Easter is turning into. It saddens me to say this, as it makes me sound like an adult, but. . . .

Is Easter the New Christmas?

And by that I mean, the commercialized Christmas. Santa. Stockings. Vixen, Comet, Cupid. It's all a little much,, don't you think? You completely loose the spirit of the season with all the lights and commercialism.

And well, frankly, I felt like Easter this year was heading in the same direction. I'm not sure if it's cause now more people are blogging than a few years ago when I started, but as I perused the blogisphere post-Easter I was amazed at some of the Easter baskets that people had posted.

I mean really. The vast amounts of candy and chocolate are expected. But all the toys and gifts in the baskets? I don't know what bunny visited you all as kids, but mine left mostly chocolate bunnies, jelly beans and a peanut butter egg or two. But now. Wow. I was absolutely overtaken by all the toys and games and gifts spilling out of the baskets.

Now, don't get me wrong, as a kid I would have LOVED that. But really. I mean, when is enough enough? And when is a religious holiday---religious?

Truth be told, I did get each of my kids one toy from Mr. Bunny but both were under $5. I mean, at first I thought, "Wow. I need to step up my game. My poor kids got nothing from the bunny." But then after some thought, it really started to bug me. All those other baskets. Overflowing. Was I jealous? Am I a crappy mom?

No. I think what it is really, is this strong pull I feel in my life to simplify, condense, and eliminate. (Just ask Hubs.) Sometimes I just feel overwhelmed by stuff. And scared frankly, at the need we feel as parents to get and give our kids stuff. Is it really necessary to be giving our kids this much crap? In our warped society does stuff equal love?

Is this a bit too deep for a monday? Discuss.