Tuesday, March 30, 2021

New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19


New Easter Traditions: Having Fun During COVID-19

For Christians, Easter is about losing Jesus to death and a new beginning in the afterlife.  During the difficulties of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, it's a good time to reflect on the things we appreciate now. To celebrate old traditions in new ways.  A moment to return the kindness we've received from others.

1) Candy - Get lots of candy.  Too much candy.  Little eggs and hallow bunnies.  Peeps and jelly beans.  Easter baskets for every member of your household.  Make some to leave on the doorsteps of friends, family, and neighbors.  There's never too much candy.

2) Virtual Easter Run - A good way to build up an appetite for a lot of ham is a virtual race/walk.  Even better if it's for charity!  Here's an example: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/AnywhereUSA/EasterRunVirtual2021

3) Watch the Catholic Vatican's Mass With the Pope - It's quite a spectacle (https://www.vaticannews.va/en.html).  And there's plenty of other denominations, churches, and others to choose from as well.  

4) Online Games - Gather friends and family to play games. Some good ones are: SongPopHeads Up HousepartyTicket To RideAnimal CrossingMario Kart TourCoin MasterHarry Potter: Hogwarts mysteryExploding KittensWords With FriendsWerewolfJackboxScrabbleClueMarvel Strike ForceFortniteGolf BattleQuiz UpScattergoriesFishdom, and so many more!!!

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5) Gather Around the Video Chat - Use Zoom, Skype, Facetime, or other video chat service to talk with family and friends that are near and far. Start a "room" where people can join you for the day. Let them come and go as they please.

6) Have your favorite foods - For many people, 
Easter is only about eating ham, deviled eggs, and chocolates. And that's great! But some people would rather eat something else. DO IT! Make something new or get take out: Chinese, pizza, whatever! A culinary adventure can lead to great memories.

7) Random Act of Kindness - We all know someone experiencing some form of difficulty in their life. The illness/death of a loved one, job loss, etc. Do something nice for them.

8) Volunteer - What is important to you? There's so much need in the world. Spare a moment to help and organization that will make the world a better place.


9) Gratitude Call - Zoom or call a friend, family member, co-worker or other person that you're grateful to know. Tell them you're grateful for them. And why you're grateful for them.

10) Gratitude Chain Letter - Write a letter to someone you're grateful for and tell them why. And end with saying "send a gratitude letter to 5 people you're better for knowing." It can be a personal letter through the mail that can be saved as a keepsake. Or a public message on social media that can be shared with friends and family. The choice is yours.

11) Springtime Expression - Everyone has some form of creative outlet: drawing, singing, dancing, woodworking, etc. Create something the honor who or what you're grateful for.

12) Home Decorating - Fill your home and yard with bunnies. But we can do more! Do you appreciate your good health; thank healthcare workers. Honor veterans for their service. Show and tell your neighbors they are amazing. Make a public gratitude board.

13) Gratitude Challenge - There's a lot of wonderful things in our lives. Let's find ways to recognize it.
a) Find a time to acknowledge your gratitude. When you wake up or before you go to sleep are two easy-to-remember moments. And it can be simple and mundane. As long as it's honest.
b) Make a list of things you appreciate. If you're doing this with your partner, family, or others; make a gratitude board.
c) Find something you find beautiful and focus on it.
d) Think of a time someone was kind to you and reflect on the experience
e) Ask three other people what they are grateful for.
f) Think of a difficult time in your life and it's positive outcomes.
g) Keep a journal of positive actions in your day.


AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!


UNVACCINATED
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) No indoor activities
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

VACCINATED (2 weeks after final dose)
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) Wear a mask and practice social distancing in public (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
2) Indoor activities safe with a few vaccinated people.  No indoor activities with unvaccinated people
3) No sharing bathrooms
4) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
5) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
6) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
7) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance to a few people. 
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

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