Make Jesus the center of Easter instead of jelly beans!
If your kids are more excited about sugar-laden baskets on Easter Sunday instead of Christ’s resurrection, consider celebrating Lent. Lent is a great way to prepare their young hearts and spirit for Christ’s sacrifice of love. In this article, explain what Lent is, and why we celebrate it. Lastly, I include a few simple ways you can get started in celebrating lent with kids.
What is Lent?
Lent is the 40 days before Easter weekend. It begins on Ash Wednesday and ends in the evening of Holy Thursday. Wrapping up Lent is Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Why is celebrating Lent with kids important?
Lent is observed by Christians in preparation for celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lent is a time to pray, fast and give to prepare your heart and spirit for Easter weekend. As Christians, we’re called to live as Christ did during His time on earth. If Christ spent 40 days preparing to be a sacrifice for all mankind, then maybe I should too. I’m not suggesting you stop eating for 40 days or that we’re called to the ultimate sacrifice like Jesus. But we are each called to daily sacrifice. It can be sacrificing our time for a neighbor in need, our children in so many ways or giving our money to the poor.
Growing up Catholic, Lent was an important part of our liturgical year. When I became a born-again Christian, I let go of observing Lent for a period of time. Fast forward a few decades with three kids, I’m leaning back into Lent.
Why? With young kids, Easter easily became about chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. And hear me out, I’m not against that! (As long as those jelly beans are artificial dye free!). Even when we tried to teach them the real reason for Easter, it seemed to be overshadowed by the sugar.
A few years ago, I started adding simple ways to celebrate lent in our family life. Come Easter Sunday, it was everything I hoped it would be. Our hearts, even the littles, knew and rejoiced in the resurrection of Jesus first and foremost. The egg hunts and sweet treats were simply an add-on to make the day fun. I guess you’d say my kids could have their chocolate bunny and eat it too!
How to get started with celebrating Lent with kids
Pray. Invite God in the conversation and ask Him to guide you. Consider your family ages, time commitment and interests. Above all, start simple. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Stations of the Cross – Most Catholic churches will have this available to the public. An outdoor garden version is great for little ones who like to move around.
- Watch The Ten Commandments and/or The Passion of the Christ with older kids.
- Make a paper lent chain for a simple daily practice of lent with little kids.
- Encourage each member of the family to give up one thing during lent.
- Ask each family to do something kind for someone each day. You can make a sticker chart to keep track.
- Offer simple crafts or coloring pages to young kids. Sit and talk with them about the importance of Lent before Easter.
Tips for success in celebrating Lent with kids
- Keep it simple.
- Let them give their ideas and input.
- If you forget a day or two, keep going. Focus on the little wins
- Think long-term. If your kids don’t seem interested this year, it’s ok. Remember some seeds take years to grow fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you celebrate lent with kids?
I’d love to hear your ideas. Leave a comment below!
