And what does an Easter holiday look like during a pandemic? Well, very bloody quiet for one thing since most the world has been forced into a mandatory lockdown situation. I know that the Easter Bunny has been confirmed as an essential worker this Easter, however it will no doubt be a challenge for the bunny to reach everyone during these difficult circumstances, and that combined with all of the enforced social distancing laws is more than likely going to mean a lot less frolicking about and Easter egg hunting for everyone this year.
However, do not despair because there are some fabulous ways to enjoy a COVID-19 ridden Easter to the full without breaking any rules or upsetting any restrictions.
- Paint/ dye/ design/decorate some regular chickens eggs. You can buy them everywhere and once they are hard boiled you can decorate them in any way that you like. Kids and adults all enjoy doing this activity and it's a fun way to not only kill a couple of hours, but to also get some mindful art time in as well.
- Bake or cook. Get busy in the kitchen; hell you could have an Easter themed bake off in your own kitchen! Design cupcakes, make slices, decorate a cake, create a new cookie flavour and best of all, eat everything that you've made later on!
- Gather at the table. Set the table in a special way and make sure that everyone in the family is seated to share in a very special meal together. Cook your Easter feast from scratch, with love and care and share it with the people around you. You don't have to be religious to celebrate this special time of thanksgiving, sharing and togetherness, so get out the good china and open the best bottle of wine in the house and celebrate the loved ones in your life.
- Watch a movie together, it doesn't have to be Easter themed but do make it fun, light and easy. However, if you are desperate for an Easter flick then I would recommend: Rise of the Guardians, Chocolat or Wallace and Gromit Curse of the Were-Rabbit.
- Call your family, friends and loved ones. Send out messages of love and good will to the people that you care about. Get your kids to create Easter cards for their grandparents, teachers or other significant care givers to let them know that they are thinking of them at Easter.
- Treat Yourself! It is a holiday after all, so try to enjoy it! Eat, drink, do something nice for yourself, be merry and push back any bad or troubling thoughts, even if it's just for one day! Celebrate you, your health and your wellbeing.
Release Date: 2005
Rating: G
Running Time: 85 mins
I have always been a fan of all things Wallace and Gromit related, and generally all things Aardman related as well. Dreamworks and Aardman actually teamed up on this adventure, and created what I believe to be the best Easter kids flick of all time. It deservingly took out the Academy Award for Best Animation in 2005 for it's fabulous stop motion techniques, but more than that, it's super funny and great exciting viewing that the whole family can enjoy.
Wallace and his trusty dog companion Gromit have started a business as pest controllers called Anti Pesto. A giant rabbit is terrorizing the local neighbourhood and eating all of the prize vegetables that were to be entered in the town fair competitions. Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Carter) hires the duo to stop the rabbit and save her crops, but they soon discover that this is no ordinary rabbit.
Hilarious antics ensue with a strong voice cast to carry it all home; a cracking way to spend 85 minutes of your time.
FINAL SAY: BEWARE.....THE MOON!
3.5 Chilli Peppers