We wrapped up March in a most meaningful way here at Green House® Cottages of Homewood. March 29th was Good Friday, and in preparation for Easter, we set up the crafts table, invited some young artists to join us, and got to work coloring Easter eggs!

We gathered around our long, waterproof table, carefully set with all the tools we’d need. We had plenty of gloves, plastic spoons, water and vinegar, all shades of food coloring and markers, paintbrushes, and dozens of hard-boiled egg canvases on which to create. The grandchildren who joined us delighted everyone with their limitless imaginations and spirited conversation. All faces donned big, wide grins, as our playful crafting yielded EGGSelent creations, beautifully designed with colorful solids and swirls.

While the eggs were drying, we assembled Easter baskets with colorful “grass” and a few of our elders’ favorite things. Some baskets held chocolate bunnies and other scrumptious treats. Others were filled with word search books and other puzzles to challenge the mind. Finally, the once-fragile artwork could be placed inside the baskets – symbols of new life just in time for Easter Sunday!

According to History.com, the tradition of decorating eggs for Easter dates back to at least the 13th century. It’s been said that people would paint eggs, a formerly forbidden food during Lent, to mark the end of the period of penance and fasting, then eat them on Easter as a celebration.

Families have always held old and created new traditions around holidays, and our Green House® Cottage family is no exception. It’s nice to celebrate holidays together here and swap stories from holidays past. Reminiscing softens hearts, lightens moods, and creates a sense of continuity and connection to the past. Celebrating faith-based holidays, like Easter, provides spiritual fulfillment and strengthens our connection to God and each other.

Our amazing elders and nursing and non-medical team members here in Mena hope you had a beautiful time celebrating Easter with your family and friends. Please check back next month to see how we honor the beloved mothers in our lives!