If you have little children in your house, you may struggle a bit this time of year with sharing the true meaning of Easter. I know I did.

Christmas is honestly a bit easier. Children understand babies being born. They understand barns and stars and shepherds.

Easter is challenging. There is violence and death. But there is also hope beyond measure. So don’t give up on sharing this incredibly special celebration with your child.

I have found with my own children that using tangible symbols, things they can see and touch can help. A number of years ago a friend shared the idea of a Resurrection Garden with me. I share it with you, hoping you might also find it a special way to share the true story of Easter with your children.

What you’ll need

  • Potting soil
  • Planter saucer (terra cotta or plastic)
  • Rocks (decorative or plain)
  • One larger rock
  • Fast-growing grass seed
  • Purple ribbon
  • A cup or small pot
  • Twigs
  • Twine to tie the twigs
  • Silk flowers (optional)

Directions
Note: It’s best to start about two weeks before Easter.

  • Step 1: Place a thin layer of potting soil in the bottom of the planter.
  • Step 2: Put small cup/pot on its side to be the tomb. You may wish to cover that over with dirt so it appears to be a hillside.
  • Step 3: Decorate with rocks and flowers
  • Step 4: Cover dirt with grass seed. Add a little dirt on top.
  • Step 5: Use twine to tie together a cross (or three crosses) and put on hillside.
  • Step 6: Use a spray bottle to wet the grass seed each day until Easter.
  • Step 7: SHARE! On Good Friday put the purple ribbon on the cross. Share from a children’s Bible (depending on your child’s age) about Jesus’ death on the cross. For younger kids The Beginner’s Bible is a good choice. For older children, you might read from Matthew 27:45-50, Mark 15:33-41; Luke 23:44-49 or John 19:28-37.

Then put the purple ribbon in the tomb and put the large stone in front of it. On Saturday have the children check the tomb to find the purple ribbon still there. On Easter Sunday remove the ribbon so when the children check the tomb is empty. Read the rest of the story (Matthew 28, March 16, Luke 24 or John 20). Talk about how excited Jesus’ followers were. Share what it means to you that Jesus lives!

There are many ways to do Resurrection Gardens, but remember, it’s about sharing Christ with kids, so don’t worry whether or not your garden turns out beautiful! And a special thank you to TheFrugalHomemaker.com for permission to use the photo above.