A Tween Girl's Easter Basket

By now, you are probably aware that Easter Sunday is on March 27th, less than two weeks away. The date on which Easter occurs from year to year changes and this makes it seem unpredictable. However, there is rhyme and reason behind the date.

You see, Easter is the Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection after his crucifixion. According to the Bible, these events occurred around the time of the Jewish Passover which was typically celebrated on the first full moon following the vernal (Spring) equinox.

Still with me?

In 325CE, the Council of Nicaea determined that, from that time forward, Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox. (Thanks for making that so incredibly super simple, Nicaean guys!)

Easter is on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Huh?? #Easter @TheGoldenSpoons

The earliest date that can possibly be Easter is March 22nd, although this is very rare. The most recent occurrence of a March 22nd Easter was in 1818 and it won't happen again until 2285.

The latest date on which Easter can possibly occur is April 25th. The last time this happened was in 1943. It will be on this date again in 2038. 

So, there you go. The reason behind the predictable unpredictableness of Easter dates.

You know what else is unpredictable? Daughters. Particularly, tween/teen daughters. I have always enjoyed making Easter baskets for my three girls each year. It's not the big time stuff of Christmas gifts. Rather, just a little basket of fun to celebrate a special day. 

Since the death of the Tooth Fairy and all magical creatures in our house, this will be the first year that none of my girls believes in a fantastical bunny that hops into our home on Saturday night and leaves a basket full of goodies for them to find on Easter Sunday morning. (As I found out this weekend while we were shopping, they have also lost the excitement that used to come with picking out special Easter dresses, but that's another blog post.) So, I've been thinking about whether to still do Easter baskets this year (Okay. I really just now thought about this) and, if so, what do I put in them??

Big shocker - I came up with a list and thought I would share it with all of you in case you have any tween/teen non-EasterBunny-believing girls in your life. 

12 Things to Put in a Tween Girl's Easter Basket @TheGoldenSpoons #Easter #tweens

12 Things to Put in a Tween Girl's Easter Basket

Books

The Easter Bunny has always brought them books and even big girls need to read! 

Bath Gel/Lotion

They also need to be clean and moisturized.

Jewelry

Earrings, a bracelet, or a pretty little necklace is always a hit.

Hair Accessories

With three daughters, there are never enough pony tail ties!

Socks

Seriously - where do all the socks go????

Flip Flops

Because, summer is coming and girls need shoes!

Nail Polish

If you're going to wear flip flops, pretty toes are a must! 

Make-up

Mild make-up - just some lip gloss and light, glittery eye shadow maybe.

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Dental hygiene is important!

Perfume/Body Spray

I know tween boys are stinky, but tween girls can be, too!

Gift Cards

Small amounts for Starbucks, Claire's, iTunes, or the local froyo spot.

Candy

What's Easter without some chocolate and jelly beans, right??

Got any other Ideas? I'd love to hear them!!