What to do for an Easter that’s ‘still’ going to look a little different
What to do when your plans for a traditional Easter celebration are ‘still’ on hold.
By now, you’d have plans firmly in place for the long weekend, typically with family and friends gathering together for a celebratory feast or two. Sure, that seems like a lifetime ago. So, what to do when your plans for a traditional Easter in Oxfordshire are still on hold? Well, whether you’re spending Easter alone, with your partner or with the family, we’ve pulled together some ideas to help you make the most of the Easter weekend and beyond.
But first, some good news. From 29 March, the week in which most schools will break up for Easter, outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed, so there’s greater flexibility for families to see each other outdoors, and this includes in private gardens.
It’s a shame that our outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will not reopen until 12 April, though. But, notwithstanding, get out and enjoy the great outdoors – even if it’s for a coffee or picnic. Because, at this point, the Stay at Home order should have come to an end. Be sure to see our handy guide to the easing of lockdown restrictions in Oxfordshire.
Enjoy a family picnic outdoors.
Outdoor picnicking adventures with the entire clan may be out of the question, but nothing stops you from having a picnic with your household (and one other household!).
A few tasty treats, some fizz for the grown-ups, some juice for the younger ones, and a picnic blanket will go a long way in lifting spirits after the year that has been.
If you’re heading to your favourite park, remember that social distancing rules are still in place and leave plenty of space between your household and other park visitors. Here are some of our favourite picnic spots in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Take on an Easter cooking project.
Over the last 12 months, people have spent the extra time indoors learning new hobbies or reigniting old ones. And with restaurants closed to the public, there’s been a marked increase in the number of people cooking.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner or just you, take your time to enjoy your kitchen and what you can create in it. We’ve pulled together a fabulous collection of Easter recipes for you to try. From hot cross buns to spring roast lamb, we’ve recipes for both new and experienced cooks.
Organise an Easter egg hunt.
You know your plans for the Easter weekend might look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have loads of fun with that most traditional of Easter activities.
An Easter egg hunt in the house – and into the garden if you have one? Totally doable. For the kids, it’s all about the magic of the eggs being hidden (allegedly by the Easter Bunny) and then finding the chocolate. We’ve even put together all you’ll need to put on an unforgetable egg hunt.
Enjoy a movie night out.
In the current environment, we’re being forced to think outside of the box for ways to entertain ourselves, and in some cases, our kids too. With warmer weather is on its way and cinemas all over the country shut, why not turn your garden into a cinema.
If you’re lucky enough to own an outdoor projector, great, otherwise go ahead and mount that flat-screen TV on the fence – here are our top picks of what to watch this Easter.
Order in Sunday Roast.
Nothing says Easter Sunday more than a sumptuous roast lunch with all the trimmings. Surely we can’t be the only ones who feel a sense of comfort in the unctuous smell of cooking pot roast, gravy and Yorkshire puddings.
But if you fancy a roast lunch for Easter Sunday without much slaving over a hot stove, here are 25 or so places where you can get your Sunday roast takeaway in Oxfordshire while supporting your local gastropubs and restaurants.
Take on some gardening tasks.
Spring is finally in evidence as daffodils and flowering trees start to bloom. It’s an exciting month, but expect the inevitable April showers. On sunny days, you can turn your attention to repairing any bare patches in the lawn.
And with indoor-sown seeds well into growth, it’s also time to start sowing hardy annuals, herbs and wildflower seeds outdoors (be sure to follow the instructions on the packet). You could also use the opportunity to tie-in climbing and rambling roses.
Find an event near you.
Due to the national lockdown restrictions, many attractions and restaurants remain closed. But there are still lots of exciting outdoor Easter activities taking place.
From socially distanced Easter egg hunts to virtual family pursuits, Oxfordshire is a hive of activity during Easter. Keep the whole family entertained over the Easter holidays with this growing roundup of some things to do during Easter 2021 in Oxford and across Oxfordshire.
Kick start your ‘get active’ challenge.
If you feel your family has spent a little too much time over the winter months snuggled up on the sofa watching TV, why not use the Easter holidays as an opportunity to get moving?
Keep your regime varied, so you don’t get bored, and let the kids play a part in choosing the activity for the day. It’s also the perfect way to burn off all those Easter eggs.
Get out and explore your local area, challenging your family to a different route every day (or every other day, if you need a rest). It could be a woodland walk, a river-side cycle ride, a day of frisbees in the local park or whatever you like.
Here are some outdoor attractions to help get you started. You may need to wrap up warm or pop on your raincoats and wellies.
Give an offering.
You may not be passing around the offering plate at church this Easter, but consider making an Easter-inspired donation to an organisation that is meaningful to you, whether it’s your church, a local food service, or your local hairdresser who’s been out of work for a while.
A little generosity goes a long way. And if you’re in need of a spirit-lifting performance, it’s not difficult to set-up a playlist with your favourite choirs on YouTube or Spotify.
Have a lie-in.
Use the current restrictions in place on gatherings as an excuse to take things a little slower. Don’t set your alarm early to prepare your usual four-course feast. Instead, revel in that lie-in you’ve been longing for and enjoy an indulgent breakfast in bed.
From buttery croissants to cream cheese loaded bagels, pile up a tray, grab that magazine or a new book you’ve been meaning to read and relax. Make sure to pack all the food and drinks you’ll need onto the tray; dashing in and out of the kitchen kind of defeats the purpose.
