‘Second Christmas’: the rise of Easter as a commercial holiday

[Michael Rielly]

‘Second Christmas’: the rise of Easter as a commercial holiday

The Sydney Morning Herald
By Caitlin Fitzsimmons
April 3, 2022

Easter is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, only with more pastels and ceramic bunnies. Decorations traditionally reserved for Christmas have been given a makeover for Easter - think wreaths and trees decorated with Easter eggs, hanging lights, and even crackers or bon bons to pull at the table. Retail shelves are full of Easter-themed home decor, and many consumers are planning to get together with family for a special meal and exchange presents - and not just of the chocolate variety.

Retail analyst Trent Rigby, co-director at consultancy Retail Oasis, said: “Retailers now are beginning to treat Easter as somewhat of a second Christmas.” For Christians, Christmas and Easter have always been a pair, representing the birth and rebirth of Jesus. But as a commercial holiday, Easter has traditionally paled in comparison to Christmas, being mostly limited to chocolate and Hot Cross Buns. Now the holiday has emerged as a popular time to exchange gifts.

Mr Rigby said many consumers were looking for alternatives to sugary products such as chocolate, and it was now “normalised” to give children toys, clothing and money for Easter. Meanwhile, adult gifts were also growing in popularity, with chocolate and other food items in the lead, but also fashion, beauty, alcohol and personal entertainment. Mr Rigby said the trend is imported from the United States and Britain, while others point to the influence of internet culture.

SOURCE: https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/second-christmas-the-rise-of-easter-as-a-commercial-holiday-20220329-p5a8x9.html

 

[Rob Thompson]

It become increasingly popular over here too, and for the most part. as with most things, commercial gain.

But hey, the children love it  

[Santa TJS]

We decorate fireplace and put up an easter tree and bunny blow molds in our bay windows.Easter wreath on the door.

 

 

Edited April 11, 2022 by Santa TJS

[Rob Thompson]

Easter egg hunt was a favourite thing when my daughter and grandson were younger.

I also used leave bags of chocolate eggs in the gardens of local children in our little village. I did it for years and it was only relatively recently that anyone became aware it was me  

[Michael Rielly]

3 hours ago, Rob Thompson said:

Easter egg hunt was a favourite thing when my daughter and grandson were younger.

I also used leave bags of chocolate eggs in the gardens of local children in our little village. I did it for years and it was only relatively recently that anyone became aware it was me  

Sadly, "Easter Egg Hunt" has been replaced with "Camouflaged Egg Hunt" grrrr

[Santa SteveKl]

The Mrs. and I run an Easter egg hunt at the Liberty Home, a German Heritage group we belong to. It is open to the public, we have pictures with the Easter Bunny, games, prizes, and a good time for the kids.

[Santa Bruce Geron]

When I was growing-up, my family had elaborate Easter Egg Hunts on Easter in the afternoon. We would also make Pysanky, Ukrainian Easter Eggs, during Lent. Thinking back, I believe that my Mum and Aunts would decorate more that what I do for Easter.

[AsaClaus]

On 4/10/2022 at 12:35 PM, Michael Rielly said:

‘Second Christmas’: the rise of Easter as a commercial holiday

The Sydney Morning Herald
By Caitlin Fitzsimmons
April 3, 2022

Easter is beginning to look a lot like Christmas, only with more pastels and ceramic bunnies. Decorations traditionally reserved for Christmas have been given a makeover for Easter - think wreaths and trees decorated with Easter eggs, hanging lights, and even crackers or bon bons to pull at the table. Retail shelves are full of Easter-themed home decor, and many consumers are planning to get together with family for a special meal and exchange presents - and not just of the chocolate variety.

Retail analyst Trent Rigby, co-director at consultancy Retail Oasis, said: “Retailers now are beginning to treat Easter as somewhat of a second Christmas.” For Christians, Christmas and Easter have always been a pair, representing the birth and rebirth of Jesus. But as a commercial holiday, Easter has traditionally paled in comparison to Christmas, being mostly limited to chocolate and Hot Cross Buns. Now the holiday has emerged as a popular time to exchange gifts.

Mr Rigby said many consumers were looking for alternatives to sugary products such as chocolate, and it was now “normalised” to give children toys, clothing and money for Easter. Meanwhile, adult gifts were also growing in popularity, with chocolate and other food items in the lead, but also fashion, beauty, alcohol and personal entertainment. Mr Rigby said the trend is imported from the United States and Britain, while others point to the influence of internet culture.

SOURCE: https://www.smh.com.au/business/consumer-affairs/second-christmas-the-rise-of-easter-as-a-commercial-holiday-20220329-p5a8x9.html

 

My girls always get a goodie basket from the bunny, but my wife and I try to keep it controlled. To me, the best part is the hunt! Get those eggs!

[Rob Thompson]

On 11/23/2022 at 6:15 AM, AsaClaus said:

My girls always get a goodie basket from the bunny, but my wife and I try to keep it controlled. To me, the best part is the hunt! Get those eggs!

My grandson, the Boy, is 15 now and he still loves the Easter egg hunt, Depending what the weather is like the hunt can easily spread over a mile of searching

Of course the hunt is subject to the Boy sharing the fin with me