To be able to tell that it’s Holy Week back when we were young is easy: there are no shows on television, and we were not allowed to go out and be noisy. There were also a series of activities in our church that we are invited to participate in.
Today, Holy Week falls in the middle of the school year, and at least for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, these are automatic no-class days. These are also non-working holidays for parents and guardians so quality time with the kids is almost guaranteed. But how do we set Holy Week apart from the other holidays? How do we make it memorable for the kids?
Despite being the Son of God, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey instead of a horse. Donkeys are symbols of simplicity and humility, while a horse is a symbol of status and extravagance.
During the Holy week, since everybody is at home, it is the best time to go over closets, drawers, and rooms to find things that are no longer used but are still in good condition to be used by others. This way, we instill in our children the humility of living with enough, and not with excess. Involve them in the process of choosing what to keep and give away and ask them occasionally why they think their things will benefit others. We can also encourage our kids to save a part of their allowance prior to Holy Week and to share it meaningfully with their chosen cause.
Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as an example of how we should live – continuously serving others in the name of God.
Many people go back to their provinces during Holy Week to spend time with their extended family. Whether in the province or at home, encourage your kids to serve in their own little ways. Allow them to help in fixing their bed, setting the table, sweeping the floor, and picking up litter. If they are already accustomed to doing this, encourage them to extend help to other family members who need it or to seek other ways how they can help and serve.
Jesus spent quiet time at the Garden of Gethsemane on the same night he was arrested. He knew what was to come yet he selflessly prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
Everyday is a great day to teach our children to deepen their faith through prayers, and the Holy Week is one of the best times of the year to teach them the same, since this is the time we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus. You may share with them the Stations of the Cross and allow them to say a short prayer after each station. You may also share the specific events in Jesus’ life leading to his crucifixion, and allow them to say meaningful prayers based on each of the events. This family prayer time will also help deepen your bond as a family.
Jesus was nailed on the cross, not because of the sins He’s done, but because of the sins of mankind. Jesus giving his life for us is the ultimate sacrifice.
Ask your kids to give up an activity for the time being, not for the sake of it, but to teach them the value of sacrifice. A few things that they can give up during Holy Week are nonstop gadget time, and eating their favorite food. What they do instead of use their gadgets is read about Jesus’ life and reflect on it through writing, sharing, or painting with siblings, cousins, or friends. They can also continue the age-old way of spending Holy Week, especially Good Friday, in silence and reflection. This way, they remember the Holy Week as not just another holiday on the calendar.
On Easter Sunday, Jesus’ tomb was empty. He has risen! Jesus’ Resurrection is the foundation of our faith.
To contrast the quietness and solemnity of the days leading to Easter, create a celebratory atmosphere at home on Easter Sunday to share its message! It does not need to be as elaborate as Christmas time where there are exchange gifts and big parties. It only needs to be meaningful with the family, as a reflection of what it really means to have this day every year.