As Easter approaches this year, it’s hard not to notice how drastically the holiday has evolved. Gone are the days when children eagerly anticipated a chocolate bunny or a small bag of jelly beans. In 2023, the holiday has transformed into a veritable Spring Christmas. Families are now splurging on everything from bicycles and gaming consoles to extravagant decorations and elaborate Easter baskets. This raises an intriguing question: when did Easter take on such a monumental commercial persona?
The National Retail Federation (NRF) reports that Easter spending is projected to reach a staggering $20 billion this year. Their annual Easter Spending Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics, indicates that consumers will allocate approximately $3 billion for candy and another $2.5 billion for gifts. The remainder will cover clothing, decorations, festive foods, and, naturally, flowers. On average, those celebrating Easter plan to spend nearly $150 per person.
A quick scan of online platforms confirms this trend. Retailers like Target now offer options to “build your own Easter basket,” prominently featuring high-priced toys as the first selections. For instance, you might find a $55 Paw Patrol toy, a $45 Zootopia set, or a $25 Barbie doll.
Social media platforms, like Pinterest, are awash with ideas for teacher gifts, intricate decorations, and even “Easter trees”—full-sized Christmas trees festooned with spring-themed ornaments. What has happened to this holiday? Easter used to be a straightforward occasion, barely requiring acknowledgment from those not observing it for religious reasons. Now, it feels like another chance to inundate our kids with unnecessary plastic toys and organize a calendar full of meals and festivities.
While it’s perfectly acceptable for families to spend their money as they see fit, it begs the question: how far will this commercialization go? I can almost hear my child recounting the tale of the Easter Bunny arriving in a carrot-shaped sleigh pulled by baby chicks to deliver a swing set and a new gaming console.
If turning Easter into a Spring Christmas is your family’s tradition, then more power to you. As for my household, I’m content with the simple joys of a couple of Godiva bunnies and a coloring book from the dollar section—just the way I like it.
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In summary, Easter has shifted from a simple holiday to a consumer-driven event mirroring the extravagance of Christmas. While some embrace this change, others prefer to keep it understated, celebrating with simple treats and family time.