As a child growing up in a household of 8 kids, we never had much extra. Easter, however, was special. We were Catholic, so Easter was much more religious with less emphasis on the easter bunny. Easter meant a special dress made by mom, and some variation of an easter bonnet that she also decorated. We would have one large easter basket appear on the dining room table that was shared by everyone. After Mass, there was always a huge family dinner, usually at grandma and grandpa's house.
This past Holy Thursday I attended a Celebration of Life for a Cousin who I grew up with. We all spent time reminiscing about the gatherings of our youth, and talking about holidays spent together. There were even some pictures of some of us in our Easter finery!