Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.
While many stick to the traditional egg hunt and candy basket formula for Easter celebrations, other parents report the holiday is getting out of hand. Some readers say gifts like Wii video games and other expensive gifts are becoming commonplace additions to Easter baskets. That brings us to this week's question:
How does your family celebrate Easter, and what is included in the modern-day Easter basket?
Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.
Lee Ann Anderson: My daughter is 13 now . Over the pass 3 years I get different plastic eggs and put either nail polish maybe a dollar or two , a little candy basically anything up to 40 dollars for the basket I don't need a lot of candy around the house. — Batavia Patch Facebook
Regan Pops Ruddy: Some candy for fun ... small gift ... an outfit. — Elmhurst Patch Facebook
Jessica Ledlow Silha: My in-laws called this week wondering what Wii game my son would like in his basket......Yes, I would say Grandma and Grandpa have pushed Easter baskets way over the top in our house! — Geneva Patch Facebook
Julie Farrell: My kids are a bit old for that. Most of their friends don't even really get baskets anymore. Since those pre-made ones are mostly for little kids, I think this year I'm gonna do a smaller basket with a small iTunes gift card or iPod accessory in it and a bunch of candy....all kids love candy, even the adult ones! — Glen Ellyn Patch
Lee Schneider Welko: Never did baskets for my kids, nor for my grandchildren. Easter is a holy day and I was brought up with that notion...no bunnies, no gifts...just the gift of God! I do feel, however, that the retail businesses have gone overboard with gift-giving for Easter. It seems they advertise just like it's Christmas! — Lemont Patch Facebook
Mr. Handyman of Geneva and Naperville: We went to an Easter Egg Hunt this weekend. — Naperville Patch Facebook
Beth Marberry Sponzilli: I give candy, and each get a small gift too in their basket. This year its books! — St. Charles Patch Facebook
Deanna Jones Mustafa: My kids get a medium Graham's bunny each, Reese's eggs, and other candy I find to fill in. This year, instead of cheapo toys, they're each getting a $5 Target card I got with some sales deals. — Wheaton Patch Facebook