I am one of those people who ascribes to the belief that “more is more” rather than “less is more” when it comes to celebrating holidays. Decorations, get-togethers, and, of course, the food, are parts of holidays that get my creative energy going. As a teacher of young children, I find that I connect often to my own “inner child” and I think about how to make experiences more fun and maybe even indulgent. Whether or not you have small children, these ideas can be adapted to make your Seder memorable this Passover.
Become a Master Storyteller
The Seder is all about story telling, so amp up your storytelling skills:
• use different voices
• incorporate sound effects
• vary your volume
• use gestures
• get props from the party or toy store…frogs, cows, lions and tigers, creepy bugs and hail would be fantastic
• have costumes or masks (kids can help make these)
Have a Contest
Have a story telling contest. It can be inspired by charoset, the Passover dish of apples, nuts and wine that tells the story of the Israelites. It is a reminder of the mortar used by the Israelites when they were enslaved by the Egyptians. Ask your guests to make up a story about a dish—maybe about the ingredients or how it was invented or who made it—and tell it during the festive meal part of the Seder. The best storyteller can win a prize.
Liven Up the Table
Make origami frogs and scatter them around the table or write guests’ names on them. I like to add googly eyes from the craft store to make them extra fun. Kids can make the frogs and have a distance jumping contest.
Use cardboard paper towel rolls to make napkin rings. Cut into 2 inch rings and cover with construction or tissue paper. Decorate with heroes from the Exodus story.
Get large sheets of construction paper to make place mats. Ask kids to draw a “gefilte fish” on each and laminate. The crazier and more unique the fish, the better! Use them every Passover.
Decorate your table to look like the Red Sea. Use a blue plastic tablecloth and across the middle, pour sand from one end of the table to the other. Use felt to make a centerpiece figure of Moses. Be sure to include his staff.
Use paint pens specially designed for glass to decorate a wine glass for Elijah. Make extras and give them to friends and family for their Seder tables.
Make Family Traditions
Make a special fabric bag for the Afikomen using fabric markers.
Visit a ceramics studio and paint a Seder plate as a family. Use it every year as part of your celebration.
Make your own pillows for the Seder. Make patchwork pillows. Everyone in the family can contribute something (like an outgrown t-shirt) to turn into the pillows. Each year, tell the story of each piece of fabric.
Put together a Passover cookbook with your extended family, friends or synagogue. A week without chametz is easier with tried-and-true recipes for easy reference. Be sure to include your family’s favorite Seder meal favorites.
What makes your gatherings special?