Life and Times: Easter Facts

(5-8 minutes, easy setup)
Learners will consider how Americans celebrate Easter.
All facts used in this activity were found at http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-easter/infographics/easter-by-the-numbers. Additional facts can be found there as well.

Share the following: Easter is a huge celebration for Americans. In fact, 80 percent of Americans celebrate Easter, but not necessarily as a religious event. Consider the Easter celebration by the numbers:

180 million eggs are dyed and decorated each year.
43 million cards are sent out at Easter.
700 million Peeps are eaten each year at Easter.
90 million chocolate Easter bunnies are made each year.
1.6 billion jelly beans are eaten each year.
Between 60% and 65% of Americans attend church services on Easter.

Ask: Why do you think so any Americans celebrate Easter, even though they do not celebrate what Jesus did for them on Easter? (Easter is a time for families to reconnect; many celebrate Easter because of family traditions.). Share that regardless of how people celebrate the Easter season, the only reason to celebrate is the fact that Jesus willingly took on our sin so we can live. Conclude that today, learners will examine accounts of the first Easter and the impact it continues to have on our lives today.