Celebrations play a crucial role in relationship building, fostering deeper connections, and promoting family values within the larger society. They are also a great way to boost happiness, especially in challenging times. The recent celebration of Eid-el-Fitr, which marked the end of Ramadan, and the upcoming Easter celebration both follow periods of fasting or reflection, with both placing emphasis on families and community through sharing meals and acts of giving in different ways. Easter brings the message of hope and strength in trying times, offering a fresh start and an opportunity to let go of past mistakes. However you plan to spend this coming Easter, practise simple acts of kindness, which can go a long way to brighten someone’s celebration. Embrace a new beginning Everyone is on a journey, whether it’s a new beginning or a desire to make certain changes to improve your quality of life and the lives of those around you. Easter is a good season to start making these changes. As a couple, you can prepare for Easter by focusing on spiritual growth and deepening your connection with each other. New beginnings can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming and difficult to comprehend, especially if they involve weaknesses you’ve been struggling to overcome. Easter presents the opportunity to strengthen your spiritual connection, which can bring you closer and support each other during this difficult time. Start by learning more about the story of Easter, reading the Bible together, reflecting on passages about Easter, and further taking a step of faith to pray together. This can help build a spiritual and emotional bond to navigate this season with ease. A fresh start can also lead to new growth and opportunities in unexpected ways. Understand your purpose Easter is also a time of reflection. Use it as a period of understanding, especially if your marital or family life has been strained and characterised by negative patterns of behaviour. Ask yourselves what you would like to achieve as a couple and visualise the life and relationship you want to enjoy in your marriage. This can keep you motivated to make plans to achieve your purpose this Easter. Start by learning to take responsibility for your own mistakes that may be threatening the peace and happiness of your marriage, and work on improving your communication with your spouse if that is your biggest barrier. Understanding your purpose means knowing that challenges are part of growth, which can open unexpected blessings when you both pray and seek guidance together. Strengthen your faith and mindset as Easter approaches. Learn to stay positive and enjoy a healthy marriage while building a positive relationship with your children. Build stronger connections Easter is a time to promote stronger connections with family, friends, and the community. Even though times are hard, there are different ways you can support others around you despite your own situation. Start by strengthening your connection through your faith and engage in the spirit of togetherness by participating in activities in your churches and local communities. Spare some time for voluntary engagements, helping those in need around you, or simply taking time out to visit vulnerable family members who may be lonely this Easter.