Frohe Ostern, everyone!
Easter always brings out my sentimental German side — the part of me that remembers muddy boots, bright yellow flowers, and the smell of woodsmoke drifting across the fields. And of course, the part of me that has to explain (again) why Germans don’t eat ham for Easter.
Yes, you read that right.
Ham? Not really a thing.
Rabbit? Sometimes.
Chicken? Often.
Confusion from Americans? Always.
I get it — eating rabbit at Easter sounds like the plot twist nobody asked for. But in Germany, it’s just… normal. A tradition. A little odd when you think too hard about it, but charming in its own way. This year, though, I skipped all of that and made a cozy pot of goulash with red cabbage and potatoes. Expat life means you get to remix traditions however you like, and honestly, that freedom is delicious.
🌼 Spring Cleaning, Fresh Starts & A Little Home Refresh
Easter always flips a switch in me — suddenly I want to open the windows, shake out the rugs, and brighten up the house. Maybe it’s the flowers, maybe it’s the memories, maybe it’s the sunlight finally returning to Minnesota.
If you’re feeling that same “fresh start” energy, I’ve linked some of my favorite spring-ready curtains below. Light, airy, and perfect for making your home feel like it’s waking up from hibernation.
🥚 Egg Hunts, But Make Them Beautiful
One thing I deeply miss from home is the way we treat Easter eggs.
Here in the U.S., the plastic eggs multiply like rabbits — pun fully intended. But in Germany, we take the time to color real eggs, decorate them, and hang them on branches. It’s less about candy and more about craft, color, and that feeling of spring waking up again.
We decorate with Osterglocken (daffodils) and those bright yellow Forsythia branches that look like sunshine exploded across the garden. Inside the house, we bring in budding twigs, arrange flowers, and make everything feel fresh and hopeful — a little preview of the warmer days ahead.
🔥 The Osterfeuer — A Bonfire Like No Other
And then there’s one of my favorite traditions: the Osterfeuer.
Across Germany, communities gather around enormous bonfires on Easter weekend. I’m talking huge — towering piles of wood that glow against the night sky. You meet friends, you chat, you sip something warm, and you watch winter burn away in the most literal, beautiful way.
They’re always well organized, with firefighters on standby, and they’re such a powerful symbol of togetherness. It’s one of those traditions that stays with you long after you’ve moved continents.
🍽️ And for the Days You Don’t Want to Cook…
Let’s be honest: holiday cooking is lovely until you’re tired of washing dishes.
For those days, Dinnerly is my go‑to. Minimal prep, simple recipes, and fewer pots to scrub — which means more time for egg decorating, bonfire nostalgia, or hiding chocolate eggs in places you’ll forget about until July.
🌸 Wishing You a Warm, Delicious, and Slightly Silly Easter
Whether you’re eating rabbit, chicken, goulash, or just chocolate for dinner, I hope your Easter was full of joy, color, and maybe a new tradition or two. Spring is here — let’s make it beautiful, simple, and full of flavor