For others it’s an opportunity to have an extended weekend with family and/or friends, camping, eating chocolate and enjoying a beverage or several.

Perhaps some combination of all the above?

Easter’s long weekend is upon us with all the commercial extravagance and religious moderation the holiday demands.

In schools across the region, young children have donned decorated hats or dressed up as their favourite characters in end-of-Term mufti day activities.

Several schools called them Easter Hat Parades – but not all.

The Easter bonnet has its roots in the tradition of buying and wearing new clothes at Easter services, in harmony with the promise of the spiritual renewal at the heart of the Easter story.

Whether through commercial manipulation or in a colourful display of inclusiveness, several schools shied away from linking their fun hat activities directly to the religious Easter story.

Mad Hatters, Pedlars Parade, call them what you will, they are a fun and lively celebration of our youth and their excitement ahead of two weeks holiday.

Not everyone agrees, with several social media comments questioning why such activities aren’t “Easter bonnet parades rather than Mad Hatters” and so on.

Each to their own, we say.

But just as food for thought, perhaps schools in our public system are looking to make sure none of their pupils are left out of class activities, regardless of personal faith, beliefs and penchant for chocolate treats.

We also have numerous church services around the shire over the course of the weekend, marking first the death of Christ, then the empty tomb and miracle of the resurrection.

Then again, we will also have plenty of locals wondering why they can’t get their morning coffee and paper, or out now stocking up on food and supplies due to public holiday store closures that have their origins in religious-based laws.

And don’t get us started on rabbits and chicken eggs...

However you choose to mark the long weekend, keep your family and friends close, be safe, and have a holiday filled with all the joy you can unearth or unwrap.

Happy Easter!