Making Pesach Special for the Littles

I have a two very distinct memories of Pesach from my childhood. The first is the community seder that my Zaidy led for his shul each year until I was six years old. The room was filled with strangers, but our table was filled with family. It was really difficult to sit still for so many hours. I would hide and play in his office, I would tap at the old plastic window/door shades, I would look out into the dark abyss of the lake through the large sliding doors trying to find Elijah, and I would hide under the table with toys. One year, my uncle Jerry taught me how to make an origami flapping bird. He would carry them around in his wallet and give them out to any kids that were crying. I went home that night and kept making more under the covers with a flashlight.

The other memory is of the yearly seders after he retired at my parent's or aunt's house. Being older, I can still hear Zaidy singing the whole night through. There was no skipping a single portion of a song or the story. It was really long nights, but I am so grateful to have those memories now. I wish that I had a recording of his singing all those nights so that I could hear them again and also learn the ones that I no longer remember. It is still hard not having his voice booming at the seders, but it feels as if he is in the room whenever the songs are sung around the table together.

I want Laila to have special memories too that she will hold onto. One big hope is that over time Cody and Laila will learn the songs and we can all sing them together. And even more that one day I will get to hear Laila's sweet little voice singing loud and proud with us.

The other hope is that we create new traditions and memories. While she is still little, I want her to feel she has her own ways of learning and having fun. I've been thinking so much about what we can do to create these for her. Here are some of my thoughts. I would love to know how you have made Pesach special for your family.

Ideas to Make the Seder Fun

Ten plagues

blood: cups or water with food coloring or red jello

frogs: a jumping contest across the room; hoping frogs out of origami or toys on the table

lice: have the kids run around putting plastic flies on the adults heads

wild animals: masks to wear; animals on the table and make the sound

pestilence: pretend and make the sounds of a dying animal; see who can collect the most animals of the table and put into a box (doubles as cleanup)

boils: dot stickers to put on your face; pretend to be super itchy everywhere

hail: throw marshmallows or cotton balls around

locusts: same as frogs, can have jumping grasshopper toys or a jumping contest

darkness: sunglasses or eye masks; a game of marco pollo in a safe contained space

death of the first born: spreading ketchup on their plates to represent the lambs blood on the door posts. And then they have something to dip their potatoes into!; In general, this one is a bit awkward, especially for kids, and more so for the oldest of the family. Death as a concept is understood by kids, but for the purpose of the seder we can make it less scary. I saw one suggestion online of reenacting the spiting of the dead sea instead. You can use a parachute or a sheet that's on the floor that is picked up just enough on the ideas randomly to make it look like rumbling water and have the kids all run across, or pick the sheet up and have them run under before it falls down again.

Individual Seder Plates

Include the staples and a small piece of chicken or tofu for the bone

Colorful Hagaddah with Pictures

Can make your own before Passover together.

Can purchase one and cover with paper and color/paint the cover with their name on it.

Finding the Affikoman

Make is fun and special for your family by starting a tradition of special rules.

Rules could include saying hot and cold when close or far. Having to walk backwards to find it.

A special trophy the kids make ahead of time.

Make a special bag for the Affikoman.

Sing the Jeopardy song countdown.

Build an obstacle course.