Chocolate-themed Easter makes it too commercial (From Penarth Times)

Chocolate-themed Easter makes it too commercial

VACATION: Mother and daughter Sarah and Elizabeth Pratt will be enjoying a break from commitments at school. PJH136H04

EASTER is celebrated in many different ways but what does the holiday mean to people today?

Reporter Claire Harrison went on to the streets of Penarth to find out how our town will celebrate this particular religious festival.

Cheryl Day, of Stanwell Road, who owns Upper Crust, said: "I love all the chocolate and the Easter weekend is about eating as much of it as possible."

School administrator Sarah Pratt was in Penarth with her student daughter Elizabeth, both of Brockhill Way. Sarah said: "Although we think Easter is a little too commercial these days, we still buy eggs. We will be spending the holiday relaxing and enjoying our break from school - me from work and Elizabeth from her studies."

Beryl Williams, a housewife, was with her husband, Tony, a retired scaffolder. The Cedar Way resident said: "Easter is not the religious holiday it used to be. There aren't enough organised events for people to take part in any more. We do enjoy Easter though, because the kids love it, and that is what's important."

Shop assistant Victoria Mullaley, 23, of Grove Terrace, said: "It's all about the chocolate for me. Easter weekend is like a normal weekend for me, as I have to work. I have not really made any plans and will probably go out on Saturday night as usual."

Retired hospital receptionist, Sheila Evans, of Coleridge Avenue, said: "I have made plans to go to Cardiff Bay for Sunday lunch, but what I do from there completely depends on the weather.

"If it stays fine, I'll be more inclined to have a day out. As far as the chocolate aspect of the holiday, Easter eggs are not as popular as they used to be with the children, they are all so diet conscious. There always seems to be loads left on the shelves."

Frequent visitor to the town centre, Fay Tapscott, 55, is a nursing sister from Barrians Way. She said: "I don't like to buy Easter eggs. It's all a bit too commercial these days, so I just send cards to people I care about. I'm looking forward to the holiday this year because I'll be spending the Easter weekend in London on a break."

Retired safety officer David Thomas, 44, of Glebe Street, said: "I think of this time of the year as family time. I will be spending the Easter weekend with my two children, eight-year-old Angel and seven-year-old Samantha. I like to let them chose their own Easter eggs.

"I think, like many other special events, Easter starts too early. The chocolate eggs are on the shelves months before and with the obesity problems that children have today, it is worrying to see them tempted so much."

Retired secretary Joan Parker, 65, often brings her grandchildren, four-year-old Ellis and six-year-old Sophie, to Penarth on day trips from their Taffs Well home.

She said: "The grandchildren love all the Easter eggs and it is an enjoyable time for them. I do feel that Palm Sunday is not recognised by enough people for its real importance. Children today are far less concerned about the teachings behind Easter and are far more interested in the chocolate eggs."