'This is how I'm surviving Easter alone'

Easter is often painted with the familiar strokes of tradition—crowded tables, the smell of chapatis in the air, laughter echoing through rooms filled with family. It's a season of hugs, homecomings, and togetherness. But not for everyone.

What happens when Easter comes...and you're alone? When there's no family lunch, no warm embrace, no one calling your name from the kitchen? When your plans involve quiet moments, not group photos?

For some, this solitude is painful. For others, it's a choice—a moment to breathe, to heal, to reflect, to grow.

Also Read: Easter holiday and what the law says around the world

As the world gathers, these voices invite us into a different kind of Easter—one that's not about who you're with, but what you find in the silence.

Juliet Ukiru, 35, a social worker 

This is actually my first time spending Easter alone, and I intentionally chose to be by myself so I could take time to reflect on my spiritual, mental, and emotional state. Life has also been challenging financially, so I wanted a quiet space to think, recharge, and plan my next steps.

In previous years, I would spend Easter with my ex-husband and our extended family. We would often visit relatives, cook together, and share beautiful memories. It was always about togetherness and reconnecting with loved ones.

Even after we split three years ago, I would still find a way to insert myself into family functions—even when I hadn't been invited.

Even though I will be alone this year, I still want to make the day meaningful. I plan to stay indoors, do some cleaning and reorganising, journal, catch up on movies, watch inspirational content, and stay updated on current affairs. It's a simple way to celebrate, but it gives me a sense of control and peace.

What I'll miss the most is the sense of togetherness—the conversations, the laughter, the shared meals.

That feeling of belonging is hard to replace when you're alone.

There's an expectation to be with others during holidays like Easter—a perception society has instilled in us. But being alone has helped me realise that solitude isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes, being alone brings a level of peace and clarity that we miss when we're constantly surrounded by people and distractions.

Also Read: Kenyans set for long weekend as Murkomen declares Monday a holiday

To anyone else who will be spending Easter alone, I'd say: Embrace it. Alone time doesn’t mean loneliness. Use this moment to do something that makes you happy, reflect on your journey, and invest in yourself. You are enough—even in solitude.

John Otieno, 31, a Data Scientist

I've been spending Easter alone since 2014, so by now, it has become the norm for me. Over the years,

I've grown accustomed to it—and even found meaning in it.

I live in Kilifi, far from my family and close friends who are based in Kisumu and Nairobi. Because of work and logistical constraints, I've made peace with being physically distant during holidays. In that sense, solitude feels natural and expected.

Nonetheless, I always begin Easter by attending church. It's something I consider sacred and non-negotiable. After that, I usually take a walk along the beach to clear my mind and connect with nature.

Over the last 10 years, I've created traditions that bring me peace and fulfillment. A walk along the beach has become almost ritualistic for me—it calms my mind and sometimes leads to spontaneous conversations with other quiet souls enjoying the same space.

I also commit to planting a tree—either mangrove or indigenous—every Easter. It's my way of contributing to climate action and symbolising hope and continuity.

In the beginning, I barely noticed Easter. It was just another weekend until I saw others dressed for church or heard it mentioned in the news. But over time, as my faith deepened, I came to appreciate the spiritual significance of the day. Even in solitude, I now mark Easter with acts of kindness, and this has added both purpose and connection to the occasion.

A tradition I'll miss this year is the tree planting. Unfortunately, there are no community planting events planned. I'll redirect my energy into completing a machine learning project I've been working on.

Being alone during this holiday has made me reflect on the nature of solitude. Life can be emotionally taxing if you let it, but I've learned to reframe solitude—not as loneliness, but as an opportunity for personal growth and reflection.

In many ways, solitude has shown me that even when we are surrounded by people, we are still fundamentally alone in our thoughts, choices, and spiritual journeys. It has strengthened my faith and taught me to value meaningful connections over the mere presence of company.

In these solitary moments, I've discovered that I am deeply compassionate and empathetic. When you step away from constantly thinking about yourself—your family, your circle—you begin to see the struggles of others more clearly. It might be helping a stranger, supporting a cause, or simply being present for someone who needs a listening ear.

Though society often expects people to come together during holidays, the issue isn't the desire for togetherness—it's the assumption that everyone has access to it. People today face different constraints—financial, emotional, or geographic—that make gathering difficult. I believe it's important to recognise that meaningful holidays can still be experienced in solitude—if that solitude is intentional and nourishing.

If you find yourself alone this Easter, know this – you're not forgotten, and you're not doing life wrong. Solitude is not a punishment—it can be a sanctuary. Use this time to reflect, to build something, or to uplift someone else. Whatever you choose to do, make it count.

Charles Kuria, 19, student

This will be the second time I'm spending Easter alone. I had a similar experience last year, which turned out to be quite reflective and rewarding.

I intentionally chose to spend this Easter on my own as part of a personal development journey. I wanted to take a step back from the usual routines of school and family life to reflect, recharge, and invest time in self-growth.

Even when I'm alone, I try to make the days meaningful. Last year, for instance, I went hiking with two close friends. We played games like trivia, speed typing challenges, and video games. It was a fun way to bond while still preserving space for personal reflection.

This year, however, I plan to take a different approach. I want to dedicate more time to introspection, reading novels, exploring new skills like machine learning and communication, and simply relaxing.

Spending Easter alone last year gave me a chance to reflect more deeply on my spiritual life—especially on the sacrifice of Jesus and what it truly means to live purposefully. It made me realise how often we, especially as young people, get distracted by the noise and pleasures of the world and overlook the deeper meaning behind these holidays.

Being alone has helped me discover that I'm capable of building and sustaining meaningful routines. I started reading the Bible twice a day and committing to prayer, regardless of my external circumstances.

This simple discipline has played a huge role in my spiritual and emotional growth.
Still, I do feel that society places too much pressure on togetherness during holidays. For instance, in my own family, my father expects all of us—including siblings who now have their own families—to be present during every holiday. 

A tradition I will miss the most this year is the communal spirit of Easter, which for me often overlaps with memories of Christmas. I enjoy the church activities, youth Bible studies, visits to children's homes, and big family gatherings. These experiences bring a deep sense of connection and meaning.

While togetherness is valuable, these expectations can feel overwhelming, especially when individuals have personal plans, business obligations, or simply need time to themselves.

If you're navigating this Easter solo, take it as a rare chance to slow down. Reflect on your values, set some goals, pick up a new habit, or explore something that feeds your soul. And if you can, do something kind for someone else—even the smallest gesture can carry deep meaning.

Mercy Ikutsuhi, 35, high school teacher

My first Easter spent alone was in 2024, when my family took a vacation to Kakamega and I stayed behind at home in Mombasa. This year, I will also be spending Easter alone, but just like last year, I plan to attend the church service.

In the past, apart from celebrating Easter with my family, I would also spend time with friends doing activities like swimming. But now, most of them have found jobs in other counties outside Mombasa, and it has become difficult to reconnect.

Nonetheless, during this year's Easter, I'll be cooking myself some pilau and baking cakes. I also plan to rewatch one of my favorite films, 'The Passion of the Christ,' and binge-watch a few American drama series like The Good Wife or The Good Doctor.

What I will miss the most is sharing a special meal—biryani—with my family.

Still, being alone helps me reflect on the unity and love we share as a family, and the friendships I've built over time. I've discovered that I can enjoy my own company, even without the presence of others.

Though togetherness is often overemphasised during holidays—framed as the ultimate expression of love—I've come to realise that spending time alone, doing things that bring you joy, can be just as fulfilling.

If you're spending Easter on your own this year, I encourage you to do something that makes you happy. Take the time to enjoy your own company—you may be surprised by how peaceful and empowering it can be.

Robert Agai, 32, HR and Public Policy Specialist

This will be the first time I'm spending Easter alone. For as long as I can remember, I always celebrated it with my mother, who passed away last year.

So, this Easter, I'll be at home in solitude, reflecting not just on her absence but also on how the first quarter of the year has unfolded. I used to spend Easter with my mother and siblings—eating, laughing, and celebrating. It was always a time of joy, togetherness, and love. Every Easter was a family affair. But this year, I'll be all alone.

I'm in a season of solitude, and Id like to take this time for personal reflection. Life has thrown several challenges my way, and amid these trials, I believe it's best to retreat and do some honest self-retrospection.

Most likely, I will spend the day indoors, applying for jobs. In such quiet moments, I try to meditate and stay mentally grounded. It's not easy, but I make a conscious effort to keep myself from slipping into depression.

Being alone this Easter has made me reflect on the significance of a mother in a homestead. Her presence held everything together, and now, I truly understand the weight of her absence. I will forever cherish the memories we shared.

I've also come to the painful realisation that I am truly on my own. There are moments when I feel like no one has my back, and that can be a heavy burden to carry.

If you're facing Easter alone this year, let it be a sacred pause. Use this time to reconnect with yourself, meditate deeply, and trust that clarity will eventually rise from stillness. Even in solitude, healing can begin.

Mark Kuria, 20, a student

I've been spending Easter alone for the past three years. In my pursuit of academic excellence, I had to relocate from home, and traveling back is often difficult due to my schedule and various commitments.

However, each Easter, I still find ways to make the day meaningful. I usually attend mass at school, have a video call with my family, treat myself to a nice lunch, then unwind by watching movies or going for a bike ride.

What I miss the most is the shared joy, warmth, and laughter with my family during our lunch outings—just being surrounded by loved ones. That said, being on my own has helped me discover new ways to enjoy the holidays. I've embraced sports, charity work, and community service as fulfilling alternatives.

Over time, I've learned to be more independent and adaptable, finding joy in my own company and creating space for personal growth. I also take time to reflect on the positive aspects of my life and think about how I can grow into a more well-rounded member of society.

If you find yourself spending Easter solo this year, take it as an opportunity to reconnect with yourself.

Do something you love, reach out to loved ones virtually, and celebrate your presence—you deserve it.
Antoney Odhiambo, 27, diploma graduate
Spending Easter alone is something I've done before—mostly because I don't always have good company nearby, and my friends and family live in counties far from me.

During this time, I prefer to read books, meditate, or travel to new places where I can interact with others and socialise. Over time, I've observed how society seems to have lost some of its sense of togetherness. Maybe it's because people are increasingly focused on personal growth or simply trying to survive in tough economic conditions.

Still, in my quiet moments alone during Easter, I've come to understand more about myself. I've realised that I'm a proactive person, capable of turning my goals into reality. But I've also learned that when I grow weary, I need others to lean on for encouragement.

These periods have helped me recognise the value of giving back, empowering those around me, and standing in solidarity with others. If you're spending Easter alone this year, remember that your life is your responsibility. One day, you'll be measured not by how crowded your table was, but by how meaningfully you lived—even in solitude.

Carl Rodgers, 20, a screenwriter

This will be my first time spending Easter alone, and I have a few expectations for how it might unfold.

I'm currently living in a different county, away from my family and friends, all in pursuit of greener pastures—so I'll most likely spend the day relaxing at home.

In the past, when I celebrated Easter with my family, we would go to church, and my mother would make chapatis for us. I'm seriously considering revisiting that tradition this year—maybe go to church, then treat myself to an outing afterward.

I don't think our society places too much pressure on togetherness during the holidays. If anything, I believe being together is important—it creates a sense of belonging and warmth that we all need now and then.

Still, being alone during a traditionally communal holiday has made me reflect on the importance of checking in with family and friends more often. It's easy to take those connections for granted until the silence reminds you how much they matter.

If you're spending Easter alone this year, take it slow. Open the windows and let the sun in. Have a cold soda, go for a swim if you can. Watch the sky from your balcony. Take time to pray, read scripture, and sit with Christ.

Melissa Mwaura, 27, an advocate

Since 2023, I've spent Easter alone. At the time, my family was living abroad, and I didn’t have anyone to spend it with here in Kenya. Traveling to be with them just for Easter wasn't an option, so I had to get used to being by myself.

So naturally, I'll be spending this Easter alone as well. For me, it's just an ordinary weekend, and I'll go about it the same way I do most others—on my own.

I don't celebrate Easter, and I haven't created any traditions around it. It's never been a religious occasion in my life, so I've never associated the holiday with reflection or spiritual introspection.

One thing I've come to discover about myself is that I genuinely prefer being alone. 

While society tends to place a lot of pressure on togetherness during holidays, I've never really experienced that in my family. We didn't grow up with the usual 'get togethers during the holidays' tradition with extended relatives. It has always been very informal for us.

Both my parents were born in April, so in the past, there have been times when their birthdays coincided with Easter. Those days were more about celebrating them than anything connected to the meaning of Easter.

So, I don't feel like I'm missing out—or that I need to follow society’s blueprint of what family togetherness during holidays should look like. If you're spending Easter on your own this year, just like I am, get comfortable in your own company. You don't need a crowd to feel complete. Be the best version of yourself, and you won't feel like you're missing anything at all.

wkanuri@ke.nationmedia.com