My family started an Easter egg decorating contest 9 years ago. What started out as a way to make egg decorating more fun for the kids has turned into a family tradition. This annual tradition also includes very competitive and creative kids, teens, and adults. 
The Birth of the Egg Decorating Contest
My eldest brother and his family were in town for Easter. His kids were still very young and were very close in age to my sister’s and my cousin’s kids. And of course the kids couldn’t wait to start dipping their eggs in food coloring. As the kids started dipping the eggs we noticed it was kind of a let down. The adults started talking and someone mentioned we should have an egg decorating contest. But this wasn’t going to be any ordinary egg decorating contest.
We decided we would have accessories to provide more creative opportunities. My sister found items in her house we could use (markers, stickers, pipe cleaners, glue, etc.). We made up the rules, added a time limit, picked a judge, and the egg decorating contest was born!
I was lucky enough to win the first contest in 2009 but sadly, this has been the only time I have won. But I was and will always be the first winner!
The 2018 Egg Decorating Contest
Over the years the contest has had several minor adjustments. This year there was a twist, which was a genre. There were 10 contestants and we were not told about this twist until the contest was about to begin. Each one of us pulled out a slip of paper from a bowl and our eggs had to reflect that genre. There were also lots of groans as everyone read their genre.
I pulled the “Romance” genre (and was also one of those that groaned). As the contest began, I drew a blank. I’m not a romance kind of guy. As I sat there for 10 minutes, I started to wonder if I’d ever get any inspiration for my egg canvas. But then something popped in my head and I decided to run with it.
As no cell phones are allowed during the contest, I had to remember what my movie characters looked like. I took a mental note and furiously started decorating my eggs. I found some pipe cleaner, cut some hair from a wig, and cut a plastic cup for my hat. Not surprisingly, this was also the first time I had ever used a glue gun. I didn’t realize how hot and messy the glue could get as it fell on my fingers. But the hot glue couldn’t deter me! I had limited time to get my masterpiece ready for the judges.
As the hour time limit was quickly coming to end, I frantically added a few accessories and submitted my eggs. I was hoping that my eggs would be easily recognizable. But as I looked around, I noticed that there were several “eggs-traordinary” and impressive entries. And yes, every April there are egg-hausting, endless egg jokes leading up to the contest. But I digress. This would be a tough call for the judges.
All the eggs were set up on the table with their corresponding theme. We left the hallowed egg competition venue (aka the garage) and let the 4 judges begin their deliberations. The judges were not allowed to be present during the egg decorating so they could remain impartial. After what seemed like an eternity, they made their decision.
The Final Verdict
I didn’t win (again) but I still had a great time. In case you’re wondering, the Mythology genre Medusa egg with the egg that turned to stone was this year’s winner! In second place under the Fantasy genre was my nephew with the iconic door scene from The Shining movie. My older brother did the dramatic clown eggs for the Tragedy theme. My entry for romance/bromance is on the bottom right and is the Dumb & Dumber movie party scene.
The egg decorating contest started out as way to make decorating eggs fun for the kids. But it has grown to be so much more. It has now become a family tradition we all look forward to each year. And it’s something everyone can do. My 8 year old nephew has been decorating since he was 5 years old.
Yes, it’s great to win, but being with family, making memories, and enjoying their company is much better than a win. And there’s always next year!
If you have any family traditions you’d like to share, we love to hear about them.
42 Comments
This is a tradition I love. Thanks Mars for chronicling this annual egg-vent (I had to throw that in!) in the Harder We Play website. Every year the food is great, the family and friends are better, and the competition fierce! I wouldn’t have it any other way. So much fun and a full range of emotions packed into one day!
That is such a fun Easter tradition. I love to see the creative side that most of us have, but just don’t get to use a lot during our everyday lives. We i hav done something similar with the leftover food on our thanksgiving day plates, mess but fun.
Hi Jen. Thank you for your comment. The egg decorating does bring out the creativity. But your leftover food event also sounds like fun!
What a great Easter tradition. So much fun. We too still draw on eggs, boil them and then have “Egg Wars.” We smash point end to pointy end and dull to dull side. Fun and have been doing for generations.
ahaha, that’s fun!! We used to do that too!!
Great. Article.
Thank you.
What a fabulous tradition. So much fun and challenging. Judging from the pictures, you all did a great job
Every year we get better and better!
This is such a fun idea! I love how you share the annual easter egg decorating contest as a story, like “frantically” adding the final touches.. It made me laugh
We are serious about this!! 🙂
This makes me smile! I love this haha. Decorating eggs with little eyes – genius!
Your eggs look so cool. So much more sophisticated than when I was a kid and we were lucky if we could manage a two-toned egg. 🙂
How fun is this?! I wouldn’t be able to pull off anything near as good.
Hi Laura. You’d be suprised at what you can come up with! Thank you for your comment.
This is wonderful!! I am taking this idea for next year’s Easter for our family. So fun!
Hi Jocelyn. Your family will love it and it’s so much fun. Thanks for your comment.
I love this! I wish I had seen this when my kids were younger. But I think my daughter would still get really into this with at least her friends if we can’t convince her brothers.
I love this fun! The Mythology gets my vote. We do this tradition with decorating Gingerbread houses at Christmas time. We love it!
Hi Kristi Ann. Mythology was the clear winner. Your Gingerbread decorating also sounds like a lot of fun.
I love this! It sounds like so much fun. I’m going to have to keep this in mind for next year. I’m sure my daughter would love helping decorate eggs and eventually participate in an egg decorating competition.
Hi Jessica. My nephew, who is 8, teamed up with my sister last year and loved to help decorate her eggs. Thanks for your comment.
What a fun tradition to have!! My girls are in college now so we don’t do “Easter Egg Hunts” anymore but maybe something like this would be a good replacement 🙂
Hi Sandy. We have all ages participating including my cousin who is in college. Thank you so much for your comment.
So fun! A family that plays together stays together! 😉
That is so true!
How fun! What a fun tradition. 🙂
Hi Heidi. It so very fun. thanks for your comment!
Such a fun tradition, I may have to steal it
Hi Rae. Please feel free to steal it. I’m sure your family would have a great time with it.
I love family traditions! They bring families together and are another way of making lasting memories. Very impressive entries, too!
We also love family traditions. Thanks for your comment.
I love this idea! I might steal it from you for my own family. Way to spice things up
You’re a great writer! And I love how the eggs turned out.
Thanks Dominique! There were some great entries this year.
Such a fun idea. I like that it can be done with family members of all ages!
Hi Carmen. Yes, all ages can participate, which makes it more fun!
I too love family traditions. It is never too late to start one. This is something to get the older kids involved who at least in my family think they are too old to decorate anymore. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jennifer. I agree, it’s never too late to start a new and fun tradition.
haha! Loved the pics and the ideas. Your family sounds super fun!
Hi Terri. They are super fun. It’s a very friendly competition. Thanks for you comment.
Oh my gosh I love this! I think my teen boys would get on board for this. Now that I don’t have littles anymore it seems Easter is a thing in the past but I bet this would get them going again. Love it!
Hi Karie. Your teen boys would love it! We have all ages participating and they can’t wait for the next contest! Thank you for your comment.