WATERLOO - "Gone were but the Winter, Come were but the Spring … "

Christina Rossetti wrote her poem, "Spring Quiet," in the 19th century. Those similarly wishing for the hasty retreat of cold, dreary days finally have reason to celebrate: At last, the first day of spring is here.

The vernal equinox occurs on March 20 or 21 each year and marks the moment when the sun crosses the plane of the Earth's equator.

Historically, the change in seasons is a time for renewal and beginnings. Leafy things pop out of the ground, chirping birds peck out of their shells and the sun peeks from behind clouds.

Days are longer and warmer, prompting many residents in Northeast Iowa to change activities accordingly. To that end, here are a few ways to appreciate the return of spring.

Celebrate

In the Christian system, Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after March 21. If that happens on a Sunday, Easter is the next Sunday.

The first Earth Day was March 21, 1970. Today the global event is commonly observed on April 22.

Members of the Bahai faith and those living in Iran and some Asian countries also celebrate today as their new year. It's also Mother's Day in Egypt and Lebanon.

Today is Human Rights Day in South Africa, and the United Nations has declared March 21 to be International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Fittingly, it's the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's World Poetry Day - hence, the Rossetti verse.

With so many holidays and events to choose from, any day can offer a reason to do something special.

"Holidays are always a great excuse for crafting," said Sherri Osborn, a former day-care provider and contributing author to craft books for children.

Osborn suggests incorporating themes of the season, such as flowers, bugs, birds and baseball.

Get outside

"Spring is usually an exciting time of year," Osborn added. "It is great for the kids to not only explore nature in the spring, but also their creativity right along with it."

For many, the warmer days may be the first in months that children can spend extensively outdoors. Nature walks, pointing out new foliage and wildlife, can be a fun way to spend a nice day.

If you're into more energetic activities, outside is still your best bet. Toy stores everywhere are bringing out lines of seasonal toys to encourage outdoor activities.

Spring, one local retailer claims, is the second-most popular toy-buying season after Christmas. Top toys include waterslides and gadgets designed for playing in the sand. Kites, traditional or fancy, still sell fairly well when the weather gets windy.

Brighten up

Cozying up to the fireplace is no longer apropos with spring's official arrival. But sometimes, spring's traditional thunderstorms force people back indoors.

To combat boredom, dust off old board games or whip up a new culinary creation. If you're feeling artsy, Osborn suggests crayon rubbings or rock painting.

"Crafts are also nice distractions for when the weather is too cold or wet to get outside," she said.

Freshen up

Spring is also the busiest time to revamp home interiors, says Coral Nafie, an interior decorator for 20 years and contributor to About.com.

"Adding light colors and cool fabrics is just natural as the weather gets warmer," she said.

Nafie notes dark, heavy drapes or rugs can be exchanged for sheer, light colored curtains, tablecloths, bedskirts and pillows to achieve a summerlike look. Fresh flowers also instantly breathe new life into a room.

"People are looking for a fresh new look for a fresh new season and want to do more than just bring out warm-weather clothes," she said.

Contact Amie Steffen at (319) 291-1405 or amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com.