After much discussion and a lack of Easter Bunny around our house for the past 5 years, we have decided that we really don’t like the idea of the Easter Bunny being associated with Easter. I don’t have a problem 
with Santa Clause, since he was an actual person (or is associated with an actual person) who did things that are related to Christ – gave to the poor.
But the Easter Bunny… brings you candy and presents… I really can’t see any connection between that and the Savior’s atonement, death, and resurrection.
And so, the “Spring Bunny”. We call him Vernal. Ha ha. Rather than celebrate the Easter Bunny on or near Easter, we have decided that we will have the “Spring Bunny” come on the Vernal (Spring) Equinox. While that date sometimes gets really close to Easter, more often than not it’s father away, at least a week or so, and by associating the bunny with spring rather than with Easter we can eat candy and not feel like we’re secularizing Easter. Best of both worlds, right?
This was our first year attempting the “Spring Bunny”. I think it turned out pretty great. Now we need to do some all-out Easter traditions to really make the distinction. Our family is young, so we’re still working out all our traditions.
We carried over a few from our families, with the Spring Bunny – including hiding baskets and eggs/candy all over the house. (this picture is Joseline finding her basket under the table)
Vince is getting old enough to make an egg hunt really fun.
We shared Easter this year with the Wilde’s who have been living with us for a few months while Dan was in China.
Some of my favorite memories from childhood are when we would find Easter candy hidden a few weeks/months/a year after Easter. Ha ha. Nothing better than a stale malt egg!
