Chocolate Bunnies

To me Easter is very similar to Thanksgiving. Lots of amazing food, desserts and family who I enjoy to be around. I am NOT a religious person at all. My immediate family aren't either. Just like Xmas, there is no true celebration in the deep meaning of what these holidays are about. It's more of a food orgy and welcoming family I don't see to often.    
   
When I was a little kid, the house was decorated with plastic eggs, Easter bunnies, ornate, colorful, flowery decor's (purples, light greens, pink) for spring and other nick-knacks. My mother would try & encourage my brother & I to color eggs. We hated it. The smell of the vinegar and the pointless results made us dread it each year.    
   
Like Xmas and visiting Santa at the mall, my parents would take my brother & I to visit the Easter Bunny. Back in those days the bunny outfits these people wore were quite furry, and deranged looking. Horror movies & Halloween masks, enhanced the features of the bunnies face to create a much more sinister look. I didn't mind. We have a handful of these photos each year that were taken. My brother was usually crying.    
   
Each year my parents would create a basket for my brother & I. We would usually get a toy priced between $5-15 dollars (this is the 1980's folks) lots of chocolates and multi-colored jelly beans.    
   
For many years mom & dad would host Easter Sunday. Many antipasto dishes, appetizers, Italian Bread, Lasagna and the best pastries being bought in Brooklyn. Those were special times.    
   
I try and duplicate this as an adult but the magic and many family members have died.