The Halloween Bunny Ears

by Guest Blogger, Linda Laughter.

It started over 45 years ago. I was looking for an inexpensive, creative Halloween costume for my year-old little girl. My Mom, a talented seamstress, stepped in and made a Bunny hat. Now bunnies and Halloween are not usually linked together, but I had this orange fabric, and the idea was born. Simple, put on some footie pajamas and a diaper and you were set to go. The yarn pom-pom “tail” was custom made by Mom, too. So, our crawler, met all the neighbors with a big grin and the nod of her long ears. There were some surprised faces, thinking it must be Easter, but we persevered. Who says Halloween must be ghoulish? We sought happy creativity!

Now as our other children came along, they too inherited the chance to wear the bunny ears. I think my eldest son’s face (the one in the green footie pajamas) shows his great enthusiasm! I only made them do this their first Halloweens, I promise. From there we went on to “happy” clowns. My mom stepped in to make these nontraditional Halloween ensembles. We used red with and blue star fabric that made you think it was the Fourth of July, but later the clown suits did dual purposes at birthday parties to make children laugh, and at lemonade stands to attract customers. Mom made He-Man outfits, Ghostbuster jumpers, Raggedy Ann pinafore and many more user-happy costumes. They were worn for many events long after Halloween. 

So back to the Halloween Bunny Ears. I of course saved these treasured ears. Along comes my first grandchildren, and I presented them to my daughter as if they were made of fine silk and gold! Luckily, she has a sentimental side like me and agreed to have her sons wear these nontraditional Halloween Bunny ears too.

When my second grandson was in line to wear them, my daughter asked what should his older brother be so they would coordinate? My idea, without thinking, was a Carrot. Halloween Carrot? Really?

Mom to the rescue. She took a bright orange knit cap adding her signature pom-pom. It was the last costume she helped with for our family. The Halloween Bunny ears have become quite crimped and floppy but have served our family well.

 Halloween is a holiday that can be creative. When two old folks dressed as Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, met our grandsons’ bus after school, the bus driver was a little nervous to let the boys get off the bus. They assured her it was just their crazy grandparents, being creative and always unconventional!

Linda is a retired interior designer who lives with her husband Don in Cascade, MI. She loves enjoying her family, friends, art, and travel.

Live is a blessing – Enjoy!