On Easter morning back in 1987, I leaped out of bed and raced to my Easter basket. While I had long outgrown my belief in the Easter Bunny, my parents still cherished the tradition. As I eagerly examined the vibrant eggs and candy in my basket, I spotted the ultimate treasure: a cassette tape of the Beastie Boys’ album, “Licensed to Ill.” I spent the morning reveling in my right to celebrate, shoving jelly beans and peanut butter cups into my mouth like it was a competitive sport. It was, without a doubt, the most epic Easter basket I’ve ever received (well, aside from the wine basket my partner gifted me after my Lenten vow to abstain from wine. That one was quite delightful too, if I’m honest).
Back in the ’70s and ’80s, Easter baskets were straightforward. A bit of fake grass, some hard jelly beans, and perhaps a chocolate bunny for good measure, and we were absolutely overjoyed. Who knew that Easter would evolve into the springtime equivalent of Christmas, turning our candy preferences into a refined art? While we can all agree that we sometimes go a little overboard with the treats in our Easter baskets, let’s face it: some candies have stood the test of time, while others we’d gladly return to the Easter Bunny.
1. Peanut Butter Eggs
Then: Peanut butter eggs from brands like Asher’s were bland and generic; we didn’t know what we were missing.
Now: Thank goodness for Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs. They’re simply irreplaceable!
2. Mini Sugar Egg Panoramas
Then: These overly sugary eggs, adorned with a tiny chick or duck, served no real purpose. They often survived long past Easter, only to be tossed out during spring cleaning.
Now: Somehow these sugary relics still pop up in baskets. Can someone explain why?
3. Cadbury Creme Eggs
Then: Cadbury’s famous tagline “No bunny knows Easter like Cadbury” captured our hearts, even as we debated the merits of their gooey filling.
Now: Stress-ridden parents still stock up on these before Easter, but let’s be real: they’re not great. #SorryNotSorry
4. Pez Dispensers
Then: Pez dispensers were the pinnacle of candy innovation! Candy on the go, with fun characters to boot!
Now: We still cherish them, and an Easter basket wouldn’t feel complete without a quirky dispenser handing out hard candy one piece at a time.
5. Black Jelly Beans
Then: Black jelly beans were universally reviled.
Now: And they still belong in the dumpster!
6. Chocolate Easter Bunnies
Then: Nothing was more disappointing than waking up on Easter morning without a chocolate bunny nestled in that fake grass.
Now: The hope remains, but it’s bittersweet when you see your little one gnawing on the ears.
7. Malted Easter Eggs
Then: Brightly hued and crunchy, these eggs were a delight.
Now: You now sneak these away in your closet while your kids demand your attention outside the door.
8. Peeps Marshmallow Chicks
Then: Peeps were a delightful novelty.
Now: You either can’t get enough of them or just the thought of them gives you a toothache.
9. Easter-Themed Candy Corn
Then: Nonexistent.
Now: Seriously, candy corn, just go home; you’re drunk.
10. Jelly Beans
Then: Brach’s jelly beans were the only option, offering a flavor that could only be described as disappointment.
Now: The variety of jelly beans is astounding! From sweet to sour, there’s something for everyone.
11. Foil-Wrapped Chocolate Eggs
Then: The Easter Bunny would hide these vibrant treasures, prompting fierce sibling rivalries during egg hunts.
Now: The Bunny still hides them, but you often forget where they are, leading to delightful surprises long after Easter has passed.
Reflecting on Easter 1987 and my Irish Catholic mother gifting me that Beastie Boys cassette brings a smile to my face. The true joke is on me now, as I realize that being the Easter Bunny means I get to indulge in all the candy before the kids do. So if you’ll excuse me, I have to snag some peanut butter cups and jelly beans I’ve been hoarding for emergencies. Also, I really need to update my Beastie Boys playlist!
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In summary, Easter candies have certainly evolved over the years. While nostalgia plays a big role in our appreciation of certain treats, it’s clear that some candies have truly improved, while others remain as perplexing as ever. The joy of Easter baskets might have changed, but the memories and traditions continue to bring us together.