Rachel Bilson recently shared a humorous anecdote about her daughter Briar Rose, whom she affectionately refers to as her “Halloween baby,” during a conversation with PEOPLE. Briar Rose, who celebrated her 12th birthday on October 29, was the subject of Bilson’s playful reminiscence about their Halloween traditions.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/rachel-bilson-daughter-103026-621f80e89f8b445da6ffa82f892d6414.jpg)
In the interview promoting her new film, *Christmas at the Kringles*, Bilson recounted an amusing incident from last year’s Halloween celebrations. The actress discussed how she and Briar Rose made plans to don matching costumes. Briar had persuaded her mother to dress up as Squishmallows, a popular type of stuffed toy. However, when the night arrived, Bilson found herself alone in her costume while Briar opted for a different look as a mummy.
Bilson joked about the situation, saying, “She abandoned me,” adding that she ventured out to trick-or-treat while fully embracing her Squishmallow outfit. The actress pointed out the irony, noting, “I Squishmallowed myself all the way up the street for trick-or-treating … while she was a mummy.”
Briar Rose is Bilson’s only child with ex-partner Hayden Christensen. The couple welcomed their daughter in 2014 after meeting on the set of the film *Jumper* in 2008. Their relationship ended in 2017, but both have been committed to co-parenting Briar Rose.
In past interviews, Bilson has been candid about the importance of maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with Christensen. During a 2021 discussion with PEOPLE, she emphasised that open communication is fundamental to their parenting strategy. “As long as you put the kid first, everything will be okay,” she remarked, highlighting the shared priority of their daughter’s well-being.
Last year, Bilson celebrated Briar’s 11th birthday with heartfelt gestures, including baking a homemade key lime pie and posting a photo on Instagram with a ghost-themed birthday message. She lovingly referred to her daughter as her “very own Golden Girl,” demonstrating the close bond they share.
During an appearance on the podcast *Betches* in 2021, Bilson revealed that Briar is already showing interest in the entertainment industry, expressing her desire to act. Bilson admitted that she is cautious about her daughter entering the spotlight, saying, “I think to keep that away from her as long as possible is our top choice.” She is determined to protect Briar from the pressures of fame at such a young age.
In her interview with PEOPLE, Bilson offered some advice to Briar regarding a potential career in acting. She emphasised the value of kindness, suggesting that it is a crucial attribute for navigating the challenges of life and the entertainment industry. “That’s how you want to show up every day,” she said, confirming that this is a principle she strives to instill in her daughter.
As they move closer to Halloween this year, Bilson likely hopes to create more memories with Briar. Despite last year’s costume mishap, she remains supportive and engaged in her daughter’s life.
Rachel Bilson continues to balance her acting career with motherhood, and her latest film, *Christmas at the Kringles*, is currently available in theatres, showcasing her talent in a new festive light. As both a dedicated mother and a rising star in the film industry, Bilson’s journey reflects the joys and challenges of parenting in the public eye.