We’ve waffled about this “holiday” for 12 years now. The kids have never done “real” trick-or-treating. In years past we have just let them get dressed up, and then we’ve made the rounds to 2 or 3 friend’s houses to show off their costumes. It became a tradition, so each house would be ready with a small treat to give them.
We weren’t sure how we felt about “celebrating” this day (This article that I read last year helped), didn’t want them to have a bag of candy that would be a source of contention for the next couple of weeks, were uncomfortable going to houses of people we don’t know, and weren’t sure we wanted them exposed to inappropriate or scary costumes.
We weren’t sure how we felt about “celebrating” this day (This article that I read last year helped), didn’t want them to have a bag of candy that would be a source of contention for the next couple of weeks, were uncomfortable going to houses of people we don’t know, and weren’t sure we wanted them exposed to inappropriate or scary costumes.Well, circumstances were different this year. Robert’s 6 week Bible study class was over so he had a free night. I, on the other hand, still had to lead mine, and the friends that we usually visit had either moved away or had plans to be away from home. So, Robert and our three tagged along with some of their best friends on their neighborhood trick-or-treating route. (Much of it was our paper route as well, so we have gotten to know some of these folks.)
As you can imagine, they had a great time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that much candy in one child’s possession. We will be negotiating this for weeks I’m sure. (Maybe this is the time to institute the tradition of the “Sugar Sprite” – see the Halloween post here.)Have you figured out the costumes?
Kayla’s is pretty obvious, and she was evidently a bit hit. Treat givers were running for their cameras and asking her for a picture! And yes, that is real popcorn glued to her hat and box top. Cooper is Frodo. He has a gold ring around his neck, a bedroll/backpack, brown markings on his feet and legs to look like hair and Sting, of course. And Kory is a WWII aviator, complete with his great-grandfather’s flight jacket. Their friends Cody, Dustin, and Ethan are a snowboarder, an injured person, and a superhero.
Kayla’s is pretty obvious, and she was evidently a bit hit. Treat givers were running for their cameras and asking her for a picture! And yes, that is real popcorn glued to her hat and box top. Cooper is Frodo. He has a gold ring around his neck, a bedroll/backpack, brown markings on his feet and legs to look like hair and Sting, of course. And Kory is a WWII aviator, complete with his great-grandfather’s flight jacket. Their friends Cody, Dustin, and Ethan are a snowboarder, an injured person, and a superhero.
Guess there’s no turning back now.
We know full well that supposed one-time treats turn into expected traditions in the minds of kids. And it’s funny how they can remember these things from year to year, yet forget to put their plates in the dishwasher on a daily basis!
Costumes are so much fun, though. It was wonderful to see them laughing and enjoying dressing up!