Halloween Celebrations in an Empty Nest

Halloween is one holiday that is so child-centered that many people do not realize how fun it can be for adults after the kids have grown up and moved away. Surviving the empty nest at Halloween is easy if you let the child in you come out to play. Where and how that inner child celebrates the holiday is completely up to you. Here are a few ideas.

Have an adult Halloween party. If you do not know anyone who is having one, send out the invitation emails and have one yourself. These types of parties can be similar to children's parties, with treats and silly games. Some adults prefer a Halloween party that has more adult-oriented activities.

Try some Halloween beverages. A bloody Mary is perfect for your Halloween theme. Do not be afraid to be creative in coming up with drink recipes. A margarita can become a monster potion when you add a little bright green food coloring and a plastic skeleton-bone stirrer. Some people may prefer beer or wine. To keep with your theme, serve sangria from a pot that resembles a witch's cauldron or provide Halloween coozies for the beer. Of course, keep some punch handy for those who do not drink alcohol.

Have a Halloween costume contest at your party. Let everyone know about it in the invitations so they can come prepared. One of the hardest things about the empty nest is that you feel that the skills you honed as a parent will never be used again. This is one time you can use those abilities for your own enjoyment. Bring out all your ideas for making Halloween costumes from everyday materials.

However, if you miss the children so much that you will not enjoy the holiday without them, find some children with whom to share your Halloween. Go to a children's organization and let them know you are willing to make costumes for some children in the program. Perhaps it will be a children's hospital or maybe a mentoring program. The children will appreciate it, you will get to use your knowledge of Halloween costume design, and you will have fun getting to know the children.

Another choice is to go in the completely opposite direction. Help your elders celebrate Halloween this year. You might have a parent or other older family member who is living in assisted living or at a nursing home. Some of these group type situations will have Halloween celebrations of some sort. You can make the day even more special for them by making them a Halloween costume they can wear to the group functions. Offer them candy, sugar-free if they are diabetic.

The most important thing to remember at Halloween for empty nest adults is the time is all yours. If you still want to spend your time with children, seek out opportunities to get involved with your community Halloween celebrations. If, on the other hand, you prefer to take this time to explore your own interests and enjoyment, look for other adults to share your party. You might get to see a lot of children if you pass out candy at your door, but you will treat most of the kids if you stay at the ready for a couple of hours after dark. After that, you can still get with the adult party and have a blast.