Halloween Made Simple
On several occasions we even tried events at our local Shopping Mall. Although the worries of tainted candy fall by the wayside with this approach, our mall was an endless line of children, strollers and parents as they trudged from store to store picking up mostly hard wrapped candies.
One year we tried a Community Center party, but I was not impressed with the supervision of the children. It's never fun to bundle up costumed children in the rain and cold and deal with small children running about while you park at the event.
Last year I think we found the perfect strategy and balance for Trick or Treating at our home. Our older teens will continue to go to the local corn maze or some other event with friends, but with the younger two we have started a home tradition.
On Halloween, we dress up in costume to answer the door for any stray Trick or Treaters, we are finding that the Trick or Treaters in our neighborhood are on the decline. They both love to answer the door and see the other costumes.
We rent Halloween themed movies, make popcorn and have other themed treats. Because they miss the benefit of Trick or Treating, they are allowed to snack on extra treats from the candy bowl! As they get older they will be allowed to invite a friend over, and depending on the night of the week, they might be allowed an overnight.
As for family members, we changed our plans several years ago and treat Halloween similarly to Christmas. The children dress up a second time on the weekend before or after Halloween and we make a special trip up to visit Grandparents at their homes. On the rare occasion that Halloween falls on a Saturday or Sunday we might even visit on the Holiday.
By moving the family visit to the weekends, we found there is more time for the children to visit and play rather than just a quick hello and off to the next home to be back in time for the evenings festivities.
The less driving done on Halloween evening, the safer everyone will be! Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Published by Kris McLeod
Kris McLeod has worked in the banking and finance industry managing branches and call centers for the past 25 years. Currently, she is the owner of a sucessful business. With her husband and partner of 24... View profile
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