Happy Halloween Family Style

Growing up my brothers and I celebrated Halloween the way many families do: dig around in the closet of Mom and Dad until you find a bunch of really unique (and sometimes retro) items. Then turn it all into a great costume for that one night a year when candy is king! As a rule, we had to have our homework finished and dinner eaten before we could commence with the candy collecting. Traditionly, we ate dinner in our costumes so as to move along the process!

Soon after scarfing down our peas and carrots, it was off to find shoes and a light jacket (if it was too chilly) and then on with the show! Plastic grocery bags were common treat recepticles, as well as the occasional flowered pillowcase. But whatever the container, the goal was always the same ... Fill it up and then come back home for another bag to start the process again.

Halloween had no significance to us back then - except for the Smarties, M&Ms, fun size Snickers and a slew of other confectionary wonders. It had nothing to do with darkness and evil, witches and warlocks, ghosts and goblins. We were none of those things on the greatest day of the year (excpet Christmas!). We were hippies and clowns, firefighters and hobos. Things that were innocent and easy to make.

Now, as an adult, I see more and more scary and strange costumes; things that make small kids uncomfortable and Mom's say, "I don't think so!" And the older I get, the less I want to participate.

So this year was something different. And something very fun.

We went to my in-laws house!

My siblings-in-law dressed up and spent part of the day getting the yard ready for our bonfire. We roasted hotdogs and marshmallows over the fire and sang songs. We had cider, chicken and baked beans, fruit and veggies. It was great! And the best part of all - we were together.

I know it sounds a little cheesy, but I'm telling you, it was one of the best Halloweens I've ever had. I loved bundling up with the kids around a glowing campfire, hotdogs on sticks, blistering and blackening over the flames. The marshmallows were extra sweet under a clear autumn sky and, even though my toes were cold, the rest of me was warmed by the whole experience.

The kids played in the yard (on the giant trampoline) and the adults sat around talking and drinking cider. It was truly a family time together and I enjoyed it so much I am hoping we do it again next year.

And the best part? We still got candy!