Make Use of Too Much Halloween Candy

On Halloween, children can come home with more pieces of candy than there are grains of sand on the beach, or so it seems anyway. Between school parties, church activities, and neighborhood trick-or-treating, their pillowcase or Halloween pail can burst at the seems quickly.

You don't want to stop them from having fun, but you know darn well you aren't going to let them eat all those sweets, and you shouldn't. After Halloween, have your child pick out their favorite candies (the amount is up to you) and put the rest of the Halloween candy to use by:

Making Christmas tree decorations
Instead of using popcorn garland like they did in the old days, stick together color pieces of hard candy and drape them around your Christmas tree - it will be here before you know it!

Enhancing Your Baking
If you plan on baking a birthday cake or cupcakes for someone's birthday that falls between Halloween and Christmas, why not smother it with creamy icing and the top it with decorative pieces of candy. And at Christmas time when creating gingerbread houses, you can use Tootsie rolls, licorice, hard candies, Mike and Ike's, and more, to decorate your house.

Teaching Your Child About Goodwill
Although Soup Kitchens are always in need of substantial food to feed homeless people, they can use treats too. Teach your child about goodwill by donating your excess candy and make someone's day a little sweeter.

Freezing it for Later
Ok, for those who know me, I have a "freezing" problem and I'll admit it. In this case, though, I think it's justified. Freezing or refrigerating chocolate will help it last longer and can be enjoyed during the Christmas holidays, just a few months after Halloween.

Happy Halloween!