Halloween is just days away, and I’m sticking to my guns.
- No costume
- No parties
- No treats
No, my reasons have nothing to do with any religious beliefs, but I respect those who choose to refrain from the festivities because of them.
Mine are a bit more simplistic and are based on a shift in my parenting cycle. Next year, the decision to boycott may be rescinded. Maybe.
COSTUMES
I haven’t dressed up for Halloween in years, not since my kids decided they were too cool for them. One year I dressed up as Count Dracula, opened the door to greet a trick or treater and scared the daylights out of her. I must admit; it was probably the best part of the night for me. Several weeks later, I revealed my identity to her. 15 years later and she still hesitates when she sees me!
This year it seems the popular costumes, as usual, are following something related to a news headline.
As expected, a few simpletons have opted for the Ray and Janay Rice getup. I generally find humor in most everything, however this costume is beyond pathetic and in poor taste in my opinion.
Walmart offended shoppers days before Halloween, when a section of its online site devoted to the holiday was discovered to be labeled “Fat Girl Costumes.” The retailer’s entire inventory of costumes for plus size women was found to be in this category.
NO PARTIES
The last time I attended a Halloween party, I went dressed as a bumblebee and some pervert asked if he could pour honey on me. I had every intention of burning that thing, but guess what? The lovely outfit remains in my closet, NEVER to be worn again. Mainly because, it’s about two sizes too small. Oh, and that “pervert”? He eventually became my hubby.
NO TREATS
Instead of handing out treats this year, I have decided that I am going to personally hand deliver them.
I will prepare several bags of goodies and deliver them in advance to my neighbors’ children, who would normally come ringing my bell at around 5:00pm on Halloween night.
At approximately that time on this coming Friday, I will dim the lights on the exterior and interior of my house, retreat to my family room, with some healthy snacks and a good movie.
Halloween is just not the same for an empty nester. You don’t have the little servants, I mean kids, to run back and forth to answer the door for you, or to consume all of the inevitable leftover treats.
Besides, I’ve convinced myself that I am helping parents to save money by not doling out the sugar this year.
Less candy, fewer cavities, therefore, fewer dental bills.
You’re welcome!
In any event, for those who will indulge in the unique costumes, bob for apples, and indulge in lots of spirits (adults of course) – I wish you a fun and safe night out with the witches, goblins and Oscar Pistorius wannabes. Yes, that’s another one on the pathetic and poor taste costume list.
So, what are your plans this coming Halloween?
2
October 28, 2014
I will stay at home and hand out healthy snacks from 5 – 7 pm, then lights out and cocktail time for me.
October 28, 2014
A cocktail would be great, except I’m in the midst of a 20-day raw diet cleanse. #futureblogpost
October 28, 2014
Aw Mom??? I can understand it though. Nowadays it has been perverted by awkward behavior and people. I mean, what’s the deal with the ebola protection costume. But I digress. There are too many big grown ass people showing up instead of parents with their children. Besides, your idea sounds more workable as opposed to opening one’s door for strangers.
Halloween parties on the other hand are fine. A time for good people to get together and laugh the stress away.
October 28, 2014
Next year, a party for sure! Promise!
October 28, 2014
That pervert is now my… Bwahahaha! I can’t believe there isan Oscar Pistorius costume. Real-life goons convicted of murder, don’t qualify as light-hearted, costume inspiration, in my world. As for Halloween, I’m doing nothing, but hiding in the back of the house.
October 29, 2014
Great post, really enjoyed reading this!
Plan?? Well, I’d normally be boycotting myself, due to having no little kids to take out trick or treating. I’ll be DANG if this 14 year old thinks he going out! Picture THAT; his tall self hovering over the lil trick or treaters, and then holding open his bag, saying, “trick or treat”, in a grown man’s voice amongst the still innocent, high-pitched voices of the lil ones…DON’T THINK SO!!!
I will, however, be sitting at home–Savoring the weekend—In my pitch black, unlit house–Signaling any and all prospective trick or treaters to just WALK ON BY…There’s nothing to see here folks…keep going–
October 30, 2014
Haha, I love that you married the pervert! 🙂 I’m not doing much for Halloween, I went to a festival last weekend, so I’m Halloweened out!
October 30, 2014
When I first moved to America it was around Halloween. Being a novice at the custom I went to the store and bought a bunch of Snickers bars (full size) and some other treats. Midway through the night I was getting entire families show up at my door for a candy dinner…the night cost me over $200. I was told later that the bite size would have been more appropriate. Like you, I am not a Halloweener.
October 30, 2014
We live in a predominantly White neighborhood so I’m thinking of being an angry Black Man handing out candy for Halloween. On second thought that could prove fatal. I did go to Walgreens and buy candy. 4 bags. 2 for $7. 30 mini-Snickers bars per bag. Either 120 kids get one Snickers or…well you get the picture. When it’s gone they better quit ringing my bell or I will be that angry Black Man with the skeleton mask in the red house.
October 30, 2014
I don’t have any Halloween plans. I will probably just stay home and watch scary movies.
October 31, 2014
When we first moved to the farm in the early 80’s this area was loaded with young families like ourselves and halloween became a big thing although not as big as today and we had quite a few trick or treaters. Now it seems all the children have grown up and moved away and we don’t have anyone come up our long driveway for treats anymore. Since in the meantime we’ve gotten older, I find this works out just fine.
October 31, 2014
It sounds as if you’re Halloweened out and that’s OK. I think dimming your lights and having a quiet night in is just fine. Good luck with your 20 day raw diet cleanse.
October 31, 2014
I really like your idea of delivering goodies to the neighbor kids. I’m not boycotting Halloween only because I don’t need to. My house is at the top of a steep dirt road surrounded by lots of trees and no street lights in a rural area. All of which means it has the potential of being great spook house, but in the 6 years I’ve lived here not a single trickster has visited the area – at least not that I’ve seen. I miss seeing the little ones, but not the teens or adults trying to act like kids.
October 31, 2014
I live in New Jersey where three years ago on Halloween we had a freak October snow storm and because the leaves were still on the trees the snow brought down several trees and with them the power lines. We were out out of power for a week. Two years ago came Hurricane Sandy and while I was fortunate enough to not lose power, most of the neighborhoods around us did. So now on Halloween, I’m more than happy to see everyone out and about and all the lights son.
November 1, 2014
i absolutely love Halloween! But of course, it’s my birthday. I remember when my kids were 8 and 5 years old and we were out trick or treating they said to me, mom can we please go home now. Lol
Halloween still brings out the kid in me. At work several folks get dressed up outrageously and I always seek them out for selfies with them in my tired old every year witch hat. This year I decided to go over the top, step out of my workplace comfort zone and was a jellyfish. Well only in the cafeteria at lunchtime but I still felt exhilarated if only for that brief moment.
November 2, 2014
Hello
I do not know much about Halloween as I have never seen anyone celebrating and have never celebrated it. I do not know if this is cultural or religious celebration. If it is cultural then for sure no problem in giving it a try but if religious then for sure , will never observe this.
I have seen this in movies or in profile pictures of some of my friends and the get ups sometimes are so scary. I am never in love with scary movies , ghosts etc so never can be a Halloweener.
November 2, 2014
I have truly enjoyed reading ALL of the comments that were left in response to this post. I most certainly had a good laugh and trust that you all who celebrated, enjoyed yourselves. Happy November!