Halloween and other Rites of Fall

Halloween has always been a mixed bag (pardon the pun) as far I am concerned. When I was little, my mom used to make me the greatest costumes. She sewed and was very talented and creative. I always felt kind of sorry for the kids that had to have store-bought costumes. One year I was a witch and won a neighborhood costume contest. Another year I was Raggedy Ann with red hair created from a carefully dyed mop head! I remember how relieved Mom was to find the perfect red and white striped socks.When I was in 6th grade, we had moved to a new neighborhood and I was a cute ghost from an idea my mom had seen in a magazine. However, I was tall for my age and when a few people answering the doors assumed I was a parent, I knew it was time to hang up my trick-or-treat bag.

I enjoy getting my kids their costumes (once they decide on one) and depending on the year, we have done more or less decorating. The problem always seems to be that when Halloween is on a school night, everything is so rushed and then the trick-or treating is over so quickly. It's just frustrating that weeks of anticipation and work is over so soon. Not to mention the expense of costuming 5 kids. (I am not as great a seamstress as Mom was.) My costumes ARE store bought with (rare exceptions like a Leif Erickson viking costume I made for my then 8th grade son year before last.) It turned out pretty well, but I should have started in July. I should also point out that he isn't as fussy as a daughter and boy outfits don't have to be as fine and frilly.

Remarkably, it is the week before Halloween and all of the costumes have been purchased and with the exception of a broken zipper, they are ready for the big night. It doesn't look like we are going to get the decorations up, but who knows. If the kids take the initiative and have a light load of homework this week, there is still time. Either way, I think they will have a good night. Their satisfaction is derived from how many pounds of candy they collect. I guess it is only fitting that the candy won't last long either.