Read more of Stephanie’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
My kids started talking about their Halloween costumes back in April. Yes, as in six months prior to Halloween. It was during Spring Break and I remember just laughing and nodding my head to basically any crazy idea they threw out because, well, it was six months away and I didn’t feel like putting energy into something that was that far off. I knew they would change their minds a dozen times by October.
Now, here we are. October. In the thick of Halloween planning. I got almost through September without having to put out our Halloween decorations. Almost. On September 28th, I gave in and let them put up the few Halloween themed things that we have. I had already put up all my Harvest themed decorations. Hay barrels, pumpkins and scarecrows. For whatever reason, I love all things Fall and Harvest. But when it comes to Halloween, I am not a fan.
Maybe it’s because I hate being scared. Probably because I get scared far too easily so it really doesn’t take much. I refuse to watch scary movies. I refuse to watch movies I think are scary which definitely includes some that most would not even put into that category. Sure, back as a kid and teenager I watched them. But I never liked them. Growing up, my older brother pointed out our house was identical to the one in the opening scene of Scream. I won’t go into it but for those who know what I am talking about, I was terrified of my backyard for months.
Those mazes or fun houses (what a deceiving name) where things jump out at you? I honestly think I would curl up in a ball and just cry. Or reactively punch one of them and end up arrested. I don’t even like the “non scary” corn mazes because I don’t like the idea of being lost.
Growing up, I loved dressing up. I was just like my kids are now with planning for the perfect costume. I used to love our annual trip to the giant Halloween store to pick out what I would trick or treat as that year.
I’m not sure what shifted but as an adult, I have never loved dressing up. Maybe it’s just old age making me less fun. I have friends who go all out and do a theme with their kids. Mom and dad as Woody and Jessie and the kids as other Toy Story characters. It’s super cute. But it’s not for me.
I am all for pumpkin patches, pumpkin spice and activities I see as more Harvest related versus Halloween related. Of course my kids will dress up and will go trick or treating and will have a blast. And some of you will gasp, but I usually let my husband take them trick or treating. Am I missing out on memories of them going door to door? Maybe. But honestly I don’t really care. I totally embrace my husband’s enthusiasm to take them himself while I sip on wine and hand out candy to the trick or treaters who stop by our house. That is my idea of a perfect Halloween night.
Are you a family who dresses up? Do you love scary movies?
Or do you prefer to lay low on things Halloween themed?
We’d love to hear!
Related:
Is It Too Early for Pumpkin Spice?
Allergy-Friendly Halloween Treat Options
