A short story on why I love Halloween.
It is because of my mom (and probably my dad, too but this one is about her and how she made sure we had fun every year.)
As far back as I can remember, I enjoyed Halloween. The anticipation of the costumes, the joy of candy collecting and then...eating it! My parents didn't assess a "parent tax" but instead just took the things we didn't like. Peanut chews, Mr. Goodbar, Baby Ruth, Mounds or Almond Joy bars.
(I am realizing a thread here, I still don't prefer peanuts or walnuts in my candy or brownies...)
When I was a kid (in the dark ages it may seem to some) in the last century, we didn't buy costumes. We made them. They were truly fabulous. Not the half baked ones I have made/attempted to make for my kids. Full on, real, tiara topped, sequin laden costumes, and so - much - more.
A notable Halloween was the year I was a pink fairy godmother - or maybe it was a princess - the ethereal gossamer side of this could be my memory. The fabric was brocade, pink and sparkly, a gown my mom bought at a thrift shop, and cut down to fit me at age seven or eight maybe. From the bottom of the skirt she made a tall crown hat.
Picture the floating Glinda, the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz, only better. She made a wand (thus the belief it was a fairy or wish-granting godmother of some sort) that was at least 18 inches long with a silver star on it. She even made a purse to go with it that I used to collect candy!
Prior to that:
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger - my little sister and I.
A gypsy with so many silk kerchiefs I lost count of them and gold coins I could flash along with finger castanets.
A nurse, complete with the starched hat and black, silk lined wool cape. (The only time she let me "be one" was for pretend...IYKYK.)
One year, I was a butterfly with wings attached to the sleeves of my body suit. (That was the year my sister was the Lone Asparagus, a skit Carol Burnett had performed on The Muppet Show.) No one knew what she was, but it was a perfect replica of that character Carol had performed on the ages-old, hysterical for kids and adults, celebrity-filled, variety show.
And, yes, the candy, treats and coins. All collected, counted, sorted and parsed out over days and weeks to enjoy.
Not sure if this is a solid list of all of the reasons, but certainly the moments and happy memories each year have made an impact; a positive one for sure. I have hosted and enjoyed parties, costumes required of course, even though it has been a bit; and yes, my kids have followed suit. They enjoy the holiday, too.
Tomorrow, we will give out full-sized candy, a wide variety so there are options (and only what we enjoy eating if there is any left over.)
Maybe there is more to the story, but for now, these are just some of the reasons why I love Halloween. Cheers, Trick-or-Treat and BOO! See you tomorrow and you better be dressed up!
~ Dawn aka Hat Girl
