Halloween

To those of you who really know me, this will not come as much of a surprise....I do NOT like Halloween.  I can't put my finger on exactly when it stopped being something that I enjoyed and became something that I dread....but it was definitely before I had my own children.  I think that the whole experience has gone from casual community fun, to a real pain in the...well, you catch my drift!!

I remember a few Halloweens with my niece and nephew, and a couple with my step-daughter that were actually quite a bit of fun....but at some point in there, it all just became so unnecessary in my opinion.  I was actually quite surprised at how relieved I was when I didn't see HALLOWEEN PARTY on Ladybug's preschool calendar; of course it was an oversight, and there was a party, but it was not as bad as I had anticipated.  I enjoyed the costumes, and I had fun with my girly (dressed as a witch) and her friends....but it was not something that I was looking forward to at all!!

I don't take the kids out trick or treating in our neighborhood, instead I take them to the mall...and enjoy that far more than I would going door to door because I am constantly reminded of how rude the kids are who are out getting candy these past few years.  They are either way too old, or are so worried they won't get any candy that they are practically pushing the other kids off the step.  If I have to look up to see your face (and I realize when I say this, that I am short...but the point still stands) you are too old to be going door to door.  This year, I noticed that there were adults getting candy at the mall....and a few times Pandaman was pushed to the side by a much older (borderline too old) kid in order to get to the candy first.  My biggest problem, was that the same two kids kept pushing ahead of much smaller kids in an effort to get the candy first; and I was thankful when finally a dad stepped in and told them to settle down.

I was thrilled with my babies though, as they both waited their turn, and Ladybug thanked every single person who handed her a candy or sticker.....and even when she got her flu shot (yes, we all got flu shots on Halloween) she thanked the nurse, talk about good manners!!  I had to put aside my dislike for this "holiday", that in my opinion should be scaled way back, and realize that as long as the kids have some fun we all win a little.  I do look forward to the day when I can put on a party instead of having to deal with crowded malls or hitting the streets to gather candy; of course, I can always dream that by the time that happens Halloween will be a thing of the past.......yeah, I know, not likely!!

Please don't get me wrong, I know that there are many kids out there who are polite, and kind and who enjoy Halloween because of more than just the free candy....but I guess that I have seen too many cases of it being a free for all filled with rudeness; or maybe it is just that I don't truly understand how anyone can love Halloween THAT much.  It has never been my favorite "holiday", even as a kid I didn't really enjoy it the way other people did....but now as a parent, I just don't see much value in the whole event.  It takes yet another day away from classes, it costs way too much money, and it promotes taking candy from strangers.....I just truly don't get it at all; but as with so many other things that we do as parents, I will smile and laugh and dress the kids up because they do enjoy it.  I can see value in their enjoyment, and I can gain a little appreciation for the experiences that they have....the costumes and the excitement of a "late night". 

It will never be a day that I love...but my kids don't need to have the fun taken away just because I don't "get it"......any one that wants to explain it to me, can give it a go; but I will warn you that I am not likely to be persuaded!!  Anyway, glad it is over for another year.....now on to Christmas!!!