Boo!

Happy October to all you witches, goblins, and superheroes! Many of us are gearing up for Halloween. Last year, according to the National Retail Federation, it was projected that consumers would spend $12.2 billion on Halloween. That includes candy, costumes, and decorations. Every year, the dollar amount we spend seems to go up and up and up.

Why do we spend so much money and effort on Halloween? Is it because we all get to be kids again? Because we get to dress up and scare people? Because of the sugar rush that we feel when stealing from the candy dish? Maybe it’s simply because it is a distraction from our day-to-day lives, which can get a little overwhelming at times.

My favorite part of Halloween is seeing the kids all dressed up in their favorite hero or villain costumes. The little kids…the two- to six-year-olds…are the cutest. I’m guessing many don’t have a clue as to what they are doing, but mom and dad sure are having fun!

I remember the Halloween when my daughter, Carissa, was three years old. I elected to sew her a costume instead of buying one off the shelf. Now, I am not what you would call a crafty person. I had a sewing machine, but it had only been used a few times. The fact is, I wasn’t talented at all with sewing, but I was determined to make her a really cool costume.

I made her a pumpkin costume…out of orange felt, black piping, and a hat of green felt to top it off. It took me weeks. Yes, weeks. I kept messing up and having to start all over. But I did it with love. In the end, it actually turned out great. It took me years to finally donate that costume…it held such fond memories. 

I confess—that was the last time that I put myself through so much stress over a Halloween costume. I suppose that Carissa has little, if any, memory of this Halloween. Did it make for a better Halloween for my three-year-old? I don’t know; I guess I’ll have to ask her. Does it bring back fond memories when I remember what a darling little girl she was? Absolutely!

I hope you all enjoy your Halloween this year and get your kids (and yourselves, if you are so inclined) some terrific costumes. Throw a big party, eat too much candy, and enjoy the holiday. 

We will talk next month…Turkey Day! Fair warning, Manny: I’m cooking the dinner. The kitchen is mine!