As September rolls in, Halloween seems to take center stage much earlier than anticipated, with a flood of event invitations filling my inbox.
The first sign of the impending holiday was the school’s Boo Bash, a mother-son event scheduled well before October 31. This meant scrambling to find a costume for my son by mid-September. I found myself among a sea of costumed parents, feeling distinctly out of place as the only one who hadn’t prepared for a Halloween party right after Labor Day.
Just a week later, I was introduced to the concept of trunk-or-treating, where local families gather in their costumes to collect candy from decorated car trunks. My son enjoyed his first taste of sugar-fueled excitement, devouring lollipops and Skittles in 80-degree weather. However, this occurred in the first week of October, leaving us with more than three weeks until the actual holiday.
Adding to the chaos, my son insisted on donning a different costume for trunk-or-treating, rejecting the idea of wearing the same outfit twice. After all, variety is key, especially when it comes to Halloween costumes.
The Dilemma of Pre-Halloween Festivities
As we approach the end of October, my schedule fills with trunk-or-treats and whimsical events like the neighborhood witch’s ride, where moms dress up and distribute candy. While these activities bring joy and anticipation, one has to wonder if the constant prelude to Halloween diminishes the excitement of the actual day. After multiple costume changes and candy binges, it begs the question: what’s left to look forward to on Halloween itself?
These numerous festivities drain the thrill, leaving kids, and parents alike, a bit worn out by the time the 31st arrives. I, too, find myself fatigued by the excess of sweets, the relentless cycle of costumes, and the chore of cleaning Spider-Man suits before the main event.
And let’s not forget about the “booing” phenomenon, where our family is tasked with anonymously gifting a basket of treats to a neighbor, further adding to the pressure of Halloween preparations.
A Halloween Grinch’s Reflection
I may sound like a Halloween Grinch, lamenting the constant barrage of sugary treats and costume rotations that extend well beyond the holiday itself. I yearn for the simpler days when Halloween was solely celebrated on October 31, making it a truly special occasion.
However, there’s a silver lining: by the time we venture out for trick-or-treating, my family has already savored every aspect of the season—from indulging in countless Kit-Kats to getting our money’s worth from extravagant costumes.
So, as I contemplate the relentless cycle of pre-Halloween events, I find myself resigned to the reality that this year will be no different. I’ve decided to RSVP “yes” to the upcoming trunk-or-treat at my daughter’s high school. After all, what’s a few more sugary snacks at this point, especially if it means my son can flaunt his fifth costume of the season?
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