Halloween

 For several years I have been the biggest Halloween party pooper around.  I complained about the costumes, the decorations, the candy and the parties.  I preached about how it was a holiday built around all that is evil and ugly.  I pouted that we were involved with it at all.  And do you know what? We were all miserable.  This year I decided to let go of all my anger and frustration about it.  I would just let it be.

 I actually didn't think much about Halloween this year.  It snuck up on me.  Not fussing about how I hated Halloween left me lots of time and energy to concentrate on things that are truly important to me. My kids didn't focus as much on it either.  With mom taking it easy, they did too.

Last Friday we went to the Halloween carnival at Peter's school.  It was very simple and low key.  we got there early, the kids played all the usual carnival games: the cake walk (in which Emma won a cake), the fishing pond, bowling pumpkins and bean bag toss.  The kids came away with a few prizes and happy smiles.

 Monday night we carved pumpkins.  I've actually always loved this part of Halloween and we do it every year.  I don't even mind the mess.  I bought pumpkins weeks ago so I could make sure we had good ones.  We all get excited about designing faces, cutting them out and roasting the seeds.  I love seeing the finished products, with their wavering lights, shining on the front porch.

Yesterday, even though it was snowing, we headed out to do a little trick or treating.  Since we live in a rural community trick or treating is a little - tricky.  The local businesses in town sponsor trick or treating in the afternoon.  We've never done it before so we thought we would give it a try.  It was so much fun.  I could see how people really enjoy Halloween.  There was a festive feeling all along Main Street.  I could hear young voices shouting "Happy Halloween" to each other.  In every shop and business were people who smiled at my children, talked to them and told them how great they looked.  They gave them candy and my kids got to say "Thank you" again and again.  I felt so happy that when Emma started skipping down the street I had to join her.  

I was struck by the generosity and kindness of everyone.  The other parents and kids on the street were smiling at each other and visiting.  People who never talk to each other were treating each other like friends.  Adults were forgetting themselves, their lives and concerns and focusing on their children.  

After going around town we went to the trunk or treat.  I've never liked the trunk or treat, but coming from a happy place I couldn't help but talk to the people who came by our car.  I loved talking to the kids about their costumes.  I loved bending down to the little ones and hearing them say "Twunk o tweet!"  I loved seeing friends I hadn't seen in a long time.  It was just fun and left me feeling happy.

I know all the arguments against Halloween.  I've used them all.  But, I felt such happiness and goodwill that I don't think I will ever feel quite the same about it.  I don't think I'll ever be a true lover of Halloween.  I still can't abide the spooky, creepy, evil focus of much of it.  Living in a rural area has its advantages when it comes to that.  I don't have to see gross billboards or yards and stores filled with all that is scary and creepy.  I can keep it simple and happy.  I like that.