My parents felt strongly about not celebrating Halloween and I was pulled out of school on October 31st each year. Often, I spent the day with my mom's friends who homeschooled their children. For a while I thought it was cool; the whole getting out of school and playing with friends was fun.
But as I got older and more classmates asked me why I wasn't in school, I resented the attention and asked my mom if I could "just dress up." I'd tell her it wouldn't mean anything to me to dress up and she would point out all of the reasons we hadn't celebrated Halloween since I was in kindergarten. I'd get upset and storm off. After some time, my mom would find me with her file folder (it was the 1990's) of articles about the origins of Halloween.
One of my high school years I was successful in getting to dress up (but I could not attend a party) and in all my growing up years (before I was 18), I think I dressed up three times for All Hallow's Eve.
My college years proved less challenging than I had imagined. It turns out other people thought Halloween was "lame" and therefore didn't dress up either. I'm not much of a party goer, so I managed to avoid dressing up, which I equate with "celebrating" Halloween.
Each October, I grapple with Halloween to some extent and hold my breath hoping I won't be asked to go to a party/dress up. But now I have my own child and I've spent the last
It's less than 13 hours until my daughter goes to daycare where they have a Halloween parade and less than 24 hours until our doorbell may ring with trick-or-treaters. I have no costume for Maggie and no candy for trick-or-treaters. All week, I've been telling myself Maggie doesn't need a costume because she's too young to know what's going on and we live on a busy street so we won't get much foot traffic.
Earlier today, I came across this article and can't stop thinking about the potential for meeting neighbors if we decide to turn on the porch light and open the door tomorrow night. Is it too late to make a costume for Maggie so I can parade her around and hope to meet my neighbors?
I would say do whatever YOU want to do! Whether it's celebrating or not. You can always try it one year and if it doesn't feel "right" don't do it next year. I kind of think you should do it because Maggie would love it and look so adorable no matter what she goes as ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a hard thing. I know you want to honor your mom, but you need to do what you want to do. It's not too late to get a costume or think up a quick DIY.
ReplyDeleteI know Halloween has passed, however, I agree with Alli and Becky. It really is your choice--what does your husband say? Is he neutral? I say pray about it and then try it out next year. You can always go home if it isn't a right fit for you and the family. ;)
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