Halloween Isn’t Just For Kids

I have always lived for Halloween.  It’s not uncommon for me to bounce costume ideas around all year long, then decide on one in the beginning of October.  My kids all love this tradition as well.  They’ve grown up knowing they could be anything they want.  Nothing is too scary, nothing is too pretty, however several things are too trampy.  That may be a discussion for another date though.

Growing up Halloween was the one night a year that I could be anything, on any planet, with any backstory I chose.  It was a night full of magic and fun with friends.  We’d run around in our plastic kit costumes (anybody as old as I am knows how awful they actually were) wreaking havoc on the neighborhoods.  Sidewalks?  Who needs sidewalks?  We ran through the yards like monsters were in hot pursuit.  Needing more sugar for our fix.

Half the time it was snowing in Montana, so we’d have to cover our costumes up with huge coats and snow pants.  Those years we should have just gone as snow skiers.  Nobody turned us away.  We always finished up our night of adventures at my grandparent’s house around 9:30pm.  Grandma made caramel apples, instead of candy, for all my closest friends.

In high school my schedule got a bit intense between classes, swim team, and dance.  I did not continue going out to gather candy.  I still would rush home, put on my costume, do my make up, and answer the door for my grandparents.  All the trick or treaters would think it was funny I was dressed up with them.  We had a great time.

Just like in years past, my grandmother would make candy apples for all my friends, and after they completed whatever their plans were we would all congregate in her kitchen to enjoy our “teen treats”; in full costume.  We may have aged some, but come 9:00 they would start trickling in to enjoy our tradition.  My grandparents would stay in the living room, watching the news, and undoubtedly rolling their eyes at our obnoxious sugar induced energy from time to time.  After the news they’d walk through trying to guess the costumes, then mosey on to bed wishing everybody a happy Halloween.

I went to California for college.  Although the two environments couldn’t have been more different, I couldn’t help but fully immerse myself in the experience.  A whole group of us decided to spend the night on Sunset Blvd.  They closed off the street and it was like a block party.  It took FOREVER to find parking, but eventually we partied the night away.  The costumes and make up were amazing!  I was definitely on idea overload those years.

As a mom, with a fashion design background, I made the kids costumes from scratch for a lot of years.  We had teddy bears, bunnies, witches, butterflies, toddler ghosts, yoda, a grim-reaper, princesses, a bride, tinkerbelle, peter pan, zombies…. the list goes on and on.  For years the kids would extensively plan their costumes.  Then they would determine if they were going to be the living or dead versions.  Whatever their visions were I made them happen.  No detail was spared.  Of course, I couldn’t let them have all the fun, so most years I at least do my scary make up (sometimes full costume) to take them out.  Its kind of a family calling card if you will.

Now that we are on the East Coast things are so different!  Maybe I should have anticipated somewhat of a change, but I brought all my Halloween enthusiasm with me.  Everywhere I’ve ever lived there was spirit, and participating was always encouraged at any age.  I can honestly say, despite not dressing up last year, I was the most “festive” adult out there; possibly in the county.  I did makeup that made me look like a burn victim.  No big deal.  We trick or treated until 8pm, and several lights were already turned out by 7:30.  It was a culture shock for sure.  Don’t get me wrong, the kids got TONS of candy, but it was so short lived we were left craving more.

This year I’ve been brought up to speed.  It seems, that there are actual laws that regulate Halloween.  In some areas, any kid over 12 that is caught trick or treating may be unlawful.  Fines start at $25 and go up from there depending on activities they are engaged in.  Of course there are exceptions considering disabilities or taking younger kids trick or treating, but there are laws on the books stating 12-14 is the general cut off (varies by area).  Most areas also mandate that you may only trick or treat starting at the hours of dusk and must be “off the streets no later than 8pm”.  While I’m positive the laws were put into place to avoid pumpkins from being smashed, or property suffering abuse, this seems insane to me.  Isn’t that was destruction of property calls are for?

I know I’m out voted in my new home area.  This just doesn’t make sense to me.  I mean people can go drink, make an ass out of themselves in regular clothing, wearing regular make up and nobody bats an eye.  I dare to say this happens nightly around the country.  There are campaigns all over the place to “drink responsibly”.  Why not just promote “responsible trick or treating”?

I don’t care how old you are, if you’re a kindred spirit you should be able to trick or treat responsibly.  Don’t bring accessories like malicious intent, poor behavior, or harm to people or property.  That would be highly irresponsible.

Go out and enjoy one night a year, being whatever they want to be, with any backstory you choose, and catch a glimpse of your childhood fun.  Enjoy every moment of your escape from reality for a few hours.

I am going to do up some scary make up, and have a blast with my kids…. ALL of them, not just the “legal” one!  Feel free to join us.