...Halloween Memories

Day 3
I have so many great Halloween memories. I think it was one of my favorite times as a child. I loved dressing up and getting all of that candy! My friends and I had a system. Most of the time we would meet at my house and go through my neighborhood. Then we would head over to one of their neighborhoods. It was hours of fun. Our parents weren't with us and we probably walked MILES that night.

me and my brother, 1983

I had lots of different Halloween costumes growing up. I've been a jester, a Care Bear, a baby and many more that I can't even remember! One year, I was even a Saints fan! Once we got too old for trick or treating we had Halloween parties. One of my best friends growing up had a birthday two days before Halloween so she had a couple of costume parties. I just remember absolutely loving the holiday and I can't think of one bad experience with Halloween.

I really feel bad for my kids. They do not and will not ever have the same experience. We do not live in a neighborhood so they can't trick or treat. We do the trunk or treats and the fall festivals but they will never have that feeling of running from one house to the next wondering what kind of candy the next house will have. Or ringing the doorbell of a house and being bummed because no one answered. They will never get to walk up to a house that is fully decorated for the occasion and be spooked by something that jumps out at them. They will never have the excitement of getting home from trick or treating and dumping all the candy out, sorting it and then trading it with your friends so that you can get your favorite candy. It is just so sad to me.

These days it isn't safe. Parents everywhere worry about their kids getting snatched up or even getting candy that is tainted in some way. Fall festivals and trunk or treats have replaced the door to door trips. I really want my kids to be able to go door to door but when I asked friends what they do, they all say the same thing: "We don't trick or treat."

my mummy & ninja at target

The closest thing to trick or treating that my kids have is Sorority Row. We have been doing it ever since Mindy was a toddler and have always had such a great time. This year was crazy and I think the amount of participants tripled! Last night my kids walked away with about 15 pieces of candy each. I remember times when I would have to run home to dump some candy so I could make room for more! We ended up at Target last night and let them pick out whatever candy they wanted. They were okay with it because they really don't understand how much fun the trick or treating experience is!

I am so disappointed for my kids. The world is just not the same as it was 20-30 years ago. I am very thankful for all of my Halloween memories that I get to share with my kids.