Halloween Thoughts…

Reading Jenn’s post about Halloween got me thinking about it myself. This will probably be one of Jason’s last years going out trick or treating (he’s 11 – we get to stop soon, right?), and of course I have mixed feelings about this. It’s hard sometimes watching your child grow up. Ironic that some schools and churches worry about Halloween celebrating pagan rituals – which it does, I realize that – but Jason’s Catholic school allowed them to wear their costumes to school today. I think that’s great – it’s such a waste to spend money on a costume to wear it just a few hours.

When I was growing up, it seems like we always got to wear our costumes to school. In Kindergarten we had a parade with the other class, and then we had a big party. I dressed up as Raggedy Ann – my Mom made my costume and I had a wig made of red yarn. It was really quite adorable – I might have to see if we can find a photo tonight and post it!

My parents were involved with the Jaycess and Jayceettes, so they always worked on the Haunted Houses that they sponsored. I would go with them, watch them building the house, knew the maze pattern, what was contained in every room and how it was all fake. I remember one year, I was so excited to finally get to go through the Haunted House when it opened – and I was TERRIFIED! I started screaming and crying right after we went around the first corner, but it was too packed to get back out – so I ran through the whole thing, crying the entire way. I guess knowing all the secrets didn’t help in the end.

When we moved to Kankakee, there was a house in our subdivision that went all out for Halloween. They had the black lights, the glowing things, candles, haunted house music – and they would sit on the porch, dressed up as a scarecrow with straw and everything – and just as you convinced yourself that the scarecrow was fake, they would leap up and grab you! I think I fell for it every year, even though I knew to expect it.

My parents always got candy from me out of my goodie bag at the end of the night. I remember coming home, dumping it all out on the floor, inspecting it (because the days of razorblades and pins in candy had already started), and then sorting it out. The pile for my favorites, the stuff that was just ok, and the stuff that I hate. I am a picky eater, and I don’t like nuts in my candy bars. I love peanut butter, but I can’t stand peanuts in what should otherwise be a smooth candy experience. My parents got my Snickers and anything else with nuts, along with those nasty peanut butter chew things – the ones in the orange or black wrappers. I hate those, eating them feels like you are going to pull a tooth out!

What are your favorite Halloween memories from your childhood? Do you still dress up for Halloween? Are you going to any costume parties this year? What are you going as? What is your favorite Halloween candy? What is the worst candy ever?