By Shannon Bussnick, LSW
The leaves are getting crunchy, and there’s that undeniable scent of pumpkin spiced everything in the air. Although I’d say I’m more of a fireside marshmallow girly, fall scents are seriously unmatched.
As we freefall into the all-hail sweater season, I bet your little ones, like mine, are getting all kinds of excited about Halloween. Well, they’ve been excited for way longer and I can’t say I blame them.
Remember the joy of digging out that box of Halloween goodies from the attic as a kid? Probably more so watching in awe as your mom braved the unknown. She only needed a set of vampire fangs or tangled-up cobwebs to instantly become the coolest mom on the planet. Now we’re the moms… strange, right?
So, while we’re all wrapped up in our cozy scarves, sipping on our warm, frothy lattes, let’s conquer the “Halloween box” and try our best to balance these extravagant costume requests with a bit of mama’s DIY magic.
So, here’s our guide to embracing Halloween’s charm, with a twist of humor and a whole lot of love:
1. Pumpkin Power
From pumpkin picking to carving, the possibilities are endless. And while it’s tempting to make it picture-perfect, remember – the messier, the better. Just think of the memories and try not to look at the floor until it’s over!
2. Dress to Impress (or just for laughs)
Get those costumes out! Whether it’s a majestic dragon or a quirky unicorn, let those imaginations run wild. And why not join the fun!? You’d be surprised how well everyday, household items transition to silly and spooky ensembles. Linens, toilet paper (unused – yes, had to say it), rubber gloves, baseball hats, cardboard boxes, loose fabric or ribbon – the possibilities are endless.
3. Non-Haunted Hayrides & Corn Mazes
Seek out family-friendly spots. Let’s face it, not all of us are in the mood for a ghostly surprise. And if you are, now is your time to shine. Just make sure to check in on how your littles feel about a dose of freight first. Nightmares are not a fun time for anyone. Anything that interrupts the few hours of shut-eye we can get is, hm, how do I say it…disappointing.
4. Book Nook – Halloween Edition
Settle down with some Halloween tales. From friendly ghosts to mischievous witches, there’s a story for every little listener. Let’s just say a big shoutout to Amazon for their lightning-fast shipping. Thanks to them, my kids might sit through an entire book before winter hits.
5. Art Attack
Get those creative juices flowing. From painting rocks to crafting little monsters, it’s about enjoying the process, even if it doesn’t end up on Pinterest.
6. Fun and Games
Organize a mini pumpkin hunt or a good old game of charades. You’ll savor the giggles along the way and wonder why you don’t leave the screens tucked away more often. I know… if only we had time for pumpkin hunts all day. We can dream, though!
7. Nature’s Magic
Who says Halloween is only for the night? Embrace the day with nature walks, adorned in fun costumes. Why should night have all the fun?
8. Cook up a Storm
Remember your grandma’s classic candy apple recipe? Time to pass on the tradition! And if it turns out more gooey than perfect, that’s just a bonus. Halloween or not, kids love being in the kitchen, there’s just so much to explore.
9. Storytime, with a Twist
Swap spooky tales or just make them up as you go. And if a story about a pumpkin befriending a ghost pops up, well, anything goes on Halloween! Little ears want to see us use our imagination – by doing so, they usually feel more connected, understood, and impressed by us, too!
10. Retro Rewind
Old classics never fade. A family movie night with some age-old favorites might just be the cherry on top. Maybe sans Freddy and Jason, though?
As October unfolds, let’s cherish the simple moments. It’s not about the decked-out costumes or king-size candy bars, but the belly laughs, the shared stories, and simply being together while doing something new and exciting.
So, this Halloween, let your hair down, maybe put on a witch’s hat, and dive into the festivities. After all, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate, as long as there’s a smile on your face – and your little ones (before the sugar hits, of course).
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