Halloween wardrobe changes keep mom on her toes

Aside from the cute decorations, Halloween has never been a holiday that I’ve been excited about. I much prefer Thanksgiving because of the food, and, of course, Christmas. This year, however, has been drastically different.

I’m not really sure how it happened. My children have been very into pretend play since the summer. Sometime around August, they began playing “Halloween.” They get their stuffies and their cars or trucks, and then they load them up. They put a blanket or some other “costume” on their stuffies and visit the “houses”– mom and dad. Our job is to answer the door and talk to the stuffies, asking what they are and what kind of candy they’d like. This game continues for around 30 minutes before they move on to their next idea.

Last Halloween was a big deal. It was probably the first holiday that the twins actually remembered. They still talk about their costumes – Grogu and a skeleton – practice  how to “trick or treat” and reminisce or ask specifically about Halloween. It’s really the only holiday that they’ve done this with; likely because the idea of Santa was scary last year.

So, this year, their excitement knows no bounds. In the stores, as soon as Halloween decorations appeared, the kids were spellbound. When would we start decorating? How could we make the house “spooky” and, of course, what would they be for Halloween?

Almost immediately, my youngest honed in on spiders. Perhaps, it was the orb weaver and the beautifully intricate web that appeared outside on our bushes. Perhaps, it was a fun word for him to say, over and over: “big, nice ‘pider.” And, so, it was decided.

My oldest, on the other hand, changed his mind every week. First, he wanted to be a monster truck. My heart sank – in the limited time I had each week, I would need to construct a truck out of a cardboard box. Then, he zeroed in on a skeleton, again. Then, a ghost. Finally, however, he looked down at his lovey and remembered how much he loves the monkeys at the zoo. He would be a “funny monkey.” Perhaps, even, a skeleton monkey, which simply translates into a monkey costume and then transitioning into skeleton pajamas for bedtime.

Finally, my middle child settled on a costume. Since he was a baby, he fixates on one object. That object – usually a toy – becomes almost like a talisman or safety object. He must have it at all times. Currently, that object is an ice cream truck that he picked out in the midst of the summer, when activity ideas were running low. And, so, he chose an ice cream truck. Thank God, I found a costume that not only lights up but plays the familiar (and excruciating to listen to over and over) sounds. He is ecstatic.

This year, I’ve realized the excitement that my children have for decorating and seasonal activities will only increase. These are when memories and traditions will be born and expanded – these are the moments we’ll continue to remember. And, it’s fun to see them participating and making everything their own.

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