Embracing the Spirit of Halloween: A Family Tradition

Introduction
Halloween is an exciting time of year, marked by decorations, costumes, and treats. For many families, it's a beloved tradition intertwined with memories and fun. In this article, we explore how families can celebrate Halloween and share personal stories to inspire others to create their own joyful traditions.

My Family's Halloween Legacy

My family, much like many others, has its own unique Halloween rituals and practices. In my household, we generally opt to hand out candy, which is a familiar and simple way to celebrate the holiday. This year, we didn't have many trick-or-treaters, and the abundance of candy left over was sneaky me.

Decorating: This year, I decided to have a bit of fun and create a model of a War Beast from the movie Death Machine (1994). Alas, with only three days at my disposal, the creation was somewhat makeshift, with PVC pipes for the body, a broom used as legs, a trash bag for the main structure, and a detailed cardboard head and claws. As my mother noted, some of the kids were hesitant to approach, likely because they thought I was hiding under the model. Despite my attempt at a reference, it served its purpose of being "scary."

Costumes: I wear a black trench coat, which pairs well with my waist-length hair. It might not be a coincidence, but it definitely worked out for me. We keep a bowl of candy out for trick-or-treaters and sometimes venture out for trick-or-treating with friends. This remains a staple of how we always celebrate the holiday, with no intention of changing our routine.

From Past to Present

Remembering past Halloween traditions can evoke a flood of nostalgia. Growing up, my sisters Lori and Tracy couldn't wait for Halloween. Their excitement was palpable, and the anticipation of their costumes typified the joy of the season. Our new home down the street had a designated holiday room, and every year, my mom would request us to bring up our Halloween boxes that she stored.

We would each take a box up to mom, and as we opened them, we reminisced about the homemade decorations we had made. Each year, we would scrutinize the items, holding up the boy RJ's grade three bat, which looked more like an owl than a bat. October 31st wasn't just about costumes; it was reenacting the fun of the projects we had previously made in school.

Costume Selection: The tradition involved planning costumes with parental input. As children, we would go from house to house, shouting "Halloween Apples!"—often a joke, as treats awaited us. Later, when we grew older, my sisters would host Halloween parties with their friends, filled with laughter and excitement. My younger days of trick-or-treating with my friends led to memorable Halloween nights. One witch costume and a cold autumn night resulted in wet socks and rosy cheeks.

The Shift to the Present

With the passage of time, the dynamics have changed. As my kids grow older, I escort them on Halloween night, often enduring the cold. Still, it's a joyous event, as my wife and I spend time decorating the yard and creating a spooky ambiance. Halloween is a time to collect and admire decorations, and my wife, a collector, relishes the opportunity to display her Halloween treasures.

Sharing these traditions helps to inspire new families to establish their own unique Halloween customs. Whether it's handmade costumes or simple candy distributions, the essence of the holiday lies in the enduring spirit of fun and community.

In Conclusion

Halloween remains a beloved holiday for many families. Whether it's a homemade robot, a treasured Halloween costume, or simply handing out treats, the spirit of the holiday is one of joy and shared experiences. As we celebrate, let us take a moment to appreciate the rich traditions we carry forward, and the new ones we may cultivate. Happy Halloween!