Costumes, Candy, and Community

It’s that time of year again! Costumes and candy and community! I am hopeful, that even with the 4th ‘c’ (coronavirus) still hanging around, I will see safely ‘masked’ children coming by my front yard for a treat on October 31. I love guessing who the children are (in costume and behind the costume) and seeing my neighborhood bustling with families walking or driving door to door.

It could be that our house gets a lot of Halloween traffic because I buy way too much candy, or because we live on the main street in town, or because there is a house on the next block that makes trick-or-treating in our neighborhood an frighteningly fun destination. A number of years ago, when my young nephew came to town for Halloween, I was so excited to show him around our neighborhood I forgot their display was probably not intended for the younger holiday goers. I had grown accustomed to my older children’s delight in this neighbor’s decorations, but my nephew’s slowing steps reminded me it would be better observed from a distance that night.

While not everyone has the same experience as me, I enjoy a night where we laugh and overcome some of the scary in the world by dressing up and playing pretend.

I suppose decorations are one way of celebrating, and outdoor decorations invite others to enjoy the season or holiday with us. Judging by the number of children waiting with their family to take their turn through our neighbor’s spooky yard to get a treat, their gesture is appreciated by many. I can’t remember when they started putting out their Halloween decorations, but the display has grown over the years and it appears at the end of September as sure as fall arrives. I almost take it for granted, except that it amazes me still every time I walk or drive by. It’s part of what makes my neighborhood my neighborhood. It is a part of the story of my children’s growing-up-years where most Halloween scariness could be pretend because there was enough community to go along with the costumes and candy.

What are the hidden treasures in your neighborhood? What and how do people in your area celebrate?

Here’s hoping the end of the month brings a happy and safe night of pretend for all!