Happy Happy Happy Halloween Everyone!

GiveMeSweets · Guest

Bring on the sweets! I love the holidays since its that time of year we get to tastes everything...then blame it on the holiday! :-p

David · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject:

Well GiveMeSweets (what a perfect name at Hallowe'en), the big evening has come and gone and for the 17th year in a row I haven't had to answer the doorbell! So I guess I get to keep everything right??
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Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!

Rainey · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 4:02 pm Post subject:

Oh, David. Sad

You will have to set up a little booth at the nearest crossroads.

I love seeing the kiddies.

We didn't have too many last night either. One of the highlights was some (probably) middle schoolers who came in three spangled blue dresses of similar patterns but identical fabrics. They must have made them themselves. They were the Dream Girls and they were so pleased to get the full-sized candy bars instead of the snack-size I give the little kids.

Those were the only 3 big ones I gave out. Gotta call Izzy and Rachel home from school to cart the rest away...
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God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. -- Garrison Keillor

msue · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 368

We have a good mix of young families and grandparents on our street, so there was a parade of pre-school goblins, pirates, witches, and princesses as well as a few older kids too. Everyone was cute to the max. My nephew gave me strict instructions about what candy to hand out (for him - Snickers and Twix). Everyone commented that it was the biggest crowd we'd seen in years. One kind neighbor poured Cosmopolitans for the adults, so a happy Halloween was had by all. Can't wait 'til next year!

Nicki · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 106 Location: England

I've been so insanely busy this week, that I completely forgot! So I was suitably perplexed when I answered the door to find a pirate and a skeleton...and then horrified. No sweets, no chocolate, no cereal bars, not even a crusty apple lurking in the fruit bowl (as I said, busy to the point of having no food) so I ended up having to give them money! A couple of of visits later, and I was completely wiped out. Very embarrassed, I ended up going to the pub so I didn't have to face any more trick or treaters! There were some excellent costumes worn by the adults though - my favourite was a group of lads dressed up as Kiss!

Judy · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 9:29 am Post subject:

We had some kids come to the door here in Adelaide, as in Australia. GRRRR!!!

It's not part of our tradition, it's just a commercial plot to get kids to eat more lollies. Gee, I sound like the Grinch, and it's far too early in the year for that.

Anyway, I decided that if any kids came to the door and could tell me what Halloween actually means, I'd give them some lollies. So when I asked the kids what it all meant, they told me it was so they could get more lollies. Well their answer was a commercial success, I suppose, but a personal failure as they went away empty-handed.
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Doing what you like is freedom
Liking what you do is happiness

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Rainey · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 7:32 pm Post subject:

I was reading a blog from someone living in France and the people there couldn't agree if it is or is not taking hold in France. But the interesting thing was the pitch: bonbon ou bon blague. Candy or a good joke.

I like the way it captures the message with pithy alliteration. Wouldn't want to have to say it too many times in a row fast, tho.
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God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. -- Garrison Keillor

gingerpale · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1324

Judy, what form does the 'commercial plot' take? Are there actual advertisements telling kids to dress up and go door to door, American style?

Oh it must be difficile to be a parent these days--I have 5 little neighbors 7 & under--so far so good, behavior-wise.

Judy · Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 9:30 pm Post subject:

Pages and pages of Halloween lollies in our supermarket junk mail, Gingerpale, and discount shops with Halloween costumes in them. The kids don't need to be told what to do with the costumes to get lollies - they already know that from watching television.

I gather that in the US there is some kind of 'code' whereby householders leave their porch light on if they're happy to get a visit from Trick or Treaters. We don't have anything here, but then as my son pointed out, it's still light until 8pm because of daylight saving now.
_________________
Doing what you like is freedom
Liking what you do is happiness

www.cupcakerecipebook.com.au

msue · Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 368

Judy, your perspective is interesting, and I'm really glad you shared it. I suppose I might have the same reaction if someone else's custom felt forced upon me, or if it simply promoted commercialism without the history that goes with the custom.

Certainly our stores have lots of Halloween costumes for sale, and tons more candy is marketed this time of year. But the best costumes are those that are homemade, which I see more of most years. In our town, you would not believe how many homes are decorated outside for Halloween - it is nearly like Christmas decorations!

As to the candy, I always loved handing it out so that it never seemed like the kids were begging. In our area, lots of churches and schools have parties where the emphasis is on fun and games. And in the children's hospital where I work, the kids who are able to move have a little bright spot when they get to don costumes and visit different offices. We make a big fuss over them and they seem to enjoy it.

I suppose it just depends on what you are used to.

Rainey · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 2:34 am Post subject:

I decorate for Halloween. Part of the fun. Plus, who couldn't use more light at this time of year.

Here are a pic of our decorations. Not over the top but definitely seasonal!

Orange, white and blue-green pumpkins replaced the rabbit planters and the beach rocks from Big Sur. And, of course, the purple and pumpkin lights glowed.

I think it's fun! I loved Halloween as a kid and this is my way of still enjoying it in a different way.
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God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. -- Garrison Keillor

David · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 4:32 pm Post subject:

Rainey--what a lovely entry-way!!
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Vivant Linguae Mortuae!!

Donna · Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 827 Location: Oakland, CA

Actually Judy, I am the Halloween Grinch:twisted: - so you're off the hook!

My excuse is that I teach elementary school - and by 3:00 PM, I have really had my fill of cherubs in costumes! I have oohed and aaahed over the pirates and the princesses. I have been astonished at the number of commercial cupcakes that show up with the UGLIEST black & orange icing (the disgusting kind that coats the roof of your mouth - blechchch). I have watched the level of hyperactivity shoot up to RED! HIGH ALERT!!!! by the time the last bell rings. I am worn out! And happy to send them home!

So, for the past 5-6 years, I have been setting a basket of candy on the front porch (with a note that says "Take Two") and going to dinner and a movie with my grinchy friends! This year, I forgot to buy candy - so there was nothing!

It's easier overall on the dogs, too. We have a Border Terrrier and a Lhaso Apso who just get in a state everytime the doorbell rings.

When our son Ben was young - and until he went away to college - I decorated the house. Quite modestly compared to some of my neighbors. Once he went off, I wasn't all that motivated to keep it up, so I gave away my eyeball Halloween lights and collection of creepy spiders. I took my black cat and my witch to school where it graces my shelf.

Now - I wish my neighbors would get the stupid ghosts out of the trees and really - pitch the jack-o-lanterns in the green bin - it's TIME already! Rolling Eyes

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L'appetit vient en mangeant. -Rabelais

Rainey · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 6:01 pm Post subject:

OK! OK! I hear ya!

...I meant to get them down over the weekend. I'll do it today. Promise! Embarassed

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God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. -- Garrison Keillor

Rainey · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 6:03 pm Post subject:

Thank you, David. Wink

That's a new door color and I love it!

The scary part of my Halloween is about 6 kids at a time on that landing trying to make way for one more or trying to back down backward. Ay caramba! Shocked

Sign up the personal liability lawyers right now! (But I know that's not a concept you Canadians understand. Thank god!)
_________________
God writes a lot of comedy... the trouble is, he's stuck with so many bad actors who don't know how to play funny. -- Garrison Keillor