We have entered October and are about to celebrate Aidan’s 11th Halloween and Brendan’s 9th Halloween. I say celebrate because this holiday ranks up there with Christmas as a high holy day. It has evolved into more than just a night of trick or treating. It has taken on a life of its own, so much so that there are “rules.” Your family doesn’t have rules? Here are ours…

1. Discussions about costumes do not begin until August 1st. The boys would plan all year if they could. Once August comes we start talking about ideas. No purchases are made until September to be sure we are set and we don’t want to hear in November “you know what we should be next year?”
2. The theme rule: the boys think there needs to be theme and they find a way to make it work; Thing 1 and Thing 2, Cop and Robber, Ghostbuster and Stay Puff Marshmallow Man and last year’s Marty McFly and Doc Brown. All ideas revolve around this principle. They also try to stay away from what is popular. Their goal: think of things no one else would think of.
3. No heals for Trick or Treating. You think you don’t need this rule with boys. You apparently don’t live with an 8 year old drama kid with more costumes than a small theater. He is a fan of princesses and has tried to work in wearing heels in past years.  The ER is not a place I want to Trick or Treat on Halloween. For this reason we have a no heals rule. 
4. Which brings us to the different costume for the school party rule. This is where Brendan has dressed up as Merida or Elphaba from Wicked. Heels, dress and makeup. No theme is necessary for the party and it must be remembered that dancing makes kids hot.
5. That brings us to the “we live in the northeast” rule. It could snow or be 80 degrees on Halloween night-both have happened. Planning a costume that can be layered is a must. Kids do not like costumes ruined by a fleece jacket but an extra layer under the costume is negotiable.
6. And finally Aidan’s candy rule: when we finish Trick or Treating all candy must be grouped by type, counted and charted rule. He’s done this since preschool. Perhaps a little Type A. He also gets annoyed when we steal pieces during the process.

It’s almost like after a decade we have this down to a science. As kids Chris and I were never as into this holiday as our kids but we have come to appreciate their creativity and the fun we all have with planning. They are only young once and certainly have some great memories of this holiday.

This year’s costumes will not disappoint! Here is a link to all the costumes!