Ok I know, “hate” is a strong word. But in this case, it just seems fitting. Sure there is probably a more sophisticated way to say it, but sophistication goes out the window when we are talking about a day of hyped-up-sugar-filled-children. 

Now I get it, the little kids dressed in adorable costumes; even I, the Halloween Grinch, can get swept up in the cuteness of that. And if it ended there, October 31st wouldn’t be so bad. But if you are a parent you know it doesn’t!

Ok I know, “hate” is a strong word. But in this case, it just seems fitting. Sure there is probably a more sophisticated way to say it, but sophistication goes out the window when we are talking about a day of hyped-up-sugar-filled-children.

Now I get it, the little kids dressed in adorable costumes; even I, the Halloween Grinch, can get swept up in the cuteness of that. And if it ended there, October 31st wouldn’t be so bad. But if you are a parent you know it doesn’t!

But that’s just it, Halloween is no longer just “October 31st”. Now a days, as a parent you have to brace yourself for the entire month of October where frightening little monsters, (aka your children) surface. Community events, multiple trunk or treats, school and daycare parties leave me leave me no choice but to Amazon Prime another costume to our doorstep on October 29th, because costume #1 has holes in the knees and some questionable stains on the front that one can only hope came from that chocolate Tootsie Pop.

So after a solid three weeks of endless Halloween “fun”, one costume, four bowls of random candy on your counter, one cavity and multiple stomach aches later; the big day is finally here. And wouldn’t you know; being here in the Midwest, it happens to coincide with the same day winter makes its appearance.

Because if dressing your toddler in an uncomfortable costume and an itchy mask isn’t bad enough, let’s add on snow pants and mittens. What once was a child dressed in a cute costume, is now a puffy walking zombie, unable to bend their legs due to layers. And hold their own bucket? Forget that! Next to impossible when their hands smushed into those snow gloves.

So is it my favorite holiday? Absolutely not! I would just assume the calendar year becomes 364 days instead. But, do I put on my happy face and make the most out of it? Absolutely! Ok, maybe it’s not a “happy face” exactly, but I do give it a solid effort. And I will continue to do so every year until my kids no longer show interest. Because, despite my lack of enthusiasm for the day, (I mean month); we do it for our kids. These years go fast, and I will do my best to savor them; even if that means trying to shove a snowsuit under that Elsa dress. 

Happy Halloween!