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Halloween: A Time to Play

Halloween is a night to be different. In a world where it often feels safer to just blend in, Halloween traditions offer freedom — the freedom to dress up and be someone else, at least for a little while.

Since becoming an “adult,” candy has lost much of its appeal. But as a child, I thought differently. Even then, though, it was more about having the candy than eating it. The best part of Halloween night was dumping my pillowcase full of treasures onto the kitchen table. Wow — it felt like owning my own store! I loved organizing all that loot: potato chips in one pile, chocolate bars in another, and on and on. Then came the inevitable challenge to my older sister: “How many did you get?”

Back in those days, we sometimes received homemade cookies or a candy apple — special treats that made the night extra sweet. As I lay out treats for the children tonight, I can’t help noticing how things have changed. No apples, no oranges, nothing homemade. Everything must come in sealed wrappers now, or parents will toss it out — just in case.

Last night, Tom and I carved our jack-o’-lantern together. When we finished, he said, “That was fun.” And it was, even though there were just the two of us. We shared our childhood memories of Halloween. Living on a farm, I remembered walking miles from farm to farm. There weren’t many houses in between.  I always felt we earned our candy.

Tom reminisced about our great-grandson, Riley, when he was two and a half. He sat on the kitchen island at his Nana’s, surrounded by his Mom, Dad, Tom, me, Aunt Ellie, and Nana. We were carving pumpkins, and Riley had the time of his life pulling the “guts” out of each one. Oh yes, he loved playing in that slimey stuff!

Tonight, I’m looking forward to chatting with the kids. Maybe some will share a Halloween song or a joke. I still remember the year a little girl did a dance for us at the door.

As I write this, another memory surfaces, when I was minister at Bethany United Church. A friend and I dressed in costumes and went visiting some of our seniors. I was a witch, complete with a green face and heavy black paint around my eyes and mouth. They didn’t recognize me unless I spoke. We had such fun, and so did our wonderful seniors.

Halloween is a time for play. In today’s world, we too often forget to play. Play is essential to staying healthy and whole. Tonight, instead of looking for opportunities to criticize or judge, put on a silly hat and embrace the fun as you give out treats. Let go of reality for a little while. Be full of life, full of joy — and maybe sneak a candy or two while you’re at it.