HALLOWEEN PART FOUR

Rachel had her first pumpkin the October she was born. She did not trick or treat nor was she dressed up. We saved that for the next year when I made a costume out of orange crepe paper. Although she was young when she started going door to door, she was with a responsible parent until her elementary school years were passed. Time had changed; parents examined treats.

Instead of running through neighborhoods until you felt like your lungs were going to bust, you walked with adults carrying flash lights just to the houses that had lights on and your parents deemed the home safe. Some Halloween's in Kansas where mild evenings others were cold and wet, you went anyway.

The schools had parties. Everyone got to dress up for the party. The costume went to school in a bag and the children changed just before the party. The principal wouldn't let them come to school in costume because 'first graders needed to learn to read'. I adored the principal but did not agree. You can't tell me those kids weren't hyped knowing there was going to be a major sugar rush coming.

Room mothers would plan the food and games. Later, all the children would parade around the black top, (yes, a black top or drive way like surface).

If Halloween fell on the same day as a scout meeting, the kids would wear their costumes to the meeting and have another party--and THEN go trick or treating after supper. Why bother to make supper?

Favorite treats were chocolate; hard candy the least. Although popcorn balls were handed out, parents wouldn't let you eat them unless you knew where you got it. Parents got their payment for walking their children with a treat as they sorted and looked at every piece for tampering. You would ask for the best, that is chocolate, but you many just get the hard candy.

There was a rule at our house. Make up your mind about what you are going to be early enough to be sure it got made/bought. I am honored to see that Rachel and Jaeme are experimenting with their make up early. They will be ready!

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