My Ranting About Halloween
Lightning McQueen and Cat in the Hat
Halloween is just around the corner. 4 weeks from today to be exact.
Tell the truth I am not big into Halloween and everything Halloween represents. I was born and raised in Europe where Halloween, Trick or Treating and Halloween costumes were not existent.
I never understood people dressing their little children as Zombies, Skeletons, Scary Ghosts, evil monsters covered in fake blood and sent them to strangers homes after dark asking for candy. Same people who teach their children not to talk to strangers or take candy from strangers (but it is OK to do it once a year in a scary costume in a dark).
Don’t get me wrong I am not judging I just always thought it was strange especially after I learned the origins of Halloween.
I love to see kids in cute or beautiful costumes. Some of them are just gorgeous and I know moms who make their own masterpieces. What really bugs me is kids walking around in an ugly and scary face mask purchased in Dollar Store without any thought just so they can get together with their friends and go house to house filling up their pillowcases.
What is wrong with costumes like:Princess, Tinkerbell, Superman, Spiderman, Disney characters and others. There is so many of great costumes out there. Why do we dress up our children in these frightening and inappropriate costumes?
Krispy Kreme Donut Maker
Monkey, Itsy Bitsy Spider and Rolie Polie Olie
Nascar Driver
If there was a holiday that is not associated with death and evil and where we all get dressed up, party and have fun I would be all over it, believe me.
Growing up we had costume balls and masquerade balls in schools and social clubs. I used to love dress up in a costume and I do understand the excitement for the kids and grown ups.
Unfortunately, I had to give into Halloween (not completely) to let my boys express themselves and be part of the culture. However, I did make sure that they never wore violent or evil costumes. I also made sure that they know that any participation in cruel and unnecessary pranks will be heavily punished.
One of them just turned 12 and he is over the Halloween costumes and trick or treating. The younger one loves to dress up (he doesn’t care that much for the candy part).
So, Halloween is just around the corner and my younger one announced that he would like to be a Scarecrow this year.
I went on eBay to get some Halloween costume ideas. I planned on making him the costume myself this year (watching our pennies), but I found some great deals. If you are looking for some costume ideas you should check out eBay now. I imagine the bids will go up closer to Halloween.
Princess and baby Tinkerbell
Rolie Polie Olie
Then realized that he has few old costumes in his closet from previous years and if I can sell them it would pay for his new costume. I like the new frugal me, don’t you? You might be even interested in the ones I am selling.
Since Halloween is a part of our life for right now I will make sure that my child will have nice and wholesome costume. I will make sure he is safe and that he has fun.
Maybe if more people took the stand and made sure that their children would not dress up in ugly, scary and evil like costumes Halloween would be different. I know that’s just the dream, but I can dream, can’t I?
I came across this article that you might find helpful this Halloween.
Safety First For Halloween 2009
By Tim Jaynes
Each year there are thousands of children and adults injured during the Halloween season. Many of these accidents and injuries can be avoided with a little bit of planning and foresight. I have discovered several areas where a mom or dad needs to pay direct attention to help keep their child safe.
General Costume Safety: Listed below are several items to watch and learn when it comes to choosing a costume.
1. Make sure costume is flame retardant. Especially if the costume is plush fur or has lots of hanging items. This is especially significant if the costume is for an infant.
2. Each Halloween costume should be colorfast so the color does not run and mess up other clothes if it rains.
3. Check the fit of the costume. Alter the costume if needed to avoid a trip hazard or visual hazard.
4. Apply reflective tape to costumes legs and arms.
5. Try to use make-up instead of full face masks. Most masks are one size fits all and it can hamper with vision.
6. Make sure your make-up is make-up and not sharpie’s.
7. Wear comfortable shoes. If you are wearing costume shoes allow time for them to get broken in before Halloween.
8. Use extreme caution around open flames and candles. Wigs and loose costumes can catch on fire before you realize you are too close.
9. Make sure fake weapons do not look real. Flexible weapons are the best to use. If a weapon looks real, place orange tape around the barrel or blade for protection.
10. If wearing dark costumes, use glow sticks or flashlights when walking.
Trick or Treating Safety: Try to follow the list to be sure and enjoy the fruits of your trick or treating efforts.
1. Always carry a flashlight with fresh batteries after dark.
2. Always carry a cell phone.
3. Have identification placed on child with phone numbers in case of emergency.
4. Always travel in groups with and adult ratio of at most 1:7
5. Have a set curfew and check -in time for parents.
6. Plan your route ahead of time, leaving a map or directions with parents.
7. Try to avoid being in the road or street. Stay on sidewalks or in yards.
8. Walk, running after dark and in a costume is dangerous.
9. Only visit neighborhoods where you know the people
10. Stay out of flowers and garden areas
11. Only visit houses that are lit. Do not approach dark houses
12. Do not enter houses unless you know the people well.
13. Carry extra bags should your bag tear or become full.
14. Watch out for animals. Even if you know the animal you may scare them with your costume.
15. Avoid open flames. Remember to “stop, drop and roll” should your clothes catch on fire.
16. Be respectful of others. Say “Thank You”
17. Do not eat candy until it has been inspected.
18. Report suspicious activity to an adult or Police immediately.
19. Consider having a party instead of going out.
20. Help watch out for smaller children out if they are in your group or not.
This year lets work together to make Halloween safe for our children and friends. Taking the time to dress up as your favorite super hero or monster, collecting candy with friends would not be well suited only ending night in the emergency room due to a careless accident or an accident that could be prevented. Please take the time to post these safety tips. We want this year to be safe for everyone. Be mindful and Be Safe.
If you are looking for more information for Halloween costumes such as a batman costume for boys or batman costume for toddler please visit us for more information.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Jaynes
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I totally understand how you feel about halloween. We only go to neighbors houses or we go to a party and avoid the trick or treating. One of my kids will not trick or treat. We do not do scary costumes. I love your safety tips. I always go out with my kids. Great blog and thanks for visiting mine.