Halloween is right around the corner and we are planning for it in our household. Yes, 2020 Halloween is happening for my family. I do not know what it will look like yet, but something is happening for my kids on October 31st. I have read the CDC recommendations. While I appreciate them expressing their thoughts on everything from costume masks to trick or treating, my husband and I are fully capable of making decisions that are best for our family.
That being said, Halloween will look different this year. So far the big differences are: no Trunk or Treat event at school, no Ghosts in the Oaks, and possibly no trick or Treat or Treating in the neighborhood. My kids picked out costumes, but we aren’t doing a family costume this year. Mostly because I don’t want to make the investment without concrete plans. We have no choice but to play it by ear this year instead of having a calendar full of events.
While contemplating Halloween, I figure my best bet is to take it into my own hands. If I want my kids to have Halloween, then I need to give them Halloween. Mom O Ween, if you will. Luckily our family has a small group of friends we attend school with and have chosen to see socially this whole time. This group of people is super fun and not afraid to think out of the box. I wouldn’t mind hosting at my house. If everyone pitches in we can do games, a haunted house effect in my garage, dance party, and Trick or Treating stations in my backyard.
While I won’t be sad about missing out on stinky hayrides, I will miss walking the neighborhood. Since we do not have a neighborhood association, I have no way of knowing my neighbors feelings on Halloween. My kids won’t get their typical events and Trick or Treating, so I refuse to deprive them of their friends. The theme of the year is: doing what you feel is best for your family. A DIY small group Halloween may not be what we are used to, and while I refuse to sit on our couch all night in our skeleton pajamas, I don’t judge the families who choose to do just that.
