Happy Hallowe'en!

Hallowe'en has always been very special to me. I have always loved ghosts, spooks, witches, pumpkins and everything associated with the holiday! When I was a child, it was the one time I could be anyone or anything (I usually liked to be a monster) and bang down the neighbor's doors begging for a "trick or treat". They always gave treats because we would egg or TP their houses if they didn't (keeping up with traditions.) My mother would always make us oyster stew (being a vegetarian now, the thought makes my stomach spin.) We would hit the neighbors' houses at least twice or until they ran out of candy. We didn't go to the mall or any trunk or treats because we lived out in the sticks and really didn't care for all of that.

When I had children, I made sure to introduce them to the magic and mystery of Hallowe'en. I used to read them stories and teach them the origins of Hallowe'en (Samhain). We'd get our costumes on, hit the rich neighborhoods, the local mall and any other place handing out candy. My little ghosts and goblins were so adorable and I loved watching their eyes light up while showing me their haul. Afterwards, we would go to Taco Bell or McDonalds for the aftergame party and watch monster movies while divvying out their candy.

Since the pandemic hit, nearly everything has been cancelled. My kids are all grown now and are no longer wearing costumes or celebrating this season. Religious groups are still condemning or trying to change the meaning of Hallowe'en. Sadly, it really has become too commercialized, just like every other holiday.

For those of you braving the spooky night tonight looking for treats, remember: the veil between the worlds are thin and the ghost you think is a real person might not be so alive...

Have a safe and happy Hallowe'en!