I miss the Halloweens of my childhood. As I drove this evening I kept looking for any signs of it, but alas all I saw were stressed, impatient adults trying to get home or to a party. I kept waiting to see groups of children dressed up with bags in hand only to be disappointed. Still I long to see...
Yoda walking hand in hand with a ghost while Wonder Woman gleefully lists the contents of her bag. Knowing they were safe because Superman, Spiderman, and Batman were following close behind them. A ninja happily dragging at tiny angel behind him steadily reminding her to hold tight to her plastic pumpkin quickly filling with treats. Han Solo joins a witch with a green face, striped stockings, and a shy laugh. They both wave to Glenda the Good Witch crossing the street with a curly-headed pumpkin waddling slowly next to her. She bends to reassure him that black cats that are at least three feet tall and answering to the name of Melissa don't eat baby pumpkins. Sweet hobgoblins with the musical voices of elves haunting the streets of my memory.
Oh to be a child again and feel the warm trusting hand of my baby brother held lovingly in mine. To see his bright, freckled face smiling up at me as he begs me to take him to "just one more house, Sissy". To sit cross-legged and red-faced in the middle of the floor and pile our candy up together because it never occurred to us not to share. Dividing it into piles so we could share it with Mommy, Grammy, & Papa. A non-stop commentary of who we saw and who scared us delighting them as they waiting patiently for our sugar highs to gradually fade.
To be safely tucked into bed as Mommy kisses our foreheads. The taste of hot cocoa with marshmallows still on our tongues. Slowly drifting off to sleep while my baby brother asks if we can do it all again tomorrow. Knowing we'll have to wait a whole year but glad to have the memories that will last at least that long.
Happy All Hallow's Eve! May all your bags be filled with life's sweetest treats!
6 comments:
Too bad those sweet traditions have been replaced with impatience and crackpots!
I remember Halloweens just like that. When it was actually safe. Now all I see are the disappointed and sad faces as I say we aren't going out trick or treating, because the world has gone crazy, and I fear for their safety. How I wish it could be like that again.
The nephew and I were talking about this just last night. I took him downtown to the businesses. Our town blocks off the entire section and the kids just go from one business to the other. It was a lot of fun, but different from when we were young.
Then we went to a Fall Festival at church where he enjoyed bounce houses, hay rides, etc..
On the way home he said he wanted to go "real" trick or treating. I explained, as sad as it is, this IS "real" trick or treating. He still had fun, but it's not the same.
I have no desire to be a kid again, I was annoying and naive. I like knowing the things that I do, and I don't even like candy. :)
Trick or treating CAN still be done - in the small neighborhood you know, and where folks know you. We'd go trick or treating around Grandma's house, and then do the church party. That was enough... and it was safe.
Hey sis, are you sure we didn't really grow up together. I swear Mike and I had the same Halloweens and it was the best time. I feel so bad for Danyelle and JC growing up now and not being able to walk down the street because you are afraid someone will snatch them away. I still tried to make it as fun as possible and although their little pumpkins weren't overflowing with tootsie rolls and double bubble gum, she told me she had a great time.
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