Halloween marks a time of year filled with yellow leaves, morning frost, pumpkin-spiced everything, spooky décor, dressing up, and a heck of a lot of play time!
Growing up, Halloween was always a wonderful experience. It was the holiday that I always looked forward to and one I continue to look back on with the fondest of memories.
I still remember my mom pulling out the big box of costumes for my sister and me to dig through, my cousins coming over to trick or treat, and Sleepy Hollow playing on the television. Bedtime did not exist that night; we would be out until our feet hurt and our treat bags were heavy and full.
Honestly, Halloween is just the best.
A big part of that is the fact that it is a time of year where kids are truly allowed to just be kids. They’re allowed to be loud, excitable, sugar indulgent, and fully immerse themselves in play. They are encouraged to get dressed up, make-up and all, and become any of the characters their imaginations have dreamt up.
On top of that, they are greeted at each door they go to by adults who are smiling at them and rewarding their acts of play with candy and enthusiasm.
But I think one of the most important amazing things about Halloween is the fact that it isn’t just for kids. No, adults can get in on the fun and play too.
Children and adults alike are out on the street engaging in playful antics as they enjoy scares, laughs and the crazy decorations. You see just as many adults dressed up and getting into the spooky spirit as you do with the younger folk. Halloween provides an open invitation for people of all ages to let loose and have some fun.
After all, who doesn’t like the idea of dressing up like your favourite character or creature for a couple of hours–all in an attempt to make people smile (or scream in terror, depending on your sense of humour)?
In my household, Ghostbusters has been a long-standing Halloween tradition. My husband is a huge fan of the franchise, and Halloween is the perfect opportunity for him to get our son in on the action.
The two of them enjoy going all out, complete with “working” proton packs that the hubby has poured his heart and energy into crafting.
When I see the joy it brings to my four-year-old as he and his dad get dressed up in their matching suits and run around busting ghosts, I cannot help but feel eternally grateful for this core-memory-making moment.
Because play is something that we all need in our lives, especially as we grow older. Our lives get so busy, and the stresses and demands of everyday life take their toll on each of us. That’s why I have learned the importance of embracing those moments where happiness and playfulness can take over.
When we can be silly and let our imaginations take us back to a simpler time of playing with our friends, wearing creepy costumes or some fairy wings, and enjoying a candy bar (or two) without feeling guilty about it.
Halloween truly is the holiday of play. The shy ones can put on a mask and suddenly become the life of the party. The ones who are constantly told to quiet down finally get the chance to holler and hoot.
Those who prefer to stay home and give out candy get the chance to make the day for the decorated folks knocking on their doors. And those with a passion for artistry can break out their carving tools for some jack-o-lantern fun.
But for those of you who are not big on dressing up (or Halloween festivities in general), my advice would be to turn off those lights and snuggle under the covers with a loved one and a good ol’ scary movie.
It’s true: everyone is entitled to their share of enjoyment on Halloween. It’s designed that way. Whether you’re on the hunt for enough candy to last you the rest of the year, or just looking to spend some quality time having a blast with a friend or loved one, there is something about this holiday that will work perfectly just for you.
So get out there: trick or treat, bust some ghosts, stay safe, and play!
