November 11, 2006
"Once in a young lifetime, one should be allowed to have as much sweetness as one can possibly want and hold.”
So says Judith Olney, and I say, “Hear, hear, especially on Halloween!”
Embrace the holiday. Then, after all is said and done, make the kiddos brush their teeth extra carefully, and voila--no harm done.
Halloween is simply too much fun and far too sweet to overlook.
Although this particular Halloween has come and gone, the leftover candy, costumes, and pictures with the grandbabies remain scattered throughout our house.
Without doubt, it is a holiday we have celebrated with great gusto around our abode for years.
Plenty of other folks seem to adore it, too.
It is no secret that in North America, Halloween is a major holiday with 65 per cent of Americans and Canadians celebrating, according to Hallmark Cards.
You may already know that the holiday of Halloween is responsible for more candy sales than any other, and it is the third largest party occasion, next only to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In addition, Hallmark Cards says they sell more humorous greeting cards on Halloween than any other holiday.
In our little community, we do our part to oblige.
For the second year in a row, I dressed up with a group of friends to hand out candy to hundreds of kids who braved the cold and walked up and down our town’s Main Street collecting goodies from local shopkeepers.
Merchants provide candy downtown in our little metropolis so the kids have a safe and secure trick-or-treat experience.
The kids love it.
I guess one could call it “a big deal” in these parts.
For me, dressing up in a hot pink princess-style dress is a big deal, too.
At my age, you understand that I have to grasp any such escape from reality whenever I get the chance.
The gown I wore had silver sequins to match a silver tiara crowning a long, blond wig.
My magic wand and glowing LED ring completed the outfit.
The ring was a hit with the little ones, and a kick to wear.
My white boa accessory provided some warmth, but very little, and I hope no one saw my tennis shoes under the fortune-telling table. Arthritic feet would not permit high heels.
For a few short hours, I got to pretend that I was a fairy godmother or perhaps the good witch of the North, or maybe, a funky princess.
At any rate, I had a chance to spread good luck to all those who entered my lair.
Small children and their escorts, high school students, and grandparents alike were greeted by friendly witches who dispersed candy and trinkets in the small green space downtown.
Then, as each child arrived at my magic table at the back of the tiny commons, I handed them an orange card with a shiny penny attached.
The card read: “Find a penny, pick it up. All day long you’ll have good luck.”
Little eyes opened with wonder at the idea that they were getting a lucky penny.
Moms and Dads wanted one, too.
After all, parents need all the luck they can get, do they not?
Everyone in line wanted a good-luck penny.
For a few hours on a very clear, cold spectacular fall night, I had the glorious opportunity of spreading good cheer and good luck.
Mr. Moon provided us with the perfect glow, just what the doctor ordered, and Halloween could not have been lovelier.
Halloween, although mightily criticized for reasons I do not comprehend, is an event that allows us to celebrate the pleasures of childhood and the bliss of dressing up, eating candy, and pretending.
No matter how old we are.
I recommend it to anyone. Escape for a bit; it is good for the soul. And, for one delicious night, have all the candy you want.
