We do let our children dress up and get candy because, quite frankly, it's fun!
BUT, we basically, in the past, have only let them Trick-or-Treat on our little street (which amounts to 5-6 neighbor's who hand out candy; we live on a very lovely and quiet cul-de-sac). This year, however, as you saw in my last post, we did also go to Trunk or Treat at our church.
We have most definitely minimalized Halloween as compared to most of the rest of the USA! They simply don't *need* all of the candy, and personally, I'd rather our kids look forward to, recognize, and understand holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We'll save the big festivities for those.
Over the last several years, my parents have switched, each year, back and forth between our little Friesen Family of 4 and my brother's and his wife's family. In my humble opinion, it's worked out well!
This year was our year -- which was awesome because Marc was busy at church with Judgement House (hopefully -- I'll get around to posting on that important topic).
So, last night, the kids were all costumed up again, and we went up our street. The only thing that happened was a COLD front seriously had moved in, and it was rather chilly -- especially compared to the evening before when we attended Trunk or Treat.
The really good thing was that Luke decided to actually wear his construction hat -- so as to actually complete a costume. And, Kate actually remained in a good mood in her "Strawberry Shortcake" dress throughout the evening!
Waiting on Papa & Grandma to arrive....
It tuned out that one of our next door neighbors was going to be gone for the evening. But, she fixed up little goody bags for Luke & Kate & delivered them early. Our other next door neighbors (who go to the same church as we do) were participating, with Marc, in Judgement House. So, we couldn't go there either. A third neighbor was out of town. A 4th neighbor leaves their porch light off -- which I assume means they don't hand out candy. So, we were left visiting a whopping 3 neighbors -- which I'm not complaining. Though we enjoy all of our neighbors, visiting 3 homes equaled plenty of candy for Luke & Kate!
Kate was not shy about walking up to our neighbors' door (and she also proved she was not shy about walking in their homes either; I only wished I would've taken pics of those incidents). And, if you can't tell, Kate's favorite blanket ("Nigh Nigh") went with us for the evening. Admittedly, this Mama thought it was cute!
Our neighbor across the street suggested she take a pic of all of us -- of which I'm grateful for the suggestion!
AND finally, I'm thankful that we do live on a non-busy street because Kate took over the street. It took quite a bit to get her to move to the side of the street.
After the short trick-or-treating, the 5 of us went out for pizza. Then, my parents stayed with the kids so I could walk through Judgement House at church! Kate took advantage of having grandparents stay with her and was able to get rocked a long time by Grandma and stay up way past her bedtime -- Ha!
NOW, today, I read something on Christian artist Natalie Grant's Facebook page that really has me thinking about next year. I'm glad Halloween, 2015, is 364 days away so Marc & I can think & talk!
Ms. Grant talked about using Halloween as an opportunity to be a Light to others on such a dark holiday (as in letting Christ's light shine through). It's an opportunity to be around other kids and let other children up to your home. I love it!!!! But, it will take thought because we get so few trick-or-treaters on our little street...like I said, 364 days of thinking!
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven". Matthew 5:16
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