I didn't spend my childhood looking forward to the one night a year I could dress up and go from door to door collecting my weight's worth in candy. My family didn't celebrate holidays, including Halloween. So, I never had to decide between being a ballerina or cowgirl. And, I'm sure I saved myself a few cavities.
As an adult, though, I've been introduced to these seasonal celebrations. Some I've embraced wholeheartedly. Who doesn't love putting up a Christmas tree? Others have been a little harder to get into, like Halloween. I love decorating with the season's bounty, like plump pumpkins and brightly colored leaves. Ghosts and goblins? Not so much.
I've also never been able to pull off the Halloween costume. Granted I've had few ocassions. But, up until last year my repetoire included an angel and a hippie. Not exactly inspired. Last year, though, my husband and I paired with some friends and their great dane and dressed up as the gang from Scooby Doo. The only thing we were missing was the mystery machine. I have to admit, it was fun to get into character for the evening. Though I have few years to choose from, that was by far my favorite Halloween costume.
Most of the people I spoke with Saturday morning at Oakland Church's pumpkin patch, thought back to their childhood when I asked them what their favorite costume of all time was. They mentioned costumes like action heroes, cartoon characters and fairy princesses.
It seems that Halloween really is a holiday best left to the kids. I enjoy the hoiday far more as a mother, watching my son dress up and get so excited with every candy piece he collects.