I was reminded this week that not everyone celebrates Halloween. Some don't because of their personal value system, others because they worry about their special needs child and how all of Halloween affects them. Some other parents don't because of their religious preferences. Whatever the reason, just because you don't celebrate Halloween doesn't mean that you can't celebrate with creativity, imaginative play and sweet treats. Why not consider these alternatives?
Pancakes and pajamas. Do you not celebrate Halloween because your child is one of those that require a strict bedtime and Halloween makes for a week's worth of crankiness? Why not have a pancakes and pajama day instead? Invite friends over in the morning for a sensational, instead of spooktacular, breakfast brunch complete with waffles kids can decorate, muffins, yogurt and breakfast brunch egg casserole. Try a few games like musical chairs, board games or cards to keep the party going.
Let's go rodeo! We live in Texas, so there is always time to enjoy roping, riding and rodeo-ing. Why not have a few friends over for a backyard barbeque where everyone dresses to impress with their best Western gear? Include creative play games, like riding a "horse" which can be anything from a dressed-up broom to the real toy.
Arghh! Ahoy maties shiver me timbers and buried treasure. Dress in your best pirate costumes using eye patches and red bandanas. Create an indoor or outdoor treasure hunt complete with map and clues. Team up moms and dads with their kids and see who can find the treasure. Serve up a boatload of your favorite and fun party foods and let the voyage begin.
Harvest the fun of fall. Why not have a harvest festival at home or away? Include all the beauty of the fall harvest from pumpkins and hay to apple cider. Think hot apple cider, apple cobbler, pumpkin pie, homemade scarecrows and haystacks to decorate outdoors. If it is cool enough, get the fireplace going and make S'mores.
Pretty as a princess. Do you have a house full of girls? Have a party where they can be pretty as a princess, complete with their best dress or Disney princess dress. Create an up do hair style and enjoy some mani-pedi time with mommies and me. Make the party complete with tiny sandwiches, sliced fruit, tea and punch to drink.
Make it a movie night. Invite a few friends over, pop some popcorn and choose a movie that everyone can approve of. Make sure to have plenty of candy on hand!
Pizza with pizazz. Begin with pre-made pizza dough. You can get it from the freezer section of the grocery store, or I prefer the already made version you just heat and eat. You can even use English muffins or plain bagels. Have lots of toppings available from vegetables to meats and don't forget the cheese, please. Create your own pizza with pizazz and skip going out to eat.
Sweet things for sweet things. Make your own candy sensations using easy to melt chocolates, caramel wraps and a selection of fruits. You can also dip and roll your pretzels and even decorate cookies. Homemade sweets are always a treat and each family can take home what they made but didn't eat.
There are many ways to enjoy the world of imagination and sweet treats at Halloween. Why not try something new?
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