If I’ve learned one thing since becoming a parent, it’s that simple is better. As Halloween approaches this year, I’m happy to say that we’ve had a spooky, spirited, and simple October that didn’t break the bank or destroy the peace that we’ve found this year.
If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’ll know that I’ve been on a journey through peace and simplicity- I’ve cut a lot of the “background noise” out and I’m really proud of the slow way that I’m living now. And that doesn’t change with the holidays! There are so many expenses and fun things to plan around Halloween. Here’s how I’ve kept it easy, but still magical for my two kids.
The Benefits of Keeping Holidays Simple
Here on Long Island, there is SO much to do in the autumn. It seems like every weekend there are countless fall festivals, Trunk-or-Treats, farm days, etc.
It can be tempting to do it all, but there are many benefits to having an uncomplicated October. Some of these include:
- not overwhelming or overstimulating kids
- not setting unrealistic expectations year after year
- leaving space to enjoy the natural changes that fall brings, like the leaves changing
- breaking the bank
- easing into the new school year, making small adjustments as we go (my biggest reason this year)
- getting the most time outside before the time change after Halloween
What are your reasons? Let me know below!
The Rising Costs of Halloween
When I first sit down to budget out the fall, all I list is “Halloween costumes”. Any parent knows that it’s so much more than that. Some other costs that come up:
- Decorations – we’re still building our collection, but the requests for the $300 12 ft Home Depot skeleton have begun
- Candy – we are in a neighborhood that hands out a lot of it! I’m able to save by buying my candy Halloween morning, when it’s already on sale. If I buy it a day earlier, I’ll devour it.
- Halloween costumes
- Additions like costume adjustments, face paint, shoes, accessories
- Halloween party gifts
We keep this simple by reusing the same trick-or-treat bag, planning costumes in advance, and buying decorations that can be used year after year.
Picking the Basics
The best way to do this for my family has been by creating seasonal bucket lists. Some things on our list this year:
- go pumpkin picking
- visit the apple orchard
- attend a fall festival (we skipped our local one this year and hit a country fair in CT, cows and ferris wheels included)
- trick or treating
- watch a spooky Halloween movie
I have these made in Canva and printed at Staples so we can hang it on the fridge.
Our Simple (and Magical Halloween)
The Halloween season was spent ogling over the top Halloween decorations, decorating with paper bats, and baking fall treats.
This year, I have an almost 5 year old and 18-month-old. Some of the ways I made Halloween special was by laying out some decorations and Halloween coloring pages for Halloween morning, as well a piece of candy for the kindergartener and an apple bar for the baby. We listened to classics like Thriller and Monster Mash. The rest of the day was spent at school and then handing out candy and trick-or-treating! We followed it up with the classic candy dump on the kitchen table and sorting process to weed out the 100 Grands and Butterfingers.
It wasn’t over the top, but the kids had the best time.
…leaving space for the things that matter
It can be easy to get caught in the hustle and bustle and rush through life. I have no desire to be a rushed person. I have no desire to be a busy person. Leaving the chaos of holidays behind leaves room for what’s really important: spending time with love ones, being outside, and practicing stillness. Maybe that looks a little different for you and your family. I encourage you to slow down as we enter the busiest time of the year!
O.
Leave a Reply