Melissa posted this morning about getting Halloween costumes made for her kids. As I told her, each year I delude myself by thinking that this will be the year that I will actually make costumes for the kids. And well, that just never comes to pass. Not since Annie was a little tyke anyway, and I made her this costume...
I think there's somewhat of a catch-22 when it comes to holiday celebrations. At least for me, that is. Having kids makes me want to go all out and make things extra special. But of course having kids means there's much less time to plan and execute anything. As I was digging out our boxes of Halloween decorations this morning, I couldn't help but notice all the decorations I used to make. For the time being, I'm afraid crafty endeavors like these have been put aside.
I think I really need to learn to keep in mind, that as wonderful as homemade costumes and decorations are, as fun as it would be to throw a huge Halloween party for all the kids' friends, as cool as it would be bake a 3-tier Jack-o-lantern cake...the things we do manage to do will hopefully be remembered and cherished. The way we read a Halloween book every night during October. The annual trip to the nursery for pumpkins and play. The carving of the pumpkins, even if we never get around to it until Halloween day itself. The way we set our big bowl of candy outside, so both Mommy and Daddy can go trick-or-treating. Yep, hopefully those things will be enough.
12 comments:
OMGosh... those little ghosts with the top hats? My dad has those! They were part of his Halloween decoration arsenal for almost as long as I can remember!
Dawn-
Any idea if someone made those? I painted those little guys at a ceramic shop way too many years ago to count. And I still think they're cute.
Those are all wonderful traditions, and I'm sure they are enough! I bet your kids will look back with very fond memories of Halloween, whether you make their costumes or do other things or not. At least you're doing stuff, and doing it together! :)
I don't think it would occur to me to make costumes had it not been for the tradition that my mom started. I really try to keep it simple, as I refuse to be altering and sewing at the last minute. Jacob's costume was the only one I made last year, which consisted of felt "bones" sewed to a black sweatsuit. EASY!! (thank goodness)
I chuckled as I looked at your pictures - I don't think I have one Halloween decoration! We don't get any trick-or-treaters at our place, and we actually have to drive to a friend's neighborhood. For the past few years, we've even been going to the mall (which my husband refuses to do this year). Let's hope this Halloween is as warm as past Halloweens have been.
I love your decorations :)
Your Halloween traditions put a really big smile on my face :D Particularly the "reading a halloween themed book every night in October" I miss Halloween as a kid. I'm sure that when your kids grow older they'll look back fondly on all that you're doing now to make the season special.
Of course it's enough...your kids will have wonderful memories!
Some of those decorations look awfully familiar - how lucky am I to have a crafty friend who shares her creations?!?!
Debi-
BTW, I do try to check back on comments, but I'm not always good about it! I caught yours, though, and rest assured that if we have another NICU baby there will be lots of pictures. So are you headed to a hotel for your read-a-thon?
You got it! That's exactly what memories are made of. The simple joys in EVERYTHING. :o)
Loved the picture of Annie. Too cute. As for your crafty things, WOW, you're good!!! :o)
Those are probably the best things to do!
Such a cute pic of Annie!
I truly believe it is about quality, not quantity, when it comes to holiday celebrations. I have to reign in my tendencies to go all out and just concentrate on doing one thing really well. And I agree with you. The small things like reading books or watching holiday themed movies as a family are the kind of cherished traditions that will last long after your kids are grown.
oh, those ghosts are so cool! even more so from my perspective, as halloween isn't really celebrated in south africa (or in england, for that matter).
i also love the pumpkin jars! :)
(by the way, this is jean pierre, the bombastic bagman)
Oh my goodness. I made that same Terra Cotta pumpkin pot with the lid. I think I made several after seeing it on Aileen's (sp?) craft show. Too funny!!!
Annie looks awfully cute in that costume. You did a great job with it!
I always end up getting Tim his costume around his birthday. This year he wants to be Darth Vadar. Fortunately he has the voice changing Darth Vadar mask already :)
take care,
Dawn
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