I am not a halloween lover… far from it. I prefer to have harvest celebrations and avoid all the darkness/gore/evil things. I know many people will agree with me and many of you will argue it is so much fun and there is no harm in it. (That is totally ok… I invite you to skip reading this post!). However… I you are like me and would prefer to not have all the candy and the traditional halloween celebrations… Continue on.
*Before even reading…. I invite you to think about what is important to you… How do you do halloween? Why? Do you love it? Do you want to change it? What do you value most? What experience do you want to create in your home/family?
Back Story
I had a pretty big realization a few years back. I am working on changing the traditions in my home.
- Happy Birthday, here’s a sweet treat…
- It’s Valentines, here is some chocolate…
- I was thinking of you and brought you a coke/candy…
- Merry Christmas! here are some goodies
- Happy Halloween— here are LOTS of things that are horrible for your health.
It seems to be in most things in our culture. I know it all has good intentions of making people feel loved and appreciated, but I believe there is a better way.
IDEAS
If you are wondering what you can do instead, here are some ideas:
- a handwritten note of appreciation
- An inspirational quote, journal, etc.
- bread/muffins/fresh produce / healthy treats (they do exist and I feel great after eating them, instead of ill)
- a real conversation
- a high 5
- TIME with you
ok… back to halloween. I would prefer to abandon it entirely and have harvest celebrations! (I have friends who do this and I LOVE IT!). Sadly, I have conformed to this tradition for so long without really thinking and deciding for myself that my family isn’t on board with abandoning it just yet.
Here are some awesome ideas if you are trying to replace traditional dark/evil/candy filled traditions with those full of more light/gratitude/inspiration/family time:
- Harvest Meal: pumpkin bread/pie/cookies (with coconut oil, raw sugar/honey to make it healthier), fresh corn, soups/bread, squash, apple bread, apple pie, etc.— all the yummy fresh harvest stuff!
- Game Night with family/friends… you can dress up in “non-scary” costumes if you want to make it a costume party! Happy fun music for a light and fun atmosphere.
- Trick or Treat options (I seriously cannot get myself to give the neighbor kids that I love sugar and things that are not good for them) – pencils, stickers, small toys, etc
- Trade Candy for money when kids get home or for a toy. (I’ve heard of people paying $1/lb or trading candy for previously purchased toys at a rate of 6pc/$1)
MY PLAN
This morning I was pondering how to make this a great experience since we do not have big plans done. I haven’t thought about candy, costumes or decorations and I don’t plan on it. I want to make good family memories and my amazing husband promised the kids he would take them trick or treating. (I offered to make healthy treats and we could play games.). We definitely have been slowly transitioning. Last year we had family games and then he took them trick or treating for a bit. They each chose a few candies to keep in a bag and the rest went into a bowl on the porch. We spent time together rather than running to the door constantly. PS. In our home, we do not allow anything with blood, gore, zombie, skulls, etc… ( I take literally “that which is of God is Light” and the things that are not of the light- I will stay away from. There is an energy in everything, for good or bad. I choose the good.)
So here is my plan for tonight…
I will dress up (probably in an old prom dress) and allow my children the trick or treating experience and BE with my family instead of staying home! I will focus on the fact we are doing things together instead of my dislike of halloween. When we get home the candy will be traded for cash (my kids have some big savings goals right now). They will probably each eat a bit and save their baggie. I pray that God will know my heart and bless my family to be healthy as we progress toward Him.
The Best Part!!! (what to give the trick or treaters?)
I had the most wonderful idea! I have a bunch of the capsules that come out of the quarter machines and some acrylic gems. We will put them into the capsule with a “fortune” note that includes a positive affirmation. My hope is that we can spread, love, light and joy to those who may only come and visit me once a year – and those who may not even know me. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and spread love!
If you want to do this too, or something similar… I want to give you my printable. This could be used in Easter eggs, fortune cookies, gratitude rolls, halloween sacks, etc… the possibilities are endless. (print here)
*You may be wondering how I got a large collection of the little capsules…. We get them from doTERRA. I go pickup my essential oils (my main healthcare) and take the kids. They have machines that my kids can put a quarter in and get OnGuard drops, Breathe drops, A-Z chewable Childrens vitamins and Peppermint dinner mints. They are all great for their body and it’s fun for them. While I am in line, I give them a huge pile of quarters and they go stock up then visit the playroom. (which is also super awesome). I put them in a jar at home and we use them when someone needs a little immune boost or as rewards for awesome behavior. I love that this is what my kids want! Healthy Kids = Happy Mom. (if you have questions, contact me and I’ll happily help you figure out where to start for your family.)
Happy Harvest Celebration!
