Harvest Fun..

When I was a child I was never allowed to celebrate Halloween. I grew up in a religious family and this holiday was considered a pagan festival that was forbidden. I remember sitting at the top of the and watching as the kids would trick or treat at our door. Honestly, I felt left out. As I grew older my mom loosened the belt a bit I was allowed to go out trick or treating a few times and boy did I indulge. I remember running from door to door with my girl friend trying to cover as much ground as we could in a few hours time. Then the excitement of dumping our pillowcases out on the floor to compare stashes.

Now that I'm a parent I too have grown to despise Halloween, but not because it was originated by pagans. I mean really if we held a grudge on that respect we might as well throw Christmas and Easter out the window too. Maybe I should clarify. It's not Halloween as a holiday that I despise, what I can't stand is the commercialism and focus on consumption of mass candy. I took my kids to a "harvest festival" in our neighboring town and it was simply a place to eat junk and pay to play cheap little games and win worthless trinkets that would break in a few minutes. The kids were running around in their Made in China, bought at Walmart (probably picked out by whining, "I want this one!") costumes, and this is TRADITION? Thankfully I left my checkbook at home so I didn't have to worry about getting manipulated into spending money on junk. I suppose I abhor Christmas in similar ways in that the focus has changed steadily from giving to getting and who's gift has a higher price tag.

Not wanting to rain on my kids' parade yet at the same time not wanting to get sucked into the usual "celebration" I opted for a different approach. (Now that my rant is over, on to the good stuff!) I made the children's costumes this year, didn't buy any candy, made hot soup and went over to grandma's for cookies and games. Our dear friends came over and we had a simple meal and enjoyed each others' company. We did trick or treat to 3 houses, and at one we were fed apple crisp! We live in a small rural community and many are health conscious here. It was a great experience. Hosanna was a flower fairy...

I found a whole bag of Hawaiian leis at the local thrift store and took them apart to decorate some wings we already had in our dress up stash.

David's been all about Robin Hood since my dad lent us the classic oldie with Errol Flynn. He can take two of anything and turn it into a bow and arrow. The final costume was pulled together with a brown felt tunic and brown tights, but those pics are on Grandma's camera.

The weather has been so beautiful lately! I feel so grateful to be celebrating in such warmth and color. The cold weather hasn't come full force, so many of the trees are still lit with the fire of autumn.

So lovely...

I hope to post again tomorrow. I have a very lovely Thanksgiving craft that I would like to share with you in time for you to get your own family creating.

Blessings to you all!

Comments

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Too funny. I wasn't allowed to celebrate Halloween either. I'm still not a huge fan for the same reasons as you. I appreciate the history of the holiday and its cultural ties, but, oh boy, do Americans take something and turn it into cheap thrills. We had so much fun celebrating with you guys! I'm bummed I didn't get out my camera - your kiddos were so cute. Thanks again!

Posted by: Sarah | 11/08/2009 at 12:34 AM

I love this time of year and I actually LOVE Halloween. I love the creative flow, but I too don't like the "cheap thrill" that it has become (nice choice of words Sarah).
The kids look great, it sounds like you had a nice Halloween.

Posted by: lifebeneaththewesternsky.blogspot.com | 11/08/2009 at 08:10 AM