Laugh, be goofy and have fun at any age

I so loved Halloween as a child. I also carried that fun and silliness into my early adulthood when, in years gone by, I would dress up to meet my costumed guests at the door.

It was neat seeing the little ones, but I also enjoyed the teens. I remember this delightful young man who choose to be an escort for a number of his little sister’s friends. He was in costume but did not carry a bag for himself. My dad fixed that by giving him one. Before he did, however, he filled the container. The young gentleman was taken back. He said he was considered “too old for this,” but was very appreciative when my costumed-clown father said, “We are never too old to enjoy the laughter.”

We later found out he was not asked to be their escort but had volunteered. The children he was looking after would not have been able to participate in trick or treating – because they were too you to go alone ¬– if he had not agreed to help. We also learned that he shared what he was given with his young charges.

In those days, my mother and I set up a table with treats, hot chocolate and punch for those who wanted to rest or warm up before they continued their journey. That was a different time. I no longer make popcorn balls or candy apples or any other treat except for close friends, as it has become a concern. Sad, but it is reality.

I now pass out pencils, toothbrushes and prepackaged commercial snacks.

With the advent of social media, I have seen some interesting reminders, tips and safety messages. Safety is key to this celebration. Forgo masks and use make up as masks can make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try hypo-allergenic, non-toxic makeup kits and make or buy costumes in light-coloured material. Also, reflective tape on the back or front of costumes will make it easier for drivers to see a child.

Costumes should fit properly as to prevent trips and falls. This means, avoid oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes, despite your child’s demands (and there will be many).

When selecting treats for your home, keep in mind that gum and hard candy can pose a significant choking risk for very young children. Further, unfortunately, our kids must know that they should not eat any treats before they get home.

Halloween should be a fun time but some, unfortunately, will take advantage of this holiday to do things that they would not do on other days of the year. Let us hope that those folks resist the urge. Also of note from the dear ones who care about our animal companions, particularly cats, this is a good night to keep them in the house. Again, sad.

Joy, hope, loving and caring are integral to our humanity. Our children remind us of this with their every smile, their laughter and their courage. Like the young man I mentioned, our children can surprise us with the special understanding that comes with their youth. It is our role to nurture, educate and protect them, but in our zeal to give them all of this we may be missing a lesson from them for ourselves.

You are never too old to laugh, be goofy and have fun. Time for me to dig out that clown suit with the funny hat.