Sweetheart and I went to another neighborhood where we have friends so we could watch the little kiddies go "trick or treating" on Halloween night.
Sweetheart and I live in an area where there is no traffic. The only people who come up Sunny Lane are friends, family, and the Fedex man. As a result, parents don't bring their children to our house for treats. I like to see that. The last child who came to our house on Halloween was our grandson. He's a high school senior now.
I like to see the children get dressed up and take part in this age-old tradition. When I see little ones—toddlers, actually-- holding their parents' hands, it brings a tear of melancholy to my eyes. Some of them have no idea what is transpiring. All they know is they're getting candy.
In the years of my childhood, my friends dressed up as witches, ghosts, and pumpkins. Since my grandchildren were born, the trick-or-treaters come dressed as their favorite TV cartoon characters. As the children approached our friends for a handout, I asked them who they were supposed to be. After they told me I still didn't know.
Sweetheart and I got into the act. We had cobbled together an outfit out of some odds and ends we had at the house, so we could get into the spirit of the occasion. We were trickers, but not treaters.
Costumes aren't the only thing that changed through the decades. Decorations used to consist of a jack o'lantern or two and some corn shocks stationed in the front yard. Lately, I see displays that rival large businesses trying to attract customers. I have seen anything from a few orange lights surrounding the front porch to huge skeletons and monsters occupying the entire lawn.
At a time when the world is in chaos, it is comforting to have a diversion, if only for a little while. How much a person participates is optional.
Sweetheart and I participated –more or less. We got dressed up this year—not once, but three times. We dressed for a friend's cookout; for the Monday night dance; and to watch the children get their treats. It made us feel like children—or, at least, childish.
Scripture says, “Unless you become as little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.” All I can say is, "St. Peter, get that door open. One of these days we're coming in".
Dorothy is the author of two books—“Miles and Miracles” and “Getting It All Together “. You can purchase a book or send a comment by emailing her at dorothybutzknight@gmail.com
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