Halloween evening

I came home exhausted tonight but could not resist going out to see the little monsters walking the neighbourhood and to look at some of the decorations. It was the perfect Halloween weather as far as I can remember. Clear sky, not too cold. I chatted a bit with my new neighbour who along with his "devilled" dog was waiting for the children. Not many come to our area of the street sadly. As I walked I could hear laughter and children talking and the rustling of costumes and bags. Steps running but not much singing.

I remember when I was young how annoyed we would get at neighbours who would make us sing before giving us candies, or tell a joke or a story. But it was also part of the fun to earn your candies. I will never forget my older sister taking me on my first trick or treating, at 6 or 7 and how we had been chased by some older boy and taking shelter inside a neighbourhood house. Found memories of her taking care of me. And how my mother used to sew us costumes so we would dress differently every year. Cat or devil, princess or some 19th century figure (actually that was the winter carnival costume but it did nicely too for Halloween). The party she held one year for my older sister and her friends. The game of biting apples in a tub of water. The crepe paper orange decorations.

Tonight I saw Charlie Chaplin, little Red Riding Hood, a television (all handmade with a box), I also saw someone dressed as a box, on top of bumblebees, numerous princesses, ghosts and pirates. Even some parents were costumed in solidarity to their children.

The joy of Halloween comes from the anticipation, the preparation of the costume, the sharing with other children and families in the same experience. And of course the candies. Sorting them at the end of the evening and seeing how much of your favorites you got. Then exchanging with siblings or giving the boring ones to mum or dad. Halloween is for children a joyful holiday, and for some adults as well, as I saw in my office today when everyone, even my boss wore black and orange, some of the coworkers even wearing costumes.

My picture sadly does not have children in it as I am dreadful at taking night pictures but totally hopeless with moving targets. And children on the quest for candies, sure move fast...