Costume Countdown

Four weeks ago: a ghost. Three weeks ago: a horse. Two weeks ago and holding strong for two weeks solid: Snow White (contingent on Matt and I dressing up as dwarfs). But this week, as the costume countdown comes to a close with just five days left until trick-or-treating, I asked Ella, “Are you going to be Snow White for Halloween?” To my dismay, the answer was no.

She’s back to horse.

I don’t have a horse costume. I have a Snow White costume.

A child’s right to choose becomes every parent’s nightmare as the clock tick-tocks toward the witching hour – and we may have a “witching hour” of our own sort if Ella in fact chooses to be a horse and refuses to wear her Disney Princess costume. I know all too well that it’s a girl’s prerogative to change her mind, but when it comes to Halloween, this mummy’s going to go mad if I have to come up with a last-minute costume change. Luckily, Jaisa is still too little to make up her own mind. She’ll be a puppy by default, since that’s what Ella was three years ago. I know I won’t be able to get away with this for much longer, so I’m thankful that I only have one wishy-washy girl to deal with this year.

Aside from our latest costume conundrum, the girls and I have been having a “spooktacular” time getting ready for Halloween. We had our annual viewing of The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. We visited our favorite apple orchard and picked out pumpkins. We carved jack-o-lanterns and even roasted the seeds (which I normally don't take the time to do). We did a trial-run with our costumes and attended a special Halloween event held at our local zoo. We frolicked in the leaves. We’ve also been making treats like crazy ghouls—chocolate covered pretzel rods with orange and black sprinkles, pumpkin-shaped brownies for Ella to take to school, and we’re planning to make Halloween cereal balls yet, if time allows. If you’re still searching for something fun-n-festive to do with your kids, try out this recipe!

Halloween Cereal Balls

¼ cup margarine or butter

1 pkg (10 oz) marshmallows

2 Tbls orange-flavored gelatin

6 cups crisp rice cereal

½ cup candy corn

Combine margarine and marshmallows in 2-quart bowl. Microwave uncovered 2 ½-3 minutes or until marshmallows are puffed. Add orange gelatin; mix until combined. Stir in cereal until well coated. Mix in candy corn. Cool enough to handle. With buttered hands, form mixture into 24 balls. Place on waxed paper until cool. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap for storage.

Keeping it Safe

One thing I’m reminded as trick-or-treating approaches, is costume safety. Whatever Ella decides to be, I have to make sure she’ll be able to get around easily and comfortably, or the trip becomes a frightful nightmare for Matt and I. Some tips I recommend:

• Make sure the costume fits right and doesn’t cause a trip hazard.

• Dress for the weather—even if coats have to cover up parts of the costume.

• Leave the magic wand at home—or you’ll be the one carrying it.

• Stay visible—if trick-or-treating in the dark, put your child in reflective clothing and let her carry a glow stick or flashlight.

• Provide a backup mode of transportation—bring a stroller or wagon for tired little legs.

• Use makeup instead of a mask—kids get too hot and can’t breathe well with masks.

• No eating without inspection—check your kids’ candy before they start gorging themselves on it. Stick to wrapped candy and things they can easily chew and aren't choking hazards. Keep the hard candy and gum for yourself.

Have a safe and happy Halloween, whatever you’re little goblins decide to be!