Halloween revisited

Halloween is a special evening and I feel somewhat saddened by the fact that my children are too grown up to indulge any longer. I can still envision their vibrant faces when dressing up to go trick or treating and the late hour after when we would casually sit around the kitchen table sorting candies and drinking hot chocolate. Even today although it is still two weeks away, the spirit of the day still remains as my small pumpkins and squashes decorate a bowl in the kitchen and a larger pumpkin awaits my creative carving on my front door stoop. But it is not quite the same without that late afternoon frenzy in the house to get ready to go out, but when thinking back, I can still vividly remember……..

Retracing my steps approximately 14 years ago, when my kids were four, 11 and 13, Halloween was the annual event of the newly installed school season. Our discussions concerning costumes would always transpire early on. Due to the fact that I was teaching at the time, Halloween themes would intertwine itself into math, reading and art and I was in effect reinforcing the enthusiasm towards this day at work and at home.

When I became a mother, and although I knew that I was carrying it a little too far, my own children would dress up even before they were toddlers. I remember that my oldest went out in a stroller her very first time, as she was not walking properly yet. My youngest who was a little over a year dressed up in a pink snowsuit, bunny ears and a little tail. It used to be a real challenge to fashion a costume to wear outdoors as the weather is typically chilly and occasionally rainy on Halloween. My son usually succeeded, as his hockey uniform was so bulky that he never needed a jacket. All children dread wearing snowsuits or sweaters and due to the cold we have always searched for inventive ways in which we could camouflage the necessary outerwear so that the disguise would be more visible.

Between the costumes, pumpkins and home decorating, October was always hectic with the reintegration of the school and activity routine. In our own home we were always bursting with thoughts of Halloween. Living here in Westmount for the past 24 years has always been unique as many people really indulge in elaborate fantasy decorations, and even special effects. It is still fun to stroll through the streets even without my kids to see what people have produced. Before the actual event, it is a recommendation to take the children on a drive or a walk before the actual occasion to see the various pumpkin carvings in the area.

I suppose that when I reflect back I did occasionally go overboard but I have no regrets as we really appreciated that time. In fact there is one unique Halloween that my family recalls so vividly. My kids were all ready for the day: costumes were hanging, candy filled bowls, UNICEF money was ready at the door, the pumpkin was carved and lit with the candle and the house was decorated. But a few days prior to Halloween, we encountered a problem as my youngest had fever and the other two were just recovering from a flu. The children were extremely upset and I could not let them out so I had to devise something to substitute. Typically the weather was also not very conducive to being outdoors anyway, as it was blustery and cold. After a few days of some preparation, my Halloween treasure map was designed. The kids put on their costumes and took out their trick or treat bags imagining that they were going out. They had to follow the clues to 10 indoor destinations inside the house. After each clue was detected, it led them to a special treat and another clue. I hid candies and small gift items everywhere and they had so much fun with this hunt that they actually did not mind being in and the initial disappointment vanished. We ended the evening with pizza, cake and ice cream, all Halloween themed, of course. When we were done, we answered the door to all the ghosts and goblins. In fact, my youngest daughter, who is now 18, reminded me of that particular evening when I told her that I was writing this story.

Halloween may just be a ritualistic day for children but for adults it is a special means in which parents can relive their childhood through their child’s. But to me the real Halloween treat is watching all the animated children masquerading with their bags of candy and this year should not be an exception.



Haunted house in Westmount

Part of this year's Halloween plans in Westmount include a special haunted house set up for children in the Lawn Bowling Clubhouse at Sherbrooke Street and Kensington Avenue, next door to City Hall. The display, which was initiated by Public Security parking inspector Pierre Thibault, will be open to the public from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

As well, the City's annual Halloween home decorating contest will be held. The winning families in this popular event will be announced next week on the Examiner's website, www.westmountexaminer.com.