Halloween Fun!

Since arriving here, I've been anxiously awaiting to see how the western celebrate Halloween. It sure is one thing that's not common in Asia, though getting popular. I intended to brush through this festival without talking to the kids about it, since it'll only be a short stay here. But it was difficult to avoid, as Halloween decorations are everywhere. There were pumpkins, spooky figurines, costumes, parties held by our local communities, spooky storytelling in the library and there was costume parade in Jazz's school too. It's like a big thing to them. Halloween was even in the cartoons they watched. And alright, I didn't really talk about the history, all I said was about dressing up in costumes and going house to house for 'trick or treat.' 

While getting all excited about this day, my Christian Singaporean neighbours told me they won't be celebrating Halloween. I got curious, "Why not?" Isn't it one festival, we Asians would wish to feel the fun of how the westerns celebrate. I don't celebrate back home too, but why the specification of mentioning not celebrating. They explained as I questioned, and that was when I ended up reading more about Halloween. Obviously, I'm one of the many joining to celebrate without knowing it's origin and myths. Different cultures view and celebrate Halloween differently. In brief, about 2000 years ago, it was a pagan holiday, honouring the dead. Some people view Halloween as a time for fun, putting on costumes, trick-or-treating and having theme parties. Others view it as a time of superstitions, ghosts, goblins and evil spirits. Which is why, some Christians view it as participating in an evil holiday. I perceived understanding after reading and knowing more about this festival. 

With the endless debates going on, we felt taking part in the celebration is dependent on each comfort's level. It ain't gonna be our yearly affair, but no harm having one or two years of Halloween fun, bring home some good memories and stories to keep. The kids were all excited about this day too. Throughout decades, the origin seemed to have been 'diluted', costumes have become cute and tame for the little ones. It became a very commercial festival too. Looking at the amount of candies the kids collected, I really wonder how much candies are sold throughout the world for trick or treat, and costumes too!

These were some spooky fun we had at an event organized by our local community and costume parade held by Jazz's school.

Kids parading around school in their costumes

We also went for two Halloween parties held by our neighbour and my man's schoolmate, which we went un-costumed because we didn't buy. Was great fellowship though.

And so the day came, 31st October. Together with some other families, we arranged to trick or treat together. It was also a chance, I wanted to train Jazz on her boldness and stranger approaching skill, I wished she would be all bold to ask for her trick or treat, but she was all so shy. She followed behind the older kids to get her privileges. At least along the way, she brought forth her words softly, 'trick or treat' and 'Thank you."

It was really happening, before we left home, a group of kids knocked on our door. I was thrilled when they chorused 'trick or treat!.' I gave each child two packs. So happy to see their smiles and hear their 'thank you.' We then left a box of candies outside our door for any kids who came and to not leave disappointed, they can help themselves to the candies. It was half gone when we came home. The sky was dark when we got home, and Thank God I had dinner all prepared before we left. 

 

Our cart of candies for giveaway

 

Scary decos

 

Trick OR Treat

 

My puppy boy

Webs and scary people everywhere

 

This got the kids scared

 

Half filled - More to go

 

After dinner that night, we went for a Halloween party organized by my man's schoolmate. Adults and kids had treat bags. We indulged in sweets and cakes. The kids had a late night and it all seemed to be caused by the sugar.

 

Cupcakes!

 

Collection of the day

 

Halloween's over and we all had great fun! Home is now overstocked with candies, which are now treats for the adults. Having stepped into November, we are so looking forward to Christmas! I sure know the reason for celebrating Christmas.