Let me just say three words about Halloween: What. The. Heck. Seriously, when did this holiday spiral out of control? Costumes are ridiculously pricey, and thanks to social media, if we decide to go the homemade route, we better be prepared to impress or risk being laughed out of the neighborhood by those supermoms. The decorations are extravagant, and there are countless trunk-or-treats, haunted hayrides, Boo at the Zoo events, and Halloween parades at schools to juggle. By the time November 1 hits, we are completely worn out from the holiday madness.
What is going on, folks? Remember the 80s when Halloween was just one night of fun? We would toss together a cheap costume from our dress-up box and hit the streets with a pillowcase. That was the extent of it. I once dressed up as a California Raisin with a garbage bag and some white gloves my mom found. Easy peasy! Can you imagine trying to pull that off today?
Now I’m shelling out $60 for a Descendants outfit online, only to hear, “Mom, that doesn’t even include the makeup!” Meanwhile, my neighbors are showing off their elaborate displays with moving zombies and strobe lights pulsing to ‘Monster Mash,’ while I struggle to finish one sad jack-o-lantern that my 10-year-old started but abandoned to binge watch Youtube.
I have no idea how we arrived at this point, but goodness, we need to tone it down. Moms are already exhausted, and we need to save some energy for the upcoming winter holiday season.
Confessions of a Halloween Parent
Confessional #25856319: Why on earth are kids’ Halloween costumes $50 each now? I have three kids! This is getting out of hand!
Confessional #25800170: I really don’t understand the obsession with Halloween; the cemetery and coffin decorations in my neighborhood are just plain creepy.
Confessional #25839489: My partner is already brainstorming an extravagant Halloween display, including life-size models of classic execution methods. I apologize to the neighbors in advance.
Confessional #25755805: My homeowners association says I can decorate with realistic fake dead bodies, but putting spoiled raw meat inside them to make them smell like rotting corpses is a bit much.
Confessional #25755211: I miss when Halloween was just ONE NIGHT and not a whole month of parties and trunk-or-treats. Jesus H.
The costumes, the decorations, and all the events? OMG, enough already! No, I am not decorating my trunk for a trunk-or-treat at the bank. For crying out loud.
Halloween used to be my favorite holiday, but now that my kids are older and the pressure to have the “perfect costumes with Instagram-ready makeup and fabulous decorations” keeps growing, I’m starting to dread it.
Confessional #25854716: Can we at least have Halloween to ourselves, please? Good grief.
Confessional #25854776: I get that sexy Halloween costumes exist for adults, but it feels off when I see them in kids’ sizes too.
Confessional #25847828: My partner is sucking the joy out of Halloween by insisting on homemade family costumes. I just want to find something cute and affordable for my youngest; we’re just going trick-or-treating!
Honestly, people have ruined it. From mothers-in-law to partners and businesses trying to cash in, and don’t get me started on social media—it has completely transformed this holiday. Can we ever return to the simplicity of Halloween? Probably not, and that’s disappointing.
Confessional #25796433: I seriously dislike Halloween. I wish they would just cancel all the festivities. Walking around in the dark and freezing? No, thank you.
Confessional #25800287: All the costumes, candy, spooky stuff, trunk-or-treats—I really hate Halloween.
Confessional #25856102: I have zero enthusiasm for taking my little one out on Halloween… especially this year, it falls on a Sunday.
Confessional #25856017: I can’t stand Halloween. Since I’m not working that day, I plan to stay indoors with the lights off, hoping no one knocks, just like my mom used to do.
Confessional #25854055: My teens aren’t interested in dressing up for Halloween, and I’m totally cool with that!
In Summary
Many parents, including myself, are over the top expectations of Halloween. It has become a month-long marathon of events, costumes, and candy overload. If you share my feelings, don’t hesitate to simplify things for your family. Kids don’t need to attend every trunk-or-treat or have the latest costume. And remember, the candy they collect is technically yours too. Go ahead and indulge guilt-free!
For more insights on parenting and holiday tips, check out some of our other posts, like this one about home insemination and visit intracervicalinsemination.com for expert advice on creating child-friendly environments. Also, don’t forget to explore Mount Sinai’s infertility resources for valuable information.
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