I have always loved Halloween. I love seeing the “young ones” all dressed up in their costumes and greetings neighbors and friends that I don’t see too often. So I’ve been interested in all the publicity around Trick or Treating. We have always participated, mostly on the “handing out treats” end.
Where I grew up in West Lynn (Dearborn Ave.) we always had a “Horribles Parade” all around the neighborhood and then met at the Saugus River Boat Club for a Halloween party.
Each family would chip in a couple of bucks toward it. It was a great time and we didn’t even know what trick or treating was actually like.
That said, I thought I’d weigh in about this Halloween.
Because of COVID, if I had a young child, I’d make a lovely day and evening of doing some holiday baking together, maybe carving (or decorating with felt tips) a pumpkin, doing some Halloween artwork to hang on the fridge, putting together a costume and dressing up, go to the Grandparents’ and aunts’ and uncles’ house to wave to them from the sidewalk, then come home and watch (still in costume) an age-appropriate movie, with popcorn.
I think this would mark the day as a special event while teaching kids that things are a bit different this year and for good reason. A fine teaching opportunity and good opportunity to create new ways of celebrating with family.
Mayor McGee is discouraging trick or treating and I support that idea. Have fun in different ways this year. My porch light will be off but I wish all the wee ones and their families a happy Halloween!
Janice LeColst
Lynn
