There was a long period of time that we sat down as a family and scoured photos online and chose a theme together. There were times where the decision was a majority but there was definitely consenting votes.
For years, it was a family counsel – everyone gathered around the computer, scrolling through photos and throwing out ideas until we landed on the perfect theme. Sometimes the decision came easily, other times it took a good sales pitch. I wouldn’t say it was always a unanimous voice. For the most part, we chose themes where the kids could choose their costume within the theme and that helped them feel invested in their costume – not forced upon them.
Sadly, those days are gone.
There are no themed costumes this year and I’m pretty sure the person most happy about that transition is Steve. 🙂
Hunter dressed up tonight for the high school football game in Steve’s In-n-Out costume from a few years back. He’s undecided whether he actually dresses up on Halloween.
Bennett is dressing up with two friends.
Cannon has a large group that has chosen a theme.
And Briggs…I let Briggs go into the attic for the first time (he was so excited, until he realized he could fall through the ceiling with a wrong step) and choose from one of the many costumes we’ve used in the past. He had several calling his name but I reminded him they’re not all easy to run from house to house in. And he made an excellent choice for his goal of a pillowcase full of candy.
If my kids were cooperative, I would still be doing themed costumes today – I loved the process (even though some of the costumes were time-intensive!) But all of my kids are happy with their choices. And I didn’t spend more than 20 minutes shopping on Amazon and fishing through the attic and there is a place for that as well.
I’m most excited that Halloween falls on a Friday which means the late night and candy coma can be slept off on Saturday. I’m pretty sure the teachers are even more grateful than I am.
