Tell a Friend | Support Us | Submit an Article | Submit a recipe

Planning and Celebrating Halloween, plus Some Tips on Safety

Kids love Halloween night. And now that children are in school and the fall season is knocking on our doors we, as parents, have to start planning and preparing for this very "weird" holiday. Stores have already taken out their Halloween goods: costumes, decorations, treats and if we want to beat the rush it is better to start off early with the preparations.

Planning for Halloween:

Planning doesn't take much time and might help your budget before plunging into shopping. Here are a few things you can do:

1. Two-three weeks before the holiday take out everything you have that is Halloween related.

2. Go through all the things, including all your costumes, and see what you can use for this year and what not.

3. Write a list with the things you would need and like to buy for this year's Halloween.

4. Even if you are not a very budget-conscious person, it is a good idea to set a budget limit and work it in with the list you prepared earlier. Otherwise, you might end up buying too much stuff.

5. If your budget is small and you need new costumes start looking at your local classifieds early, because the nicer and cheaper items go quickly. Online local classifieds are a very good place to look for costumes as the items can be seen on a picture and contact is usually quicker.

Now, that you've done all this you should be ready to go out and search for the items you need. Remember, decorations are cheaper at any dollar store and these stores usually carry a good variety; so put your shopping list in your purse and next time you go out pay them a visit.

Also, keep in mind that all Halloween items are going to be on sale right after the holiday is over, so if you didn't get everything you wanted for Halloween go shopping the next day. This way you could save some money and will be ready early for the next year. But, if you decide to do just that with your kids' costumes, beware! There is always a chance that next year your children would want to be something or somebody else. So instead of saving some money, you might end up arguing with your children and spending more money.

About the so very important treats: most of the grocery stores carry the bite size treats in greater quantities and varieties, so buying a couple or three packages of those might be enough. Of course, that would depend on the neighborhood you live in. You would know best approximately how many children live nearby your house. If you are new to the neighborhood and are not sure yet, ask a neighbor you know. Plan to give out at least two-three treats per child.

Trick or Treat Safety Tips

Surely your children will be going "Trick or Treat". This means that "Trick or Treat" safety should be your number one concern, no matter how safe you think and know your community to be. Follow these tips on Halloween safety and your holiday will certainly be more enjoyable.

1. You or your partner should go out with your child/ren for "Trick or Treat"; by doing this you would be calmer knowing your child is under supervision, making your holiday more enjoyable.

2. If your children are bigger have them go with their friends, as long as there is at least one adult to accompany them whom you know;

3. Do not allow your child to have treats while outside - it is better to check the packaging for any holes or being opened and expiry dates before any of you eats anything.

4. Have a flash light and cell phone with you when you go out or give them to your child if going with friends. Either one might come in handy.

5. Don't go too far from your house; it is safer to stay in the neighborhood you know. Besides, even on your block's both sides your child will be able to fill one or two moderate-sized treat bags.

6. As a general rule visit only houses with their lights on. The lights mean that they celebrate and welcome visitors.

7. Watch out for cars.

8. Never leave your house empty to go out for "Trick or Treat". Take turns with your spouse or invite your parents or in-laws to come and stay in the house while you and your spouse go out with the kids together.

9. Don't forget to get scarf, hat and mittens for everyone going out. Surely no one in your family would like to remember this Halloween with catching a cold.

Have a safe and creepy HALLOWEEN.

More articles:

Thanksgiving Day, History and Dinner Menu

Copyright © 2007, My Family's Universe. All rights reserved.