Trick Or Treat

Halloween. I couldn't stir up much enthusiasm this year. It hasn't been much of a holiday for the past three years and I wasn't anticipating anything new this year, except the joy of seeing my grandson dress up. My home is off the beaten path. No trick or treaters will be at my door, so I bought a couple of things for Lennon's bag, got out my camera and that was it.

But this year was different. First of all I went with Lennon and Bobby to buy two pumpkins. Then I donated the paint I had left over for the costume. Barbie came home with all sorts of little tidbits, tiny lights, glow necklaces, shiny banner paper. Bobby took a paper carton and turned it into a robot costume. Barbie covered a bike helmet in paper and made antennae with puff ball tops. Elbow protectors became shiny arm decorations.

Barbie decorated a pumpkin with lights. Bobby carved one and Lennon helped everyone else then stuck the face on his. All three lined up outside on the bench, the gate and doors were thrown wide open and trick or treaters began to arrive. Lennon had so much fun handing out candy that he barely agreed to go trick or treating himself, but he finally did, accompanied by Harpo Marx and Bat Girl. Gramma stayed at his house and handed out candy.

It was an old fashioned Halloween, one like I remember as a child. Parents and children rambled up and down the street in groups, calling to each other, laughing and having a great time. I noticed two Wiccan mothers beautifully dressed with flowers in their hair and long flowing white robes, there were tiny fairies in strollers, bumble bees in arms, a snow queen, lots of super heroes, vampires, an old fashioned school boy, and people from every ethnic group you can imagine. This is what the USA is supposed to be, a melting pot of good will and acceptance.