Yesterday, a stranger randomly said to me, “you’re all dressed up for Halloween.”
I answered affirmatively. I was ‘dressed up’ for work. I mean I wasn’t wearing sweats. Two moments later, I realized she thought I was wearing a costume. I was wearing a long skirt and coat with a bright orange scarf AND I had several bags in my hands. What did she think my costume was? Hippie, Gypsy, Homeless gal, witch? No idea what masquerade the woman thought I was doing. Yet, it prompted me to think about the many potential holiday blunders that people should avoid.
Halloween No-No’s
*Don’t assume someone is wearing a costume. (see above)
*If it’s OBVIOUS there is a costume, don’t ask, ‘what are you supposed to be?‘ Whether they put a lot of effort or no effort into it, no one wants to explain their costume. If you don’t get it, just move on with a knowing nod and slight chuckle.
*Don’t go to a costume party without a costume on. You’re not that cool. In fact, you’re coming off lame. You can find a costume anywhere. I once wore my pajamas, a face mask and curlers and went as a Desperate Housewife. The transition for bedtime was instant and my face was glowing the next day. Don’t overthink it! Keep it simple! And if you don’t want to wear a costume, stay home.
*When you’re out mingling among the masked monsters, remember some of them really are monsters. The horrible people of the world dress for the spook-fest too. That Bride of Frankenstein could break your heart. And that Bart Simpson might even kill you. Be careful!
*Enjoy the candy but don’t over enjoy the candy. I learned last Saturday after chomping through a half bag of candy corn, eating too much candy can make me sick. Avoid intestinal unattractiveness by knowing your body’s limits.
*Don’t bother with crap candy! Especially if you need to enjoy your candy in moderation, eat the best stuff first… the Snickers, 3 Musketeers, Paydays, ANYTHING Caramel. Discard the Laffy Taffy, smarties, dum-dums, ANY hard candy.
*When choosing between trick or treat, prioritize ‘treat.‘ No one is looking to be tricked. Save your elaborate hoax for April and just shower people in candy.
*Remember the day is for the kids or the kid-inside. Don’t poo-poo someone’s fun by taking the holiday too seriously. Appreciate their elaborate costume, their decorated home, their Halloween-crazed attitude. Let this creepy holiday be fun!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!