This year has been scary. I don't need to remind everyone that we've had quite a few situations this year requiring special attention to our health, society, and our own families. Many of the things we loved to do in our spare time for entertainment and relaxation were suddenly closed due to COVID-19. While some things have begun slowly opening up, we cannot fully return to our "old" ways of life...at least not yet.
My son turned to me the other day. "Ma. Are we having our Halloween party this year?" He and I have hosted one for many years since 2009, when he was just six years old. Ah, our Halloween bash! One of my tried and true traditions. While I admit the past few years were almost as crazy as this one, I think it's time to plan something safe while still celebrating the spirit of the season, Fall and Halloween being my favorites, to help celebrate our new home we closed on in late July.
We've gradually begun having small gatherings with close family and friends since July, and we take precautions not to allow anyone with a fever or COVID symptoms to enter our residence. We wear our masks diligently and practice social distancing at all times. We will host a small party for people we've had in our midst in the past few months, and though we wish we could invite others, we will avoid it at this time.
Our parties usually consist of snacks, eerie music (a playlist I've used for years that contains Michael Jackson's Thriller, Elton John's Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, and of course, Warren Zevon's Werewolves of London and Bobby "Boris" Pickett's Monster Mash, among many others), and fun and laughter. Our decorations, selected with love through the years, packed away with care by yours truly, are carted out around the middle of October (we're doing that as we speak).
One "baby zombie" has been my daughter's favorite since she was one. (My sister-in-law, her godmother, gets creeped out about the hugs the doll receives from Reese!) We have a skeleton who joined us last year, Fred, who lost a leg because my son taped him to the hood of his car last year; a twenty-inch spider; a dog skeleton; and various pumpkins and harmless fall garden decorations such as ubiquitous scarecrows. We pick pumpkins and decorate them often, placing gourds and straw throughout. We have scary pictures and displays, and festive platters and cups that I've saved being the pack rat my mother taught me to be.
We also engage in silly antics. One year, long ago, my friend and roommate Greg Winchell dressed as a vampire(ss) and hid on our fire escape, entering the room to scare incoming party guests. Another year a friend, Bob Vosburgh, won for Best Costume with his very simple white cap and white string at his butt, saying he was a sperm. My childhood friend Daniela has been Barbara Eden's "Jeannie" as well as a crayon (before that was a thing), and other colorful characters she and her cousin always matched with homemade costumes. It is not unusual for us to dress our dogs (not just on Halloween, I might add).
I've dressed as a hippie throughout the years, it being a favorite of my costumes. I've been a Mexican chica and Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope from Scandal. Last year, to celebrate Elton John's biopic Rocketman and his biography Me, I dressed as him. This year, I'm going to be Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, having found my high school graduation gown. I can finally wear the pearly collar I purchased back in the spring to use as a decorative trendy accent.
Sometimes we go trick or treating with my seven-year-old, who this year will be a Unicorn Doctor. (Stay tuned for that one!) Often we attend indoor and/or outdoor parties and celebrations such as at the community park or zoo, haunted houses, and haunted hay rides. It's a blast, for me something to enjoy before the winter chill sets in, and often, DURING the start of the winter chill. (Note: We live in Central New York State, home of snow on Mother's Day.)
We will see what this year brings in terms of trick-or-treating and community activities. One thing's for sure, it is expected to be a full moon AND a blue moon. Not sure what the blue means, but a full moon on Halloween? And a Saturday? Think we'll add Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting to our playlist!
By the way, this is my 13th blog entry. OOOOOOHHHHHH.
Enjoy your Halloween and please be smart and safe!
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