I Just Really Miss “Kid Halloween”

As the last full week of September drawls on (although it certainly doesn’t feel that way–80 F temps, anyone?) I am already seeing reminders of that holiday on October 31st; stores are putting up decorations of jack-o-lanterns and skulls, friends are volleying costume ideas, and Halloween parties are being advertised all over campus. 

I’m excited, but I cannot help but feel a little nostalgic every year for the “kid Halloween.” You know, the one you looked forward to planning back in August? Whether it was trick-or-treating around your neighborhood, throwing spooky parties in the basement, or spending class time decorating orange cookies with neon sprinkles, being a kid on Halloween was next-level awesome. 

When I was younger, my Halloween consisted of waiting for hours in the afternoon; I stared at the clock for hours waiting to put on my costume. When my mom did tell us that we could get dressed, another world would start. We would traipse around the neighborhood for what was probably one hour but felt like days. Our bags would grow heavy with candy, the neighborhood would grow darker, and the sidewalks and streets would be littered with skittles wrappers. Overcome with the rush of being out after dark and being allowed to eat way too much sugar, our surroundings seemed magical.

Now? There’s more leather and less glitter. Believe me, I like college Halloween, for certain childlike aspects do remain: I will always see apple-picking, pumpkins, glow-in-the-dark ghosts, and everyone in a better mood. Still, I cannot help but miss the “little kid” version. Back in the day, there was no pressure to go out or to workout all month just so you could “fit” into your costume. There was only you, your neighborhood, and one of those little plastic pumpkins. Maybe I’ll hand out candy this year. 

• college
• fall
• halloween
• pumpkin