For a family that wants to keep
their distance from the spooky, creepy elements of Halloween, there are plenty
of alternatives to still have fun and make smart choices.
Treats and sweets can originate
in your own kitchen and not just in the candy bag today. Make an afternoon activity of baking fun by
dipping apples or making popcorn balls.
Both are seasonal favorites that can be enjoyed during the preparation
just as much as the consumption. Give
kids other hands-on options like frosting cupcakes or drizzling chocolate over
pretzels that can result in simple, thoughtful treats for them to give to a neighbor to turn the day’s
focus on getting on its head.
For a crafty project, get the
family involved in prepping for the next holiday by arranging the table and
buffet or other side tables for Thanksgiving.
A handful of small to medium pumpkins, clear glass vases, white pillar
candles, and bags of candy corn can create a visually interesting, whimsical
centerpiece. Alternate the pumpkins and
vases down the table’s center. Place a 3
or 6 inch pillar candle in each vase. Fill
in the base of each vase 2 to 4 inches high with candy corn. It’s that simple. If you want to go a step further, scatter
autumn leaves at the bases of the pumpkins and vases you cut from a craft store
vine or swag. Lay out some chargers and
cloth napkins at each place, and you’re well on your way to hosting a turkey
feast around your table, and you’ve gotten the kids forward-focused with a
positive project.
Wrap up the evening with a family
comedy movie night, perhaps accompanied by those popcorn balls for a sweet
alternative to a movie’s best snack companion.
Whatever you choose to do with your day, enjoy it. Tomorrow rounds out one of the last weekends
before the hustle-and-bustle, travel, and family gatherings really pick up
during the holiday season. And unwrap more than just candy.
DesignInMind column; appeared in the Valley Morning Star October 30th.
