Halloween is my favorite holiday :jacko:

I used to love handing out treats to all the little kids, but they're getting older (or at least more cynical) and now I seem to get more complaints (why'd you give her a Mounds and I got a 3 Musketeers when Mounds is MY favorite? Can I get a Mounds, too? PLEEEEEEEZE?) than I'm comfortable with. So last year I went to a local mall and watched the merchants hand out candy to the really tiny kids (those are the cute ones, my favorite are the ones that are just gape-mouthed amazed at what's going on).

Do you have any Halloween plans?

Bah humbug! I put the dogs out in the garden, that keeps the little perishers at bay.

Only kidding, we don't celebrate Halloween really over here, we get the odd few kids round, but a few sweets and biscuits keep them content.

This tradition seems to have crept into Australian culture slightly in the last 5 years through the influence of American TV, with the odd sugar-crazed child risking life and limb knocking on strangers doors in the local streets, but it's still an oddity.

I'm not really a fan of Halloween, especially costume parties for adults.

About all I do is hand out candy to the little kids. I buy a few different kinds of candy and put everything into one basket and let them pick their favorite.

The "Trick or Treat" hours in my town are limited from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Most of the young kids come around between 5:00 and 7:00. Usually I turn out the lights after that.

Lorraine

.... with the odd sugar-crazed child risking life and limb knocking on strangers doors in the local streets...

I couldn't have described Halloween better. LOL!!!!

Lorraine

My FAVORITE thing to do is to camp out on a friends porch (one who lives in a subdivision) as a scarecrow. I have a berlap "mask" that I made and stitched all up, stuff hubby's pants with straw, big over sized gloves and a hat. I sit and wait patiently for the little munchkins to come up on the porch, get their goodies and turn-around to leave. At that point, I jump up and scream, they scream, we all scream....its such good fun!

Grafx, you seem to be having the most fun of anybody. I don't care much for Halloween, but the little ones are sweet and funny. Maybe I should do what Doug does and go to a mall and watch them get candy.

I used to love Halloween, it used to be fun, safe, and accepted. Now between the overpriced costumes and candy, the safety issues, trick or treating at the mall with Christmas decorations up, sometimes having the night changed to a different night, you can only go between certain times sometimes and they don't really let you know exactly what they are, and all the other ways it's been messed up. Grrrrr... Funny... we have time limits on Halloween but not Fourth of July and neighbors can throw fire crackers until 1 in the morning. Plus, now kids can't even wear costumes to school anymore so you pay or take time to make a costume that they wear for about 3 hours. And even if they could, there's too much, you can dress up but not as this or that because it's evil, etc. I tried throwing a Halloween party once for my boys because it was safe and I wanted Halloween to be fun again for them... sooooo many parents asked me to change the name from a Halloween party to a Fall Celebration and not let children dress as certain things. And I had to send an invite to everyone in my child's class to make it fair so that's why I got all these phone calls about it. Then my kids got upset because they couldn't understand why some of their friends weren't allowed to come. It's just not the same but somehow, I have to try and have a good time for the kids sake like always. Wow do I sound bitter today or what ????LOL. :dead: :dizzy: Really I'm not usually this bad :spchless:

What are the certain things they can't dress as??

witches, little devils :devil: , zombies, vampires, basically anything that is creepy or scary. If it's not a cartoon character or a pumpkin or bunny rabbit, lol. I mean luckily my kids don't even want to be those things so I don't have to see them dissapointed that way, they like being video game characters. Still, it made it so hard to have a Halloween party and for some of the younger kids at school. I ended up having three little witches at the party anyways. They were really cute actually, little first graders. I love seeing the kids all dressed up. That year I was Cruella De Ville and my babies dressed like puppies. Note, never wear a costume that requires heels if you will be in the grass... a lot... :rolleyes: :jacko: Oh and please don't get me wrong, I completely understand people have their own beliefs and I respect that, I just hate seeing kids from different families disappointed because they really just don't understand.

I just can't believe this. It would never even occur to people over here to not send their kid to a party because someone else may be dressed as a witch or a goblin etc.

Tell these people to get a life. OK, some kids may get a little frightened, but they'll get over it. What kind of message are you giving your kids if you think they should be protected from absolutely everything that might upset them. Life just doesn't always suit you in every possible way, live with it.

I think you should keep having the parties, and let the kids dress however they want, and if some neurotic parent doesn't want to send their kids, then it's their loss. Don't pander to these idiots, you'll only make them worse.

Rant over.

Gary

You know kids dressed up as little scary things are not scary at all especially to other kids their age. I think it might actually be a little theraputic. Its really odd. We live in a VERY religious town (the Baptist run a good portion of it) and every time a new Harry Potter book comes out there are protests and the like. I'm a Christian and I've read MANY books, watched MANY movies, live on the History & Discovery Channels, but I just don't understand why some folks are so closed minded. I really enjoy Halloween (and no I don't scare the wee little kids - just the older ones) not for the candy or anything like that. I like to see children dressed up, using their imaginations, pretending - having fun. Its another opportunity to enjoy your family and friends in a festive atmosphere. We need to enjoy these times, life is too short.

What's to protest about in a Harry Potter book ?

I just can't believe this. It would never even occur to people over here to not send their kid to a party because someone else may be dressed as a witch or a goblin etc.

Tell these people to get a life. OK, some kids may get a little frightened, but they'll get over it. What kind of message are you giving your kids if you think they should be protected from absolutely everything that might upset them. Life just doesn't always suit you in every possible way, live with it.

I think you should keep having the parties, and let the kids dress however they want, and if some neurotic parent doesn't want to send their kids, then it's their loss. Don't pander to these idiots, you'll only make them worse.

Rant over.

Gary

LOL aren't rants fun though??? Anyhoos, as for the parties, I think we may invite a few close friends over and do more of a halloween slumber party this year. The other way was way too expensive anyways and you're right some of these parents are just horrible. My son went to his dance class yesterday and the one lady went off on how children shouldn't be allowed to dress up like those things.. (my sons little girlfriend is going to be a devil and that's what started the conversation) and I didn't say anything to her. Didn't have to. She said that where she lives the children are encouraged to even dress up as biblical characters, and some other lady said, well they do talk about the devil. Ummm... I didn't stay for the rest because my diet coke almost went out my nose. I wasn't ready for that. Anyways, like I said I completely respect others beliefs and feelings... it's when they make a big deal or ruin things for others that it bothers me.

So about my halloween plans, .. like I said I decided last night to do a slumber party thing but we're going to go trick or treating first by my kids grandmother's house. Then we are going to make homemade doughnuts and caramel popcorn to eat while watching "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" and then an old tape of DTV Halloween. It was taped in the 80's and it was Disney TV. They used to show that on Sundays a lot and it's where they put songs on and have the cartoons go to it. Love it, plus I left the commercials in and it brings back so many memories. That's when most commercials were tolerable. I also have a few Holloween kid books and I thought we could read one before the kiddies crash. I think the kids will have fun. It's supposed to be nice weather too WOOHOO!!!!! Last year it was really hot with 99% chance of mosquito bites. :clown:

"Witchcraft is evil"
At least that is what is thought of the book even though it is completely fictional. Its funny. People go off on Harry Potter, but not C.S. Lewis's "Chronicals of Narnia" or Tolkin's "Lord of the Rings" I wonder if its because the later are considered classics. To me, Harry Potter, is a modern classic. I LOVE them! I'm so pleased that fantasy and scifi is making a come back. I'm a nerd.

Or why don't they pick on Wizard of Oz??? I bet the kids could have come dressed as Dorothy, the scarecrow, the tinman but not the witch no no no not her. Not the good witch either cause she's a witch.

Ok I'm done now... :spchless: :lmao:

Hi Twinkissed, glad to hear you're having the party, sounds like great fun for the kids. Glad you're not letting the close minded spoil your celebrations.

Grafx, like you I think Harry Potter's a moderm classic. Started reading them when a kids TV programme recommended the 1st book to their viewers. Read C.S. Lewis and Tolkien when I was a kid, still read them from time to time. (Guess I haven't quite lost the child in me).

Bought the first 3 Harry Potters for my wife as a "surprise" Christmas present, now we fight over who gets to read the latest book first, when it comes out.

Guess some people can see "evil" in anything, if they protest about a kid's book. Funny, I thought the church preached tolerance, and that we'd stopped burning witches (as well as use of the ducking stool). Seems some people don't realise what century we're living in.

Anyway, best wishes to you both, have an enjoyable Halloween.

Gary

A cool Halloween projects page (http://www.madhauscreative.com/Halloween%20projects.html).

Thanks Doug those are great. I saw an idea once (didn't see it on there but it may have been lol) where you take a plastic glove and fill it will hawaiian punch or red koolaid or even just red colored water and put it in the freezer then place it in your punch bowl. You'll have a floating hand and as it melts the red well.... it looks ooky. I had small kids at my party so I didn't do it but I still think it sounds fun.

Thanks Doug those are great. I saw an idea once (didn't see it on there but it may have been lol) where you take a plastic glove and fill it will hawaiian punch or red koolaid or even just red colored water and put it in the freezer then place it in your punch bowl. You'll have a floating hand and as it melts the red well.... it looks ooky. I had small kids at my party so I didn't do it but I still think it sounds fun.A floating hand sounds fun. How about a floating head (http://www.madhauscreative.com/head%20in%20a%20jar.html)? It's even topical because it's made with an image.

Pierre

Out of the country and missed the contest, so here are some tips for all!
Remember... 

1.- When it appears that you have killed the monster, NEVER check to see if it's really dead. 

2.- Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even just for kicks. 

3.- Do not search the basement, especially if the power has gone out. 

4.- If your children speak to you in Latin or any other language which they should not know, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run. However, it will probably take several rounds to kill them, so be prepared. This also applies to kids who speak with somebody else's voice. 

5.- When you have the benefit of numbers, NEVER pair off and go alone. 

6.- As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell. 

7.- Never stand in, on, or above a grave, tomb, or crypt. This would apply to any other house of the dead as well. 

8.- If you're searching for something which caused a loud noise and find out that it's just the cat, GET THE HELL OUT! 

9.- If appliances start operating by themselves, do not check for short circuits, just get out. 

10.- Do not take ANYTHING from the dead. 

11.- If you find a town which looks deserted, there's probably a good reason for it. Don't stop and look around. (this is a lot of towns in Oregon, lol)

12.- Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you're absolutely sure you know what you're doing. 

13- If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice, more if you are of the female persuasion (see it isn't just me). Also note that despite the fact that you are running and the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you. 

14.- If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, increasing hairiness, and so on, off them immediately. You'll thank yourself later. 

15.- Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which are listed here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, Nilbog (you're already in trouble if you recognize this one), anywhere in Texas where chainsaws are sold, the Bermuda Triangle, or any small town in Maine. Also, California and Ohio are good spots to avoid this and every other time of year. I mean, the answer's in the question. 

16.- If your car runs out of gas at night on a lonely road, do not go to the nearby deserted-looking house to phone for help. If you think that it is strange you ran out of gas because you thought you had most of a tank, shoot yourself instead. You are going to die anyway and most likely be eaten. 

17.- Beware of strangers bearing strange tools. For example: chainsaws, nail guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawnmowers, butane torches, soldering irons, band saws or any devices made from deceased companions. 

18.- If you find that your house is built upon a cemetery, now is the time to move in with the in-laws. (It's a toss-up. I know.) This also applies to houses that had previous inhabitants who went mad, committed suicide, died in some horrible fashion, OR had inhabitants who performed satanic practices in your house. 

19.- (And perhaps the most important..) Always get out as soon as the scary music starts playing or an unknown, ghostly voice says, "GET OUT". Take the hint.† It probably knows something you don't.

Sweet Dreams
Okay, here is my "OMG it is a full moon and I have an overwhemling urge to sing "Beat it." tweak.... sorry, looked like so much fun, I couldn't resist! :jacko:

Sorry Nanls, the nose is far too realistic to be Michael's,but the skin tone is just right. Thanks for the laughs.

Bored. Don't want to be at work and I only have .gif images of my dog to play with. Don't get me wrong I have plenty I SHOULD be doing, but NOTHING I want to do. Drawing maps in Illustrator...BLAH!

Happy Halloweenie Folks!

My 5-year-old daughter is about to make herself sick because she's so excited about getting to go trick-or-treating tonight. I don't get into Halloween and I can't even remember what she's dressing up as. If I had to guess based on the past two years, she will dress as a princess.

We're carrying my 17-month-old boy along for his 2nd annual Halloween trip to the relatives houses.
He will be going as himself. He lost it when we tried to put him in the little puppy-dog costume his sister used when she was 1. So William will be going as ... William.

Indeed, gone are the days when you'd see hundreds of kids cruising around the neighborhood giggling, screaming and laughing as they bounced from house to house.
We just go to relative's houses where we know there's no poison on the food and no razor blades in the apples.

For us, Halloween's provides one more chance to have fun with our kids and make some memories before they grow out of all this.

Here's how I'm spending my Halloween - with grandson Max :happy:

Halloween is now over (has been for the last 2 1/2 hours!). It's always a blast to see all those little monsters roaming the streets.

My little boys are the Kangaroo and the Ninja Turtle. We barely managed to sit them down for a few seconds to snap a quick picture... all they wanted to do is go trick-or-treating.