June 4, 2012, 4:00pm. “Mama, is it Halloween?” asked my three year old son as he looked in the toy closet and discovered the green plastic pumpkin that he used to collect candy last October. “No, honey. Halloween is in the fall when it’s getting colder out. It’s springtime now and getting warmer out. We have to wait a few more months.”
This statement caused his bottom lip to protrude into one of the saddest pouty faces I ever saw. Then, as if in a cartoon, I swear I saw a lightbulb appear over his head. “I have an idea!” he exclaimed. “Let’s celebrate UN-Halloween today!” I raised an eyebrow. “Let’s go UN-Trick or Treating!”
“What do you propose?” I asked, feeling that slight twinge of excitement in my belly and anticipating his response. “Well, let’s get some lollipops, ring peoples’ doorbells, and give THEM candy!” His eyes were bright and twinkling.
“Do we have to dress up in costume?” I asked, wanting to make sure I celebrated this holiday correctly. “No, Mama, because it’s UN-Halloween!” He looked at me and shook his head.
So, we took his green pumpkin, filled it with Dum Dum lollipops, put on our shoes, tucked the baby in her wrap, and set out on our adventure. We started with our friends and neighbors, figuring that at least they would be receptive to the idea. After we chatted with and amused them a bit, we went up to many other houses, rang the bell and waited, just as if it was the real Halloween.
“Can I help you?” was a typical response from the confused person standing at the door. “Happy UN-Halloween!” we’d shout… well, mostly I had to shout as my son suddenly became shy. To this, the perplexed person would just look at me, then at my son, then at me again, not quite sure what to do with that information. I, of course, would then have to follow up with, “We are UN-Trick or Treating today, so we are here to give YOU candy!”
My son would then reach into his green pumpkin, pull out a Dum Dum, hand it to the person, then run on to the next house. Many of the people still stood there, lollipop in hand, and uttered an unsure “Thanks?” As confused as most people were, almost all of them ended up with a big smile on their faces.
My son was delighted. This made him feel so good inside and he can’t wait to do it again (I guess we’ll have to take a different route). It was wonderful to see him having such a blast with something that was entirely his idea. Not only did we spread a little cheer on what happened to be a nasty fall-like day in June, we ended up meeting some nice folks in our neighborhood, and created a brand new holiday.
Not bad for a Monday!
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