Halloween | Grandma's Ramblings

Halloween decorations are off the shelf – and even before we celebrate Thanksgiving, the stores are filled with Christmas decorations and music. Many of my friends tell me they are busy with their Christmas shopping list.

It is amazing to me how much money we spend at Christmas. According to the National Retail Federation, American spent 929.5 billion on Christmas in 2022, 955.6 billion in 2023 and it is estimated to grow 2.5% to 3.5%, to a new record of between $979.5 billion and $989 billion this year.

While Halloween spending is much less, it still is amazing what we spend. Americans spent $12.2 billion on Halloween in 2023 and $10.6 billion on Halloween in 2022.

Now – I am not trying to be Scrooge. Christmas is a great holiday – and absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying all the parties, gift exchanges and family gatherings.

BUT….as you begin shopping for family and friends, may I suggest you add something to that shopping list. Find an organization that helps the homeless, those who have lost their homes in natural disasters and the many in refugee camps around the world. The list goes on and on. Check out this website to find what needs there are – both in the USA and around the world.

https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give/

There are many local organizations that could use some help. Local food pantries, Toys for Tots, check with your local school board for church for a family that could use help.

Check out my post on Mercy Ships.

https://wordpress.com/post/barblaneblog.com/7833

Let the joy of Christmas shopping extend beyond your immediate circle.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Although I have 20 grandchildren, only one lives close to me and she is the youngest at 3 1/2 years old.  Needless to say, I spoil her!

I am so happy that I was able to share her first trick or treat adventure two years ago.  Dressed as a little bumblebee, we started off with her carrying a small stuffed bumblebee while I carried a plastic pumpkin for her treats.  As we approached the first house you could see she was not sure what was actually going on.  Her mother and I encouraged her to say “trick or treat” to the young woman who answered the door.

I held out the plastic pumpkin and she watched with great interest as the young woman deposited some candy into it.  We told her to say “Thank you.”  It came out “Tank you.”

As we started to walk back down the driveway, she suddenly stopped.  First she looked at me – then at the pumpkin in my hand – down at the bumblebee in her hand – back to the pumpkin which now held candy.

She held out the bumblebee in her hand to me and reached for the pumpkin.  Clearly she had decided holding the plastic pumpkin was a much better deal than holding the bumblebee!

By the time we made it up and down the next driveway, she was asking, “More?”  After a few more houses, she was an old pro holding out the pumpkin, saying “Trick or treat” and then “Tank you!”

This year she is a Ninja turtle – and growing up so fast!  I know there will be many more Halloween evenings and many more costumes.

But I will ALWAYS treasure that first Halloween and I am so thankful I have those memories!