Don’t Be a Hallo-weenie: Embrace Halloween Like a Kid Again! 🎃

Alright, adults, it’s time for some real talk. Halloween isn’t just for kids. If you’ve found yourself gradually morphing into a Franken-Poop Head—too "cool" to dress up, grumbling at costumes—you’re missing out on one of life’s simple, glorious joys: pretending to be someone (or something) else for a day! Most of us complain about our daily lives, so why not escape into costume for a change?

Before kids, I lived for Halloween. I’d go all out with costumes—think themed, like Ross and Rachel, Kelly and Zach (Go, Timberwolves!), and of course, Ben Franklin, complete with his kite! I even had themed classes for my group fitness gig where I’d do 16-20 costume changes in an hour. Pure chaos, pure fun.

Now, as a “responsible adult” (who let that happen?), my costume game looks a little different. My kiddos are in charge now, meaning I’m more likely to be dressing them up as fluffy-butted bumblebees or brown horses with hooves (this was a requirement and not easy to find) than pulling off a seamless theme. And yet, I still love it—costumes, chaos, and all. Plus, parental candy tax is a big perk. To those handing out the good stuff, bless you; we parents need chocolate, too.

Ready to Unleash Your Inner Kid? Here’s How to Have a fan-freaking-tastic Halloween as a Grown-Up:

1. Embrace Costume Freedom 🧙‍♀️

   • Think back to your favorite characters, past costumes, or something utterly random! Halloween isn’t a day for judging; it’s for embracing the weird, the funny, and the downright silly. Don’t think about being “cool”—that ship sailed when you started hiding from trick-or-treaters. Turn your porch lights on, ya grumps.

     
     

2. Team Up for Themed Costumes 👯‍♂️

   • Partner costumes are always a hit. Whether you rope in your significant other, best friend, or even your dog, there’s something extra fun about pairing up. Try out some classics like Bonnie & Clyde, Salt & Pepper, or a true throwback duo like the PB & J sandwich. Warning: If you’re really feeling it and all members are willing participants, a full family theme is dangerously fun, too!

     
     

3. Bring the Party to Work 🎉

   • Most of us spend a lot of our Halloween day at work, so why not make it festive? Host a costume contest, put together a “scary snack” table, or play a few Halloween games. Pro tip: No one hates you for keeping things spooky with some themed treats.

     
     

4. The Art of the Candy Tax 🍫

   • For those who take little ones trick-or-treating, welcome to the glorious institution of the candy tax. It’s simple: you walk, they gather, and then you get first pick of the stash. Stick to the “real” candy (looking at you, full-size bar givers) and enjoy the treats without the costumes. A little old lady at the grocery store once told me that calories don't count on your birthday after spying the cake in my hands, and I feel the same for Halloween.

     
     

5. Relive Your Favorite Scary Movie Moments 🍿

   • Whether you’re into horror or “horror lite” (think more Hocus Pocus, less The Shining), a Halloween movie night is a fun way to keep the spirit alive. Plus, it’s a great way to get friends and family in the spooky spirit. Might I recommend the Hotel Transylvania series? Adam Sandler as Dracula is a hoot.

     
     

6. Tap Into Your Crafty Side 🎨

   • If costumes aren’t your thing, get into the Halloween vibe with some DIY projects. From decorating your front porch to making your own costumes or carving a damn pumpkin, a little creativity goes a long way in getting that Halloween spirit flowing. This year we're trying cookie cutters and a rubber mallet to aid in the carving process. Stay tuned for success rates.

   
   

7. Be a Giver of the Good Stuff 🍬

   • Set your house up as a Halloween destination by giving out the good candy. Be the hero on the block with full-size bars, fun-sized chocolates, and maybe a few extras for the grown-ups shepherding their little goblins from house to house.

   
   

So, if you’ve been inching closer to the Halloween sidelines, it’s time to jump back in. Let this year be the year you become the legend of Halloween fun again. Dust off that witch hat, throw on a pair of cat ears, or go all out with a full costume—just don’t be a Hallo-weenie. Embrace the silliness, enjoy the candy tax, and remember that growing up doesn’t mean you have to give up the fun!

Happy Halloween, from one costume-loving kid-at-heart to another! 🎃👻