The last-minute Halloween costume change
A Facebook friend's status this morning got me thinking about the great last-minute Halloween costume changeup that seems to occur every year in our family. Apparently it's an exciting adventure for lots of parents out there.
It goes like this: In late September or early October, Mom (or Dad) pulls it together and realizes it's time to get the Halloween costume(s). Kids accompany parent to the store, if parent is not the crafty type, and make their choice. Or, in the more dramatic version of the story, child announces he/she wants to be something incredibly original, the costume for which does not actually exist in a pre-made costume, and must be put together by ordering parts from various obscure Internet sites.
Parent jumps through assorted hoops and obtains desired costume. The week before Halloween, child wears it to a trick-or-treating event at a museum, and perhaps to a Halloween party.
By the time Halloween actually arrives, the child is thoroughly bored with her costume. She wants to be something else.
What do you do?
This has happened with us enough times that my kids now know this rule well: We buy a maximum of ONE costume for each child. If you want to change, you will create your new costume yourself, from available materials at home. And Mom will not be doing any last-minute sewing.
Associated Press photo
Comments
Call me stingy, but we have never bought a Halloween costume. The costume discussion begins with what we have on hand, and we go from there. From that we've pulled together a firefighter, a chef, a mountain rescue ranger, a cheerleader and a football player or two... And we don't get them together until a few days before Halloween, so they have no time to get sick of them.
Posted by: WildBillFan | October 28, 2009 1:31 PM
When our younger son was in pre-school, everyone made a costume in school. It was hours of activity, and it took the pressure off the parents. I loved it!
Where is this preschool, Dahlink? Do you think they would take a 6-year-old and an 8-year-old?
Posted by: Dahlink | October 28, 2009 3:21 PM
My younger kids are pretty easy to get costumes for. My 12 year old is another story. He still wants to dress up and go trick or treating, (which I am fine with) but we can't agree on a costume.
With older boys I find it can be tough to get a costume that isn't grotesque and they will agree to. I suggest ones like a pirate, doctor or something else that I don't find objectionable. Those don't seem to interest him. We shall see what we can agree to by Saturday.
Posted by: Christine Connally | October 28, 2009 7:39 PM
I thought about having my son sign a contract - I've done that before for book reports, so he doesn't change his mind two days before it's due. I have to make them confirm their final choice when we actually start to put together the costumes the week or two before Halloween, because you're right, they'll want to change their minds the day before!
Posted by: Chris | October 29, 2009 8:23 AM
you shouldnt go trick or treating its bad
Posted by: Anonymous | October 29, 2009 8:53 PM