My Purple Hayes Daze

In anticipation of Halloween this year, I agonized over whether or not to go through the effort of dressing Hayes in a costume that would be worn for all of about two hours.  I wouldn’t think twice about the money spent and the effort made if he were more experienced, or at least a four-year old.  But he’s three and doesn’t even know what Halloween is.  Furthermore, the sole festivity of the weekend is a small Halloween gathering that was organized at the last minute by a handful of very good friends.

I figured this would be the perfect time to ease Hayes into the Halloween spirit.  This year, we could check out the trick-or-treat scene, discuss all the cool costumes, eat candy, and be ready for next year.  And later in the evening, we could meet our friends for some laid back version of a Halloween party.  Perfect.

Well, my ingenious plan was thwarted when I was told not to show up without a costume.  And herein lies my dilemma.  I respect the stipulation, but I’m failing miserably at this.  I’m trying to make this Halloween a low-key intro for Hayes.  But I’m finding out that this holiday is one that you either fully commit to or you don’t.  There is no in-between.

So I’ve been thinking…

Happy Halloween to all of you mommies out there who know how to do it right.