Tonight, Jason and I just fell back into our couch and whispered (at the same time), "We did it!" Keeping up with holiday traditions isn't always easy. But, thank goodness for holidays, huh? In every holiday the goal is to make it a source of joy. Traditions are a big part of that--and, of course, just letting yourself enjoy every season as it comes.
I don't find great meaning in Halloween. I know it has roots in All Saints' Day (I cleaned up after a few of those celebrations in the Philippines!) But for me it's all about having fun--especially for my kiddos. I also like that Halloween kicks off the beautiful holiday season. I can't wait to put my Fall decorations up! I find it secretly fun to use Halloween for all the commercialism and fun (chocolate) it can offer. The holidays that follow have such beautiful, deep messages that need to be celebrated. Maybe Halloween allows me to get out all of my holiday jitters and by November 1st I find myself ready and in the right spirit to start preparing for Thanksgiving, and especially, Christmas.I find that I can remove stress from keeping up on holiday traditions if I focus on making them a source of joy in one way or another. So, here are some of our Halloween joys.
First, the GORGEOUSNESS and CRISP AIR of AUTUMN. It just doesn't get any better.
First, the GORGEOUSNESS and CRISP AIR of AUTUMN. It just doesn't get any better.
There was definitely some joy floating around here last night after a TRI-WARD Trunk-or-Treat. And these are not small wards, I tell ya. My kids will be eating candy for months. Soup, games, and lines of trunks full of candy. Nothing better!
Costumes--definitely can't leave that one out. Every year we can't agree for everyone to dress up in the same theme so we make up stories cast by the chosen creatures. This year I put a stop to the stories because every plot involved a poor, distressed, damsel. Sarah really had no chance with this crew. But I like how they carefully choose which costume they like every year and then it's added to our dress-ups! So much fun!
Oh! And we can't forget the pumpkin carving. My secret source of joy comes from quietly laughing at my husband who spends 80% of his days elbow deep in intestine but can't stomach pumpkin innards. He totally turns pale at the smells and sight! But, he still does it with us! Also, I just love the finished product and how proud the kids are at their personal designs.
Ahhh...the sugar cookie. I love working in the kitchen with my kids and making sugar cookies is the ultimate in kitchen experience. They all love it. Then we have tasty treats to eat and share!
Most of all we're just so happy to enjoy another beautiful holiday as a family! We hope you all had a fun-filled Halloween, too!
6 comments:
The pics are great and, as usual, your kids are adorable. I love that Sarah's hair is getting longer. We can't wait to see you all in a few weeks. YAY for fall!
Now I feel a little guilty. We just paid our kids $5 each to skip Halloween this year. (We did pumpkins and donuts on a string, though!) Hmm... maybe we could turn that into a tradition and then I could get rid of my guilt and find some of your joy! :) Love the costumes and those cookies (and the happy little girl) looked delightful!
You know, Steph, your family is just so darn adorable! love the costumes and the pumpkins. What did you dress up as? :)
CUTEST family ever!
Your pictures are great! It doesn't hurt that your kids are so dang cute either. I had a ninja in the exact same costume this year. And I TOTALLY agree about Halloween kicking of the holiday season. LOVE IT!
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