So I’ve been giving quiet a bit of thought to Halloween of late. I just finished my two year olds costume and we managed to save a cute cat costume for her infant brother, so we are all set in the costume department. Now, it’s time to consider what we will give the ghosts and goblins— or rather Doras and Spidermen that ring our doorbell.  As I was pondering what we should dole out I came across some information on Green Halloween, a group in Seattle aimed at making Halloween an opportunity to make choices that are healthy for people and the Earth.

Exploring further, Green Halloween encourages parents (especially those with children 1-5) and kids to make alternative choices about celebrating Halloween. Some of the suggestions include giving healthy or non-food treats such as boxes of organic raisins or bells, or perhaps organizing a progressive Halloween craft party in your neighborhood.

While I especially like to notion of making costumes from stuff found at home or creating your own over purchasing the ready-to-wear variety that kids grow out of every year, I am not so sure about the whole concept. When I was growing up my house was the one that gave out the apples and pretzel sticks. I bet my mom still gives out baggies of mini carrots or something. For me, Halloween was the holiday of candy. There was no other time during the year I was allowed to consume candy and in fact I can probably count the number of candy bars I ate as a kid on one hand. After one evening trick o’ treating, I had more candy than I knew what to do with.

So what does that leave for us to give to our trick o’ treaters? I guess this year I have been inspired by Green Halloween. I don’t plan on giving out raisins or honey sticks, but maybe it really would make more sense to give out decent treats so perhaps I should see what fair-trade chocolate bars I can find.

Happy Halloween Everyone