HALLOWEEN – OK

This afternoon I went to my grandson’s home where he was having a Halloween party with his mother, an assortment of relatives and cousins. It’s hard to describe the decorations in every corner of the house – in the bathroom, on the windows, on the stairs etc etc. I bought a VAMPIRE costume in an attempt to scare my grandson and  other children. I think I succeeded. I stayed for awhile. When they got ready to go Trick or Treating I left.
My ex DIL had prepared over 200 bags of treats to give out. It seems as if there are a lot of children in their neighborhood. So different from mine. They gave out candy for awhile and then went Trick or Treating themselves.
We celebrated Halloween for years but then a letter came from the school explaining that Jewish children should not celebrate Halloween so I cancelled the holiday. My boys were older by then and had celebrated for years. My daughter was younger and was upset that I wouldn’t participate but I wouldn’t go against the school. I don’t understand why it took the school so long to send home letters. Besides we had many other holidays so I was only too happy not to have the "work" of a holiday which we weren’t suppose to be celebrating.
I know that many people and children in North America are big time consumers. We are very materialistic. I wish it would be different. I know I can start with my family and myself. I am caught up with the SHOPPING experience. I do try to be involved with hobbies but that also involves shopping. I am not doing any charity although I did in years gone by. A few times I gave my name in but never got a call back.
My hubby and I do donate to charity. We use to donate a lot more before he retired. Now I have two charity boxes in the kitchen and I try to drop coins in a few times a week. I feel very blessed and like to share with others as much as I can. I do not think however that I am conveying this message to my grandchildren. Maybe their parents are.
I spoke to my hubby. He drove until New Jersey. He planned to drive much further but he stopped a few times in search of miniature cars.
So that’s today. My lights are on in several rooms. Thanks for all your notes of suggestions, encouragement and support.