Halloween -- Traditions and Costumes

[TripletDaddy]

I have always found Halloween to be a load of fun, even as a 35 year old adult. Beyond the candy and the food, it is the one day of the year that I feel like I really share a bond with all my Pagan and Wiccan friends/coworkers. Most of the year, I have no interest in hearing their ramblings about Samhain, but come October 31, I really want to listen.

Growing up, my family has always had a few traditions that we are now implementing as parents in our own home.

First, everyone dresses up. You have to do something, even if it isnt ornate. A wig, a mask, a scary catheter....something that shows a little effort.

Second, we always make the homemade donuts. Although my wife and I have tweaked that tradition a bit and, in the spirit of SoCal, we make homemade churros. These are delicious and meritorious of their own holiday.

Third, as kids, we always looked forward to October because it was the only time of the year we could catch "Mad Monster Party" on TV. For those not in the pop-culture "know," MMP is an old Rankin-Bass claymation full-length (think Rudolph, Heatmeiser, et al) that centers around an Island Party thrown by Baron Von Frankenstein. he invites all the monsters to attend, as well as his non Monster nephew, Felix Flankin. Hilarity ensues. Anyhow, to keep this trend alive, I intoduced my ddd's to the DVD last week and they are hooked. We will bust this DVD out every October for them to enjoy.

Do any of you have any interesting Halloween traditions that do not include flaming bags of fecal matter? I am always interested in adding new cool things to our family itinerary.

Second, with regards to costumes, any cool ideas this year?

We always go to the Ward deal and then out for trick or treating, so I get to dress up twice. Last year I went as "Oates" from Hall and Oates, although a few people thought I was Super Mario.

This year, our kids are doing the Disney thing (Belle, Snow White, and Dash) for Halloween night. We are also taking them to the Diz trick or treat deal next week.....it is ab-fab and the kids love it.

I insisted we do something offbeat for the Ward party (much to my wife's chagrin). So I made little red energy domes for everyone and we are dressing up in all black and going as Devo, a la the old Freedom of Choice album cover.