Battle of the Whoppers

🎃 HALLOWEEN BATTLE 👸

My last 2 trick-or-treaters were a preschool-aged boy & girl, and the girl reminded me of Audrey at that age. VERY Verbal! 😂 She and I immediately discussed why she could not hold the bowl of candy (my phone was in it). I guess she decided one capitulation was enough.

They were late enough that it seemed safe to assume no one else would come, so I gave each child extra candy. My mistake was giving her brother 2 "Whoppers" and she did not get one like that. She wanted one. I had no more.

Nothing else I offered her was acceptable. "That's not what he got." I was trying to bargain with the boy--- who never said a word to me at all--- as the girl kept reminding me she really wanted one. When offered more candy, she accepted... but immediately reminded me that she wanted what "he" got, too!

FINALLY, the dad got one out of the boy's bag to give her; I gave him something else as compensation. He just continued to stare at me through it all. But, everyone seemed satisfied with what they had and I had a good laugh after the skilled mini-negotiator left happy with her Whoppers.

Teal Pumpkin Project

Kayden painting a teal pumpkin

Halloween is approaching at the end of the month, and many churches and organizations are already having events. Most children love to dress up and go to these annual parties and many still participate in the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treat experience. However, kids with food allergies are often left out of the fun, especially the treats. I know we have had items set aside for kids at church events, but I was not aware that there is a nation-wide site to bring awareness. Thanks to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) for teaming up with other partners to make a difference.

FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project came about through the desire to make sure all kids can have fun and get special treats to enjoy. Just picking up a few non-food items as an alternative makes a difference. You may even decide to do only non-food instead of buying candy. The idea is to simply create a safer, happier Halloween for all children.

Need ideas or downloadables? Go to the Teal Pumpkin Project website at www.foodallergy.org/teal-pumpkin-project and explore the rich resources available! You still have a couple of days to make this year's Halloween safer and more fun, plus you can start making plans for next year's! 

Teal Pumpkin Project

Halloween

Halloween can be a very controversial day and I am not going to dispute with anyone about whether it should be celebrated or shunned entirely. I dislike the frightening or evil side that some seem to enjoy, but I don't like that stuff the rest of the year either.

To me, it is the beginning of a season of Sharing and Caring. I have no problem with kids dressing up, getting treats, playing games, and just simply having fun. Giving out candy may not exactly be the same as "And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded." (Matthew 10:42), but it does work on similar principles. Giving treats and joy to kids is one of the earliest examples of sharing and giving that kids can grasp. It is offered freely and without anything being required in return. Hmmm, that concept sounds familiar too!! "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God." (Ephesians 2:8)

My very first Halloween was when I was only 3 months old, so I have no memory of it. But I have always treasured the story my mom told me about it. Oct 31st of that year she was a young mom, and probably exhausted from taking care of her first child (although I am sure I was a perfect child! LOL!). My dad was working 2nd shift so it was just the 2 of us when there was a knock on the door. When the costumed kids yelled out, "Trick or Treat!!," my mom realized she had forgotten all about Halloween. She apologized to the group of kids and explained that all she had to offer them was her baby's bottle. A couple of hours later, the same group of kids returned...bringing Mom a bag of candy from what they had received from neighbors! They wanted to share with someone who had none.

So, I think of Halloween as the first day of Sharing Season. During the coming weeks, people will be donating food, toys, etc. for others less fortunate for Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, just think of this as your first opportunity to give to others---whether you think they are deserving or not. At the least, it is a great example to give to children about simple acts of giving and kindness. Life can be sweet and fun --- if you let it!!!

🎃HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!🎃