Every year at this time, the stores are filled with a wide variety of assorted costumes from cute little pumpkins and lady bugs to scary witches and vampires. Growing up, I did dress up and go trick-or-treating. My husband and I took our children for a few years, but then decided that it was just not for us. We’ve never really lived in a subdivision where we knew a lot of people who were handing out candy so going door-to-door was not really an option for us. Also, I’m not a great seamstress, so trying to sew a costume was not really an option, even a simple one. So, we came up with an alternative plan that has worked really well for us and our children love it!

Each year, when October rolls around, we always ask the kids which they would prefer, a movie and a bag of candy (their choice) each, or a costume (and they know there are very few places we can go). Each year, they choose the movie and candy and we plan a family movie day and I fix lots of finger foods for us to munch on, and I throw all of the candy in a big bowl for everyone to enjoy. This year, however, we have purchased a Wii as a family, and they want go to in together and get Mario Cart plus a movie and the candy of their choice.

We really look forward to and enjoy this time together. We have taken our children to local churches who sponsor some fun and games, but most of the time, they choose to stay home and enjoy our family time together.

For more a few more alternative ideas, please check out www.busy-moms-online.com.

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