Bitsy had a thoughly good time last night announcing visitors and running to the door to greet them. We handed out candy to about a dozen family groups, enjoying their costumes, chatting with parents, etc. It was a beautiful evening for a family outing and everyone seemed relaxed and happy. Several children responded with genuine delight when they saw the large bowl full of assorted chocolates and were each given a handful of pieces.
I’m not a big Halloween fan when it involves horror movies, macabre themes, and mischief or malicious, destructive behavior. But considering that the Jewish Purim holiday invites costuming and celebrates Hebrew victory and defeat over its tormenting persecutors, and Hispanic celebrations of the Night of the Dead, I think there’s just something in human nature that wants to celebrate and be rewarded for persevering and surviving the reality of unholy and death-dealing circumstances of this life.
I can applaud the courage of little ones to dress up as heroes, go out into the dark (parents watching guardedly at a distance), confronting strangers, and finding reward in the process. Life is scary at times, but if you go forth with courage, you can find rewards.
