the joy of times like these

Halloween has always been a time I enjoy. It does not seem to be the same anymore because of all the threats to children’s safety, but you have to admit, there is just something fun about dressing up in costumes and going around “Trick-or-Treating.” I still get excited about October 31, wondering what I would go as if I still could get away with donning a costume and begging for candy. Fortunately, I have a little boy who I can live vicariously through and enjoy the true joy of a holiday where you dress up in cute costumes and ask for candy.

As my wife and I began wondering how we would dress up our little boy, we could not help but reminisce over some of our favorite costumes. For me, it had to be the year my Dad made a Ghostbusters suit out of an old jumpsuit and a vacuum cleaner. I would probably still wear it today had it survived multiple trips through the neighborhood during my hay-day.

As I sit here working on this blog post after dropping my boy off at school, I cannot help but think about some of the costumes he’s worn that have been my favorites. There was the year he was a pumpkin, then the one when he was Tigger, not to mention a Power Ranger and The Flash. But my favorite had to be the year he dressed up as Superman! What better way to dress up my little fella than to resemble my favorite superhero? So as I got the suit, took it home, unfurled the cape, and placed it on his little body with that distinctive “S” emblazoned on his chest, I began to well up with pride thinking of just how proud I was of my son. But the really special thing was about to take place….

As he grew bored with just looking at himself in the costume, I took him downstairs to watch a Superman cartoon. I was preparing to explain the Man of Steel’s background, abilities, and weaknesses to someone who was just learning the difference between a dog and a cat; still, it was something that had to be done if he was going to represent the essence of Superman on Halloween! As the show started and Superman began flying around, my little guy looked at the screen with a puzzled expression. He looked down at his shirt and then again at the screen, doing this a couple times before he looked back at me with these eyes of pure excitement. And as he looked at me, he pointed back at the television and exclaimed, “ME!” It was a simple association, but I could not have been a prouder Papa.

Perhaps that’s how my Dad felt as I donned my Ghostbusters suit for the very first time. Regardless, it is fun for us to think back and remember the times we had soaking up the pleasures of childhood. These days, Halloween just isn’t the same. We have to scan our candy and watch around every street corner. But one thing remains, the joy in a child’s eye and the pride in a parent’s heart when a costume turns out just right.

So this year for Halloween, whether you are dressing yourself, a little one, or no one at all, remember the times like these when life is full of joy. Then, think about how you can make it joyful again, for yourself or someone around you. It might be something as simple as a little kid becoming his favorite Superhero for an evening or a Dad reliving the better parts of his life. But whatever it is, let’s make this October 31 one that we all will remember with joy and pride. And above all, be safe!