Halloween is the most favorite holiday for our household. Weird and spooky are always the preferred vibes!
Christmas? Meh.
Thanksgiving? Sure.
Halloween?! DEFINITELY!
However! Since one of my kids has a medical condition requiring math for every food consumed, the stakes can run a little high. Because if I misjudge a lollipop, the evening could get a whole lot weirder than I’d like it to.
Navigating any holiday with special needs, dietary restrictions or allergies is really tough! With kids it’s even harder because you really want them to feel the holiday spirit and magic that comes with special occasions. But, I see you parents out there doing the legwork (literally) so they can. Checking labels, giving reminders to family and hovering nearby so they feel included.
Halloween is a mix of physical activity, exposure to others’ houses and sweet treats, which would be pretty scary stuff if it wasn’t so darn fun. It’s nice to let loose and see so many friends and family, most of which do an excellent job of keeping in mind that life can look quite challenging and different for some of us.
So, if you see a fully grown adult woman, dressed in a skeleton onesie, hustling through the charming streets of Vergennes while whisper-shouting numbers at a specific group of children — it’s probably me! Make sure to say hi!
Happy Halloween, MiniBury!
– Shannon Hart is a Vermont native, mother of 2 and Graphic Designer at the Addison Independent.