Halloween's only a week away - and it falls on a school night/work-night for many of us.
So, here's a quick checklist to get you ready for fun that night without all the hassles!
Get the Costumes & Candy Ready this Weekend
Don't wait until Halloween morning to find out that you're missing a mask! Have the kids decide what they will wear and pull everything together on the weekend.
Believe me, it will be so much more enjoyable to get everyone dressed if you have it all in one spot. If you still have to grab a few items, or if you have yet to get your candy, put it on the list to get done now.
Bonus: If you're attending any of the many early trick-or-treat events held over the weekend, you'll be ready for those too!
And dig out some warm clothes that can be worn under the costume in case of cold weather.
Dig Out Those Treat Bags
You gotta have something to put the candy in, right?!
If your kids are like mine, they already have their minds set on what they want to use to collect their candy.
Maybe it's the much-loved bag they use every year, or that cool tie-dye pillowcase they made. Whatever it is, dig it out now so you're not faced with the "But I can't go without my bag" as you walk out the door.
And if you're trick-or-treating for UNICEF, make sure to get your printable cover for your own trick-or-treat container.
Go Over Safety
Cover the rules of trick-or-treat safety at lunch or dinner this week.
Some of the basics should include:
- Make sure kids can easily see thru masks and walk without tripping when dressed in their costumes.
- Stay with your adult or group when going door-to-door.
- Wear something reflective so you can be seen at night.
- Look both ways before crossing any streets.
- Walk, don't run -- you don't want to spill all your candy ;)
- Only stop at places 'approved' by Mom & Dad.
- No munching on treats until they're checked at home.
Plan a Healthy & Easy Dinner
Of course, the kids will want to sample some of their treats that night so try to feed them something healthy for dinner.
Meals with protein and veggies will keep them full until they get home. And make it easy on yourself too if you're trying to get out the door for early trick-or-treating. We did a jack-o-lantern pizza with 'scary' salad for a meal :)
Or just a fun, color-themed veggie tray with dip is a great side dish:
One year, we did a ghost-in-the-graveyard dip using hard boiled eggs:
More fun & healthy ideas from others:
If your kids prefer fruit, here's an adorable Halloween jack-o-lantern plate from Wholesome Dinner Tonight
Cooking by Moonlight has a really cute Mummy Pizza
And find these Grilled Cheese Sand-Withces with Celery Broomsticks at Martha Stewart Living
Have Some At-Home Fun
Here are a few ideas for family fun if you get home early from trick-or-treating (or if the weather ruins your plans!).
- Sort your candy -- here's a free Track-Your-Loot printable from Lasso the Moon!
- Watch "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" airing at 8 pm EST/ 7 pm CST on Halloween night!
- Cuddle up with a seasonal story:
a program that accepts your extra candy, packs it up and sends it to our troops deployed overseas!!
- Enjoy a warm cup of cider and talk about the night.
Have a fun Halloween!! ~ Jacquie
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This is a great list. This year we are going to let both boys trick or treat in our neighborhood so it will require a little more planning. These are great tips to get me ready! I love the idea of having everything ready by this weekend.