Halloween!!!
The only holiday when neighbors knock on our doors and ask us to be generous with them. Strangers coming with their hands out asking for a blessing - Alexandra Kuykendall.
The blessing they are asking for is some candy and by the end of the night, they’ll have enough to make them sick for days.
Whether you love Halloween or can’t stand this evil holiday you have to admit it is a great opportunity to meet people in your neighborhood. An opportunity that we can all of us to take advantage of this year.
My kids have always had certain houses that they want to hit up every year in our neighborhood and other neighborhoods because of the “big” candy bars, or the fact that they have interactive stuff like movies playing on their garage doors, firepits etc. And to be honest I was jealous and wanted to be that house.
So now, for the past 3 years, my family has tried to make a big deal out of Halloween in our neighborhood and people love it. We put out a fire pit with stuff for s’mores, we have hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and let people know they can sit around the fire as long as they want. Then we send them along with “big” candy bars to continue their night of fun.
It’s actually really easy and doesn’t take that much, but it’s a great time to meet and hang out with your neighbors.
So are you willing to give it a try this year? What about inviting some other friends from Eastern Hills to try with you, and then they can do their own party next year.
What if we could take this holiday that was intended for evil and make it into a little bit of light on each street where someone from Eastern Hills lives?
This is a great way to be #foraurora and a small opportunity for us to show the people around us that Jesus Makes Life Better
I’ve been giving out these suggestions as levels to get started, you don’t need to be a level 3 in your first year. Pick a spot where you are comfortable and have some fun.
Level 1: Turn on your front light, buy some candy, and hand out candy when people ring your doorbell. (Be really nice and introduce yourself if it seems appropriate)
Level 2: All of the above, but buy full size candy bars (you’ll be the hero of the neighborhood), wear a costume, introduce yourself to everyone, and find out if they live right near you.
Level 3: Set up a Halloween experience in your driveway. Build a fire, setup chairs, make s’mores, serve hot chocolate, give away big candy bars, build a haunted house in your garage, bob for apples, wear a costume, anything else you can think of the sky’s the limit.
One other thought about Halloween. When your kids are done trick or treating, send them out again Trick or Canning. Grab the list of Mountain of Mercy items and send it with your kids, they can explain to the neighbors they are collecting food for thanksgiving meals and ask people if they have any of the items on the list. They can put them in their bags and bring home a bag full of cans for Mountains of Mercy.
Whether you love it or hate it, take advantage of the one night a year all your neighbors will want to come and visit your house...and most of all...Have Fun!!!
