Life Lessons from the Sea #22: Tips for Surviving Halloween

My sweet Little Mermaid 2012

      1.      Plan ahead. Buy or reuse what costumes parts you can then trawl the internet on ways to make the rest. For a quick and easy jellyfish costume, buy a clear umbrella and hang curly ribbons from the inside spokes. Easy and fun!

      2.      Gather all supplies and accessories the day before the big event so there’s no panic-filled dive through the make-up drawer in search of glitter, bobby pins, black lipstick or fake blood. Deep diving is way too stressful when there’s too much pressure.

 

      3.      Check the weather and be ready for whatever rain, cold or ice that Mother Nature throws your way. There’s only one thing worse than freezing in a flimsy mermaid costume—listening to your daughter freezing in a flimsy mermaid costume. Coats, long johns, underarmor can all be factored into your Halloween duds if you use a little creativity.

      4.      Feed the minions before trick-or-treating. A nice hot bowl of chili and a couple of hot dogs are an easy fix that will stave off the blood sugar swings that are bound to occur on this darkest of nights. The last thing you want is for your little darlings to turn into sugar-fueled piranhas. Trust me on this one.

      5.      Leave your porch light on only if you have candy to pass out. Who cares if you have to come home to a dark, sinister doorway? If you leave on the lights without leaving someone to pass out treats, you may well find that Halloween hooligans leave you a few unwelcome tricks! If all else fails, move so far out in the country (or deep under sea—there’s sea stations now, right?) that no one would dare knock at your door.

Have a frightful, delightful Halloween!

What tricking and treating tips have helped you most? We’d love to hear your ideas!