Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays because, as an introvert who actually likes people, it’s the perfect chance to stay cozy at home while making quick, low-pressure connections with lots of folks. Plus, Halloween kicks off our family’s “Six Months of Fun!” We have Halloween in October, Thanksgiving in November, Christmas in December, Kenzie’s birthday in January, mine in February, and Jeff’s in March—enough to carry us happily through the coldest months of winter.
This Halloween was a fun mix of lighthearted energy and cozy neighborhood spirit. Jeff and Zee definitely stole the show dressed as the iconic “Dude” Lebowski, each wearing a matching Pendleton sweater. Kenzie toyed with going as an inflatable capybara but wisely chose to skip it. Given how windy it was, she might have drifted off to the next block! Instead, she pulled together a creepy-cute clown look that was the perfect blend of spooky and charming. She even did her own makeup! Meanwhile, I kept it low-key with some ghost earrings by a local artist—just enough to feel festive without too much fuss.
Handing out candy was as much of a blast as ever. The kids came in waves, bringing that high-energy excitement only trick-or-treaters can. We also had our usual treat ready for grown-ups. This year, it was a quick cinnamon churro shot, poured pre-mixed from a bottle. It was a fun way to connect with the adults, and the warm flavors were just right for the chilly autumn evening. I think we all needed a little something extra this year, especially with that certain heaviness in the air as the election draws closer.
Despite the winds, it was lovely catching up with neighbors, especially a few of our pod friends. There’s something special about sharing these little moments of holiday joy together, a reminder that community is always there when we need it. 🎃
