Some years it was sweltering. Some years, snow. Only in Illinois can you go trick-or-treating in shorts or a parka. One year we had flurries, another I was sweating through a foam costume. Either way, we were out there, because that’s what you do when your kids are little and still think you’re fun.

Halloween was always a full-family event. Sarah wasn’t a big Halloween fan at first, but once the kids got into it, she was all in. Costumes, candy, and chaos—it became tradition. Our stepmom Lynn was legendary for it. She dressed up every year and handed out candy like it was an Olympic event.

I’ll never forget those early neighborhood nights, the wagon full of toddlers, the “coffee” mugs that maybe weren’t just coffee, and the slow parade of parents laughing while the kids ran house to house. According to a 2023 YouGov survey, about 78% of parents celebrate Halloween with their kids every year, and I get why. It’s one of the few nights where everyone, adults included, gets permission to play.

For us, it was never about a faith violation or spooky stuff. It was about imagination, laughter, and connection. Seeing what the kids dreamed up each year was the best part. For a while, we all dressed in themes, superheroes, Star Wars, even a year we don’t talk about that involved a King Triton costume that was a little saggy. Then one Halloween, they wanted to do their own thing. And just like that, the family costumes stopped.

I remember feeling a little bummed that first year. We still carved pumpkins, I still “inspected” the candy (mostly Reese’s), but it marked the end of a sweet chapter.

Now our kids are adults, and it makes me smile that they still love it. The last few years, some have been home to carve pumpkins, music playing, loud voices, the same friendly debate over who made the best one. Then later that week they head off to their Halloween parties and do their own thing. And I love that.

For any of you in that stage, don’t wish it away. Dress up. Be a kid again. Make the memory.

And if you have any leftover Reese’s… save me some.

Go Trick and Treat,

Justin

#RunningAhrens #FamilyTraditions #HalloweenMemories #ParentingJourney #MakingMemories #SweetChapters #ReesesPlease

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