When I think of Halloween, this memory comes to mind: cutting across neighborhood lawns (it was faster than running down the sidewalk and up each driveway) and clutching a pillowcase that was at least one-third full of candy. It was dark and the streetlights were on, but I wasn’t scared, because decades ago when I was 9, none of us worried about crime. Besides, I ran in a pack with half a dozen other kids who were also trick or treating.
I recall jogging down Charlestown St., several blocks away from my house, because more is more, and I wanted to cover as much territory as possible before 8:00 p.m. when I had to be home. My parents were home, not trailing along on the sidewalk or in the car. I doubt Mom even remembered to take our picture before we left. Halloween was for kids, not parents.
That was an era before tampered-with Tylenol or razor blades in apples. I was old enough to take care of myself in the neighborhood. Running block after block was no trouble because I was 9, and kids ran everywhere, especially if it meant more candy.
My molded plastic fairy godmother/princess mask was pushed up off my face so I could see while I ran. I’d pull it down before I rang each doorbell. I had hiked up my belted white shift so I could run, and my blue cape floated behind me. I had worn this same costume to school—minus the mask and magic wand/scepter—so I could go as St. Helena, as my saint namesake, a Catholic school requirement.
The nuns at my grade school kept us rooted in the religious meaning of Halloween—All Hallowed’s (Saints) Eve. November 1st is All Saints Day, which involved going to Mass and praying for the dead, but it didn’t really resemble the Mexican Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos). Supposedly, that’s a day when the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead thins and spirits of the dead can visit.
However, the usual boundaries of my life were also looser at Halloween. My parents were indulgent. They didn’t fuss about us being out after dark on a school night. They reserved the right to cherry-pick some of the better loot, like Reese’s cups and Butterfingers, but I got to keep and eat the rest of my Halloween candy.
What I remember most is how carefree I was.
7 responses to “Halloween Past—St. Helena by Day, Fairy Godmother by Night”
Wonderful post, it made me smile remembering my childhood days in Ohio. The joy of Halloween trick-or-treating with friends, running from door to door to fill my pillowcase. My mom often made me a princess costume and I remember those plastic masks. I used to ride miles on my red Schwinn from one friend’s house to another, without my parents following close by. It truly was a carefree time. Thanks!
That long leash is but a memory these days. Parents today would be hauled into court for neglect – lol! We really were free to explore and grow carefree.
No kidding! Things were definitely different
I remember when Halloween was like that..it was my childhood too. Like you, I prefer the days when Halloween was for kids, not adults.
I didn’t mind that my parents weren’t involved–never occurred to me that they should be. But I have to say I really enjoyed going out with my kids when they were young enough to trick or treat.
Carefree. What a great feeling. Am adding it to my “I want more of…” list.
Agreed! Too many days “carefree” seems like distant memory