Halloween Tips & Tricks
Safety First my Ghouls and Goblins
Halloween, literally the most deeply magical night there is. And yet, every year, we hear the stories of Halloweens gone wrong. The 90’s tales of razor blade apples and the current fairy tales of accidental edibles ending up in your kids trick or treat bag are by and large just a Tall Tale. However, there are plenty of things which, if prepared for ahead of time, will ensure a magical night is had by all!
Drink More Than Just Witches Brew
This applies to both kids and adults. If you are going to be out and about, especially down here in South Florida, you need to stay hydrated. While adults going for a night out are likely to indulge in ‘Snake Bites’ and ‘Vampires Kiss’, kids are often knee-deep in sugary sodas and punches. Neither of these makes for a fun time the following day. Drink at least one full glass of water (8 ounces) in the afternoon, one before you go out in the evening, one while you are out and about, and one more before bed. Trust us, your body will thank you for this the next day.
*Bonus points if you can incorporate a water bottle into your costume – Pirates ‘Rum’ bottle, a Witches Potion, sneak a couple of bottles in your Ghost Busting Pack, etc..
Have Multiple Options
As we talked about in ‘This is HALL-O-WEEN’, it’s always a good idea to have a couple of potential plans in the works to account for multiple eventualities, especially if weather may play a concern.
Try and look up at least a couple of indoor/outdoor options. That way if the weather changes its mind, you’re still guaranteed a good time.
Timing also makes a difference. If you are trick or treating, that will usually happen earlier in the afternoon or evening depending on age. If you are having a party or meeting out, it might be going until later in the evening. If you’re going out for an adult’s night, the real parties won’t even kick off until almost midnight. And you can absolutely do more than one of these depending on your interest.
Trick or Treat
If you are Trick or Treating, figure out which area (or areas) you want to hit and prioritize in case the weather turns on you. Scope the areas ahead of time for (1) Halloween decorations – decorated houses ALWAYS give out better candy, (2) Sidewalks – plan a route that sticks to the sidewalks if you can, it makes the walking easier and a little safer, and (3) Street Lights – if a neighborhood has no sidewalks and is also lacking in street lights, you might want to reconsider, especially if you have little ones.
The general rule of thumb I have always for figuring out how far you can go is one side of a block, or one street length, for every year your child is old.
One year old? Just walk down the road for giggles and to get out of the house. Two year old? Try rounding the corner. Four years, you might be able to make it all the way around the block (depending on the size of your neighborhood).
Be Visible
All Hallows Eve has the second-highest number of motor vehicle deaths in a single night, second only to New Year’s Eve, and children have twice the risk of being hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Whether you are a ghoul attending a ghastly bar crawl, or a family of four cajoling strangers into giving you treats, take precautions. Parents, choose trick or treat routes that involve well light sidewalks and pathways. Adults, stay in well light areas and, if possible, in pedestrian-only areas (this is especially true if you plan on drinking).
Incorporate something white or reflective or glow in the dark in your costume. Zombie construction worker in a high-vis vest, Witch with turn signals on her broom, Werewolf at a rave. Be ridiculous if you have to, but be seen. And, as always, be responsible and don’t drink and drive.
Even if you think that you will make it home safely, please take a moment to consider the parent whose child won’t.
Costume Comfort
If I’ve said it once I have said it a thousand times. But choosing a comfortable costume is about more than just having a good time, it’s also about keeping healthy. Make sure you use non-toxic paints and makeups. Don’t wear anything that restricts your movement or visibility. And avoid anything liable to cause heatstroke (or frostbite). Being in a hospital is never a fun way to spend your Halloween.
Take precautions, have a plan, stay safe, and, as always –
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Check out this and more original content available every week at TheNerdyNanny.com by subscribing to us on Facebook or Instagram.
You can also check out Eve Daniels, author of The Nerdy Nanny books, on YouTube where she gives writing and academic advice as well as updating you on all of her latest and upcoming projects.
