Candy. Let's face it: That's why people love Halloween. Sure, the pumpkin carving is a fun mess, and the dressing up is always a good time--but would anyone bother if there was no treat, only trick? I bet I wouldn't.
But as we fight (or don't fight) an obesity epidemic in this country--particularly in children--dumping a heap of pure sugar on the dining room table sure seems like a bad idea to me. And, while Little Johnny's teeth may have more stake, the heap of goodies isn't good for Mom or Dad, either.
Some survival tips:
1. Buy candy at the last minute. As in, at 5:00 tonight. You won't be tempted to crack open a bag and do any damage.
2. Don't get the good stuff. At least, not the stuff that's good to you. For example, call me strange, but I HATE peanut butter. Absolutely won't eat anything that has it inside...yes, even if it's touching chocolate. So I can easily have Reese's around for other people without stuffing my face.
3. Be a nerd. Sure, you might get a few pairs of rolling eyes in your direction, but you can always be That House that gives out cute little pumpkin pencils--or, like my childhood dentist, toothbrushes.
4. Bargain. I've heard of parents doing this with their kids, but I think there are some take-aways from adults, too. Buy each piece of candy The Kid is willing to sell for a dime or a quarter (or "buy" it from yourself and stash the $$$ in your fun fund), and take the candy to work. Or trade so many pieces of candy for a new book, toy, etc.
5. Eat first. Just because you know you'll accumulate lots of loot doesn't mean you should skip dinner. Don't. Make sure you eat something (preferably healthy) before going someplace drowning in candy. It's like grocery shopping on an empty stomach--bad, bad, bad. Trust me.
And in the end, don't stress. Halloween is only once a year, and any damage can be undone. I may have gotten ahold of some Nerds yesterday and was so excited because I hadn't had Nerds since, like, middle school that I basically inhaled them. A lot of them. Oops. It's over. My body has forgiven me.
Have a happy Halloween (even if you're on a sugar high)!
Oh, and if you see a giant bottle of mustard walking around tonight, it is probably me.
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