Not exactly what I think of as Halloween.
Halloween is my all time favorite holiday.
I love the time of year - fall in the air - all the children outside, trick or treating (yes, my non-americans, we go door to door and collect candy). My kids and I dont even care about the candy. well, not that much. We care the night of at least, but usually the day after halloween leo takes the kids candy to work and it disappears. The kids have never asked about it.
The fun is in the process.
Picking your costume - and no - not everyone dresses as bleeding zombies - bumble bees, butterfies, ladybugs, firefighter, cowboy, pumpkin, ninja, cat, are all costumes that I think of, at least for the elementary school set. Of course as kids get older, some veer toward the scary, but that too is part of the fun (except I cant stand those masks that bleed - do you know the ones I mean? ugh!) - I admit I decorate the yard for halloween. I had purple bat nights, and cute pumpkin lights around the front porch. Kids and I usually carved at least one pumpkin each.
The best part, if you live in a neighborhood (or know someone who does), going trick or treating. All the neighbors and kids are out walking, you have a chance to meet and greet neighbors you otherwise wouldnt ever talk to. Everyone is friendly. When we lived on Bainbridge Island, few people lived in neighborhoods, so the city would close the main street to cars and kids and parents would walk and all the shops would give out candy. It was a great social occasion.
In America, Halloween is a children's holiday. Sure adults party and I am sure the night clubs have trampy costume night and people dress as sexy politicians (?), etc. But at least we also have the family aspect too.
Anyway, Happy Halloween!
We are throwing a little party for expats and Russians alike, most with kids, but not all. My kids have decorated the apartment with bats, ghosts and pumpkins. I admit I bought a few fake spiders to leave around the apartment, and have renamed all the party food (hey - part of the fun!) I plan on serving. Check my food blog later in the week for the menu.
Im sorry you are missing Halloween Katherine.
ReplyDeleteI know how much you love it!!
I have your purple lights up on my porch.
Maybe some year you will be home for the holiday:)
You described the joys of Halloween perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the difference between your attitude now and when you first arrived in Moscow. I was so excited then, to live through you - but you were SO lonesome, and SO sad, I could hardly stand it! I spent my day sending little prayers in your direction.
You have done such a wonderful job making friends, and getting to know people, having adventures and sharing them.
You are admirable!
hmm... trick or treating may not be very safe for kids these days anywhere or safe in Moscow. Russians don't celebrate Halloween its a typical American thing no?
ReplyDeleteHave fun at your Halloween party with friends.
ReplyDeleteWould you knit me to mail a copy of the sock patterns to your mother so she can mail it to you?
ReplyDeleteHi, my name is Yulia Amlinskaya, I´ve just become a follower of your blog. I´m a Russian teacher at the Spanish Embassy in Moscow and last year I created a Russian language blog of all those who are interested in Russian language and culture, it has a lot of vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading and other exercises. It´s won the prize as the best Russian language blog 2010. It could be useful for all th expats too!
ReplyDeletehttp://russificate.blogspot.com/
Thanks a lot!
Yulia.