Ghosts of Halloween Past

Halloween is tomorrow.  This is not thrilling to me.  I must be the Scrooge of Halloween.  I don't like running to the door every minute or so while trying to watch something on TV or finish something in the kitchen, listening to my dogs bark and get excited.  I don't enjoy oohing and aahing at the kids' costumes.  I don't like parents who hold their teeny children out to get candy, when I know full well who's going to eat the candy.  I don't like the kids who haven't even learned to say, "Trick or treat," and just hold their bags out for me to pour the candy in.  I don't like the kids who evaluate the loot and complain if I don't have candy they like.  I don't appreciate kids who can't even say thank you, but turn immediately and leave.

And yet, Halloween was fun as a kid.  We even extended our Halloween to include the night before, Beggars' Night.  I remember walking around with friends, but for the most part, I can't tell you which friends.  I don't remember any specific costumes, but I do remember having to wear a coat over/under my costume if it was cold.  I do remember that getting a popcorn ball was a good deal.  I remember the Beckley's Halloween parties in their garage.  Bales of hay for decorations were a big deal, too.  My memories of Halloween are slim, but I did enjoy it.

What happened?

Being a teacher and having Halloween parties with wild, greedy children?  Being on the giving end, rather than the receiving end?  Being damn lazy?

BOO HUMBUG!!!