Welcome back to Weird Wanderings! Autumn is now upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about that all-important day on the calendar–October 31st. Trick or Treat is a most hallowed occasion for many kids in America and beyond, but it can be a particularly taxing occasion for those with allergies or other dietary needs.
Last year, in my article, “Halloween Solutions for Allergy Sufferers,” I discussed how painting a pumpkin teal blue and offering a non-candy alternative for the little ghouls and goblins that arrive at your doorstep can go a long way to help those with sensitivities and allergies. The teal pumpkin lets parents and children know that you understand their needs and are able to offer something, such as a coloring book and crayons, that will help make their night special and safe.
This year, I would like to expand on that post and share even more tips for how to help others on Trick or Treat. For example, do you have buckets of leftover Halloween candy that the trick or treaters never claimed? Or did your little witches and ghosts gather up way too much chocolate on their neighborhood rounds? Then consider sending your extra treats to Operation Shoebox. This project takes your unwanted candy and ships it overseas and around the world to American soldiers. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s a great way to use up those extra sweets.
Eager to offer non-candy alternatives but stuck on what to choose? Here’s an article that gives you over fifty options that can make Halloween life a little safer and healthier for those with food sensitivities and dietary restrictions. Also, consider introducing your children to The Switch Witch, a project that includes an illustrated book to help get kids excited about starting healthier traditions on Halloween.
As a final note, I would like to dedicate this post to Lily, my “niece” who might be allergic to many things in this world, but never lets it get her down, on Halloween or any other time of year! You show ’em how it’s done, little Lily.
Happy haunting!