for Halloween?

This question comes around the end of August each year. And each fall, our daughter, Parker, and I spend several hours brainstorming prospective costumes.

Even though she asks my opinion, most often my ideas are quickly excused. The conversation goes something like this.

Me: “How about Little Red Riding Hood, and Tulip (our new puppy) can be the Big Bad Wolf?”

Parker: “No! That’s too babyish.”

Me: “OK, what’s your idea?”

Parker: “I’m not sure. I want to do something we can all do together...What do you think I should be for Halloween?”

And the conversation repeats itself…

In the past, the late-August Costume Conversation was sparked by Costco’s costume rack. This fall, since we get our Costco orders through InstaCart, I think the conversation was motivated by falling temperatures.

Halloween is among our family’s favorite

holidays. In addition to trying to figure out her costume, Parker and I spend nearly an entire weekend decorating. And quite often we host a large, backyard party for her classmates and later on a party for our friends and neighbors.

This year, things will be different. We won’t host our annual party. But, I am doing my darndest to keep as many of our other traditions the same. After I neglected to take down St. Patty’s decorations in time for Easter…it feels good to try to maintain most of at least one holiday’s traditions.

It’s weird, but I do have to make an effort.

To be honest, with everyone wearing masks these days, it’s a bit tough for me to get into the spirit of Halloween. When I run into acquaintances on errands, I wave and expect a friendly recognition in return – but often I have to first say, “Hi, it’s me, Lura.” And I do step outside my comfort zone and make the extra effort because I’m hungry for human connection, albeit from a physical distance.

On a recent visit to South Dakota State University’s McCrory Gardens, I came to the realization that with masks covering more than half of our faces, it’s tough to be recognized. I

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saw one of my favorite professors and waved but didn’t get a response.

And really, it’s OK. Since I’m writing about a holiday whose foundation is built upon all that is spooky, I need to ask myself, what’s more scary than COVID? At this moment, I can’t think of much. Since masks are a way to slow the virus spread, and make it a little less frightening, I’m OK with folks not recognizing me.

As of today, Parker has decided to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Tulip will be the The Cowardly Lion. My husband, Shon will be the Scarecrow and I’ll be the Wicked Witch of the West…Parker was generous. I can also choose to be Glinda.

I am not holding my breath that Dorothy will indeed be her costume October 31. Two years in a row I was suckered into buying a Costco rack costume in early September because Parker was afraid her size would be gone. Then, during a shopping trip a little closer to Halloween, she changed her mind, and I succumbed. And although a lot has changed since Halloween 2019, our daughter’s affinity for thinking of, and trying out Halloween costumes isn’t among them.