The Scaredy-Cat Mom Who Fell for Halloween
We painted pumpkins instead of carving them. Easier for little hands!
Ok, I’ll admit it. Halloween used to be my least favorite holiday. While everyone else was counting down to costume parties and haunted houses, I was the one side-eyeing every creepy commercial and wondering why anyone had an obsession with fake blood.
Let’s be real: I hate being scared. Haunted houses? Hard pass. Horror movies? Absolutely not. Creepy costumes? No thank you. Even the “fun-sized” candy bars weren’t enough to interest me into joining the frightening festivities.
Advertisement
So, for years, my Halloween spirit looked more like enjoying a pumpkin spiced latte under a nice cozy blanket on the couch rather than participating in a fright night.
My PSL at home
Then…I had kids.
It was a gradual, but noticeable change.
Suddenly, Halloween wasn’t about horror movies, getting scared, or cheap decorations. It was about the entertainment and celebration of a holiday. My kids didn’t care about being scared - they cared about dressing up, crafting, and running around in costume-induced sugar highs.
Somewhere between cutting out construction paper cats and helping paint pumpkins, I realized something: Halloween can actually be fun - when you focus on creativity instead of the gory.
The transformation was slow…and sticky.
First came the “just one” pumpkin painting craft. Then came the costume coordination (which, let’s be honest, kids can be very creative with). Next thing I knew, I was making Halloween cookies for my son’s class at school.
Advertisement
I went from “No thanks, I’ll stay home” to “Let’s make a Halloween craft!” faster than you can say trick-or-treat.
Now, our house glows with colorful lights instead of eerie shadows, and our Halloween decor is more cute and quirky rather than creepy and concerning.
Spooky Halloween chocolate mousse cauldrons
What I’ve learned:
Halloween doesn’t have to be about fear — it can be about fun, family, and little eccentricities.
I still don’t do haunted houses (seriously, I hate being scared), but I do love seeing the pure joy in my kids’ eyes as they parade around in costumes and show off their candy haul like little entrepreneurs.
The best part? I finally get it.
Halloween isn’t about being scared — it’s about being silly, creative, and just enjoying the season.
Coaching Question:
What’s one thing your kids love that you’ve been hesitant about - and how might seeing it through their eyes shift your experience?
So if you’re a fellow scaredy-cat mom out there dreading the cobwebs and creepy clowns, hear me out: You don’t have to love horror to love Halloween. Sometimes all it takes is a little crafting, a few painted pumpkins, and the reminder that your kids’ laughter is the best kind of magic.
Now excuse me while I go check on my daughter - we’ve got more chocolate mousse cauldrons to make.
Until next time, enjoy the journey!
Copyright Me Time 4 Mom, LLC
