As we wound down for the day, I packed away the bright yellow and black bumblebee costume along with the pink and white butterfly one sighing wistfully. The girls would have outgrown them by next year. Halloween started early with the parade in the daycare on Friday followed by the community parade today. We did go trick or treating for a bit after we doled out candy to the little ones who knocked on our door.
Before the girls, we always had candy for the trick or treaters. I have never been in costume but loved the spirit (pun intended) of the festival. With the girls in our lives now, it takes on a little more meaning. I briefly toyed with the idea of visiting a pumpkin patch this year and carving a Jack O’ Lantern but never got around to it. Next year possibly.
Something I read here and here has been on my mind for over a week now. Since I started blogging I have touched on traditions and mulled on memories of my childhood quite a bit. UL on more than one occasion has mentioned that while we enjoyed the traditions of our past, the current generation will remember the ones we create for them with fondness years down the line. I never quite got it till this year.
It is true is it not? While I could be the maami next door I remember from my childhood in spirit, is it necessary for me to carry the traditions from my past into the future? Is it so fake to create or imbibe new ones as we grow and assimilate into a different culture? Halloween to me does not have to be about spirits and ghouls but it could to my children be one of costumes, trick or treating, pumpkin patches, Jack O Lanterns and baking. As the years pass, I hope I can instill into my children a sense of wonder and excitement about festive days irrespective of whether it is Halloween or Deepavali.
So, yes I am one of them pseudo maamis and am not ashamed of being one. 🙂
If this moved you, send a tip.
Leave a Reply