Keep Stress Levels Low for BOO Day

Posted by Jennifer Gerics Oct 26, 2007

Halloween (if you celebrate it) can be an exceptionally fun holiday for both kids and adults, if you know how to keep it simple and low-stressed. If you have a chronic condition or are temporarily laid-up, here are some ideas to conserve your energy and limit your stress:

• For kids' costumes, keep it simple. If you have hand-me-down ones, they will be new to younger children. Keep away from messy, complicated makeup jobs and instead try headbands with ears (cats or mice) or other head pieces. Simple costume ideas include a farmer, ghost, nurse, etc. Prepackaged costumes are usually easier, but can be costly.
• When going out trick-or-treating, bring another adult or two with you. Then if you get tired, you can retreat back home. Offer to have dinner---- pizza?---- or some other simple meal that everyone (adults included) can have when they get back.
• Try to estimate enough candy so that you don't have to go back out to the store. You can always donate the extra candy or give it to the neighbors. If the night is chaotic, stick the candy bowl outside and let kids pick their own. When the bowl is empty, LIGHTS OUT!