As we approach Halloween, it seems that there’s more stress associated with preparation this year than excitement. Prices are steadily climbing and everyone is feeling the impact of it. When you get ready for seasonal festivities, just know it’s OK to take it easy this year.
There’s pressure to stay ahead and compete with neighbors for the best props and the most candy. Though the most important thing about the holidays isn’t what is so eagerly shoved into our faces.
Each year the Halloween and Christmas decorations are put out sooner and sooner. It used to be the month of or the month prior, if we were lucky, to see seasonal decor line an aisle or two. At this rate I’m surprised not to see Christmas be put out after the Fourth of July!
These areas have escalated from a few aisles to entire sections of stores. It has become another way to get people to consume and to do so sooner and for longer. With how early it is put out, you have time to change your mind twice before the season is actually here.
There is nothing wrong with using the same decorations you’ve had for years. There’s nothing wrong with decorations you inherited or that have an actual story. It’s especially OK to make your own decorations from recycled cardboard boxes! Your decorations don’t have to be this year’s trend-setter to be valuable or acceptable.
Everyone is gritting their teeth at grocery receipts and the numbers climbing on the price of a gallon of gas. If all you can do this season is make memories – you’ve made a good choice.
Buy the cheaper candy if you’d like to buy any at all! Don’t stress about those decorations you were eyeing, but couldn’t get. I promise you they’ll be at the nearest thrift store before the new year!
Holidays are not, and should not, be about how much you’ve spent on decorations, candy and costumes. They’re about spending time with friends and family to make memories. Memories will follow you to your grave, money will not.
