Additional Needs

Halloween Isn’t Like it Used to Be..

Posted by Ger Renton on 27th October 2017 Additional Needs, Disabilities

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It’s just not the same.

It’s not like the Halloweens of my childhood...does that mean it’s better or worse?

I feel it’s better on one hand; we’ve got a far more inclusive land.

Yet on the other, there are many things I miss and wish my children could explore the Halloween’s of long ago.

There's no collection weeks before, no one calling to every door,

“You got anything for the bomb fire, Mister?”

“A flat tire,some toys and junk - make sure to watch for splinters!”

Bonfires no longer cloud the neighbourhood in smoke.

There’s no fire to throw sticks on while kids laugh and joke.

There is no crackling of wood to be heard.

Nor the chance to watch flames rise higher and higher.

There are no firecrackers handed out, “Who’s here with you tonight honey? Step back - mind the fire!”

There is no community standing around watching as the flames jump and dance to the sounds of, ‘oohs’, and, ‘ahhs’.

Long gone are the plastic masks that slow down your breathing , leaving your upper lip dashed with beads of sweat while you continue singing.

Bin liners are strictly for bins these days, they have no place for little arms or legs or painted faces.

There is no song to be sung, or dance to be danced, a mere, “Trick or Treat”, is all that be heard.

No longer is the discount junk enough, oh no, it has to be top shelf stuff; brand named bars and posh crisps, none of those sugary dips.

Rice Krispie cakes are not creative enough, now, we’re expected to do all the Pinterest stuff.

Yes Halloween certainly has changed since my childhood, back to the 80’s?

No, I don’t think we should.

The treats are given with much more consideration; allergies, nuts, sensory needs included, not forbidden.

My son goes door to door without a care; for the neighbours know he’s overly excited by all the ghosts and scares.

No longer are kiddies like my son feared, there's no horrible words being shouted as he goes about collecting his share.

It was different for my brother; many years ago now;  often he went home upset and in tears.

But my son knows none of these fears thanks to a society that grown through the years.

Yes, Halloween has finally changed, for the better in many ways.

Although I do miss the bonfires and the marshmallow s’mores and all the genuine scares.

Happy Halloween to you and yours!