Today I was trying to impress upon my son the historical importance of October 31. 493 years ago today, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the Wittenburg door, launching the Reformation. I considered dressing up as the door and allowing people to post their theological points on me (using post-its, of course).
The conversation worked its way around to Halloween and the ways the day is observed in France and the U.S. Luke is 18 now, and I thought he was ready to hear a shocking truth about Halloweens past in the Austin home. Mark and I were always somewhat ambiguous about the holiday. While having lots of happy memories of dressing up in goofy costumes and gathering oodles of candy filled our minds, times had changed. Concerns about safety and some underlying discomfort with the darker side of the holiday tempered our enthusiasm. When the boys were small we decided that we would dress up and distribute candy. (In those days the boys were always in costume. They wore capes constantly)
Now this is where the great revelation occurred. Mark and I also agreed that if the boys ever asked to go out trick or treating we would let them. So back in those halcyon days of the 90's, in Orlando, the boys would be thrilled with each group coming to our door, pillow cases wide open. They would laugh and dance about, giving candy to all. Never once did it occur to either of them that they could also be going door to door gathering goodies. Ergo, they never asked to go. And we never asked them if they wanted to go. Passive parenting. Maybe I should write a book.
Luke stared at me in disbelief. I believe the words "what cruel parents" passed his lips. How long will it take to regain his trust, to restore his love and admiration?
Oh, and why do they call those little candy bars "fun size"? Fun size for me would be HUGE bars of chocolate. I'm just saying.
