The day after Halloween involves the time honored tradition of tallying up the goods and assimilating them into our lives and is, in some ways, just as fun as the actual act of trick-or-treating. The process played out in households all over the country on November 1st, usually looks something like this: THE DUMPING: This is the most exhilarating part of the morning. Just letting the booty spill all over the living room floor. Anytime you're allowed to make a mess and get rewarded with candy is a win-win for a kid.  THE SURVEY: Now is the time to get a good look at the treats to see what they have to work with. 
THE SORTING: Snickers with the Snickers. Starburst with the Starburst. Getting things in order is an important step in the ritual, especially for the budding type "A" kid. No mingling chocolate with chewy candy or lollypops--everything has its place. George, our dog, supervises patiently. 
THE DADDY TAX: This is levied in order to keep Dads from having to stoop to begging for, or worse, "borrowing" candy from their kids. It should be always paid cheerfully to avoid a heavy fine (sincerity not a requirement) . 
THE NEGOTIATIONS: This is a very, very tricky business that has ramifications that could last a lifetime. I still get fired-up thinking about the raw deal I got from my older brother involving a dubious trade I was talked into of one of my Reese's (a Halloween "E" Ticket) for two of his Bit-O-Honeys. **fume** If your child is going to have a successful career as an attorney, or possibly in politics, it will become clear the day after Halloween during negotiations. (Note daughter is still wearing her costume. Nice touch.) THE TRADES: I didn't want to get involved, but a Twizzler for a King Size Butterfinger? Another case of the older sibling getting the better deal. **sigh** And so it goes...The Post Halloween Ritual is over. All
that's left now, after the biggest sugar grab of the year, is the squirreling away
of the candy. But no doubt, you’ll
hear some version of this question from your kids: "Mom, can we get an
Icee?"
****** Now you're asking yourself, "Who is this Suzanne Broughton?" Go to my bio and learn 30 Random Things About Me.
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