It’s dark outside, and it smells like rain. It’s humid. It stinks. It’s been an unusually warm October in Bakersfield, and the consequence is a particularly muggy and unpleasant Halloween night.
My son is dressed at Tinky-Winky from the Teletubbies. He seems mildly confused as to what exactly is going on. His Grandparents are giving candy away to kids who keep ringing the doorbell. And now he’s dressed up like a character from his favorite TV show and joining them in the mucky evening air.
I’ve brought a flashlight with us. It’s a Maglite. In a pinch, it could serve as protection. I don’t need it for light. There’s enough moonlight out that the Maglite feels like more of a prop than anything. Maybe it's part of my "Dad" costume. I don’t even especially need it for protection. The streets are quiet enough. The few kids out trick-or-treating are well-protected in large groups of adults.
In fact, if it weren’t for the large numbers of houses without their porch lights on, you’d think it were any night other than Halloween.
What happened? Was Halloween called off and I missed the memo? My son’s still a bit confused. He likes meeting people and getting candy for his efforts, but the whole thing seems a bit rote. Like the few people out are doing so out of some obligation.
It’s missing the magic. Who stole the magic? Who stole Halloween?
i honestly think the economy and the election stole halloweens thunder this year. we didnt get any trick or treaters but thats to be expected. well unless you count hobo neighbors.
ReplyDeleteI was in Flagstaff on Halloween eating Jack in the Box.
ReplyDeleteYour son is adorable.
One thing I can say about living in the hick town that I live in we have NO hobos!
ReplyDeleteI've noticed a lot more people do party type stuff for their kids these days. Everyone is too afraid to send their kids around the neighborhoods, because you can't trust anyone you know?
ReplyDelete