Photo by: Toa Heftiba
One of my favorite things about my hometown, Chicago is the weather is so unpredictable you could be admiring your gorgeous mums while the kids play in the leaves behind you one minute and the next you are getting nailed by the salt truck as you get out of the car for work. That blows, the salt truck part, but the shit storm is kind of fun. I don’t mind it. I like the adventure of it all but I know many don’t share that sentiment with me.
Have you ever listened to elevator conversations regarding the weather? When the weather blows, elevator exchanges are dismal. End of days type talk. I giggle and think to myself, “we aren’t even out of fall yet.”
When the weather throws that big fat curveball, everyone who has lived here their entire life begins to act like this is their first autumn snowstorm. It is as if ice and rain on the faces of our children who are actually seals are going to be screwed up over a trauma due to inclement weather. Facebook pages from concerned mom groups light up like Christmas trees and I would be lying if I didn’t say I was engaged and waiting to hear what the verdict regarding a Halloween postponement will be. It is amazing.
But, what is a girl to do – or a mom on Halloween, when the weather isn’ t cooperating and you are hell-bent on making memories, shitty ass weather or not. Oh, let me count the ways.
* * * * *
The ways to have a hygge Haloween.
Carve a Jack-O-Lantern.
Isn’t that like the most Halloweeny thing to do ever? Who wrote the rule that says a pumpkin can only be carved before Halloween? Edward Scissor Hands yourself a sweet Jack-O-Lantern
Toast your pumpkin seeds.
If you go through the effort of carving a squash you might as well toast the seeds, right?
Make some soup.
I had always assumed that everyone made soup on Halloween, regardless of weather, but apparently, I was mistaken. Soup is so easy and warming and can feed a crowd.
Drink some glogg.
A warm cup of booze, wine, and spices sounds like the perfect accompaniment to inclement weather.
Host a potluck.
Start a thread titled Halloween Potluck and delegate. You need bread, a salad and beverages to go with your soup. My family celebrates my mom every Halloween by eating a big ass pot of soup I make just like she did when she still could throw down in the kitchen. It’s a tradition.
Watch a scary movie.
I think if there is one time to really damage your kids and risk a couple nights (or weeks if you are an Anderson) with extra bodies in your bed it is on actual Halloween. We used to watch inappropriately scary stuff when we were young. We are fine. Sort of.
Send the kids out to navigate the weather like the young independents they are so you can stay behind and find your Halloween hygge!
Send the kids and their Gizmos off to trick-or-treat without you. Cut the cord and enjoy your hygge all while knowing your kids are living their best life running the streets alone on Halloween searching for the houses that give away the biggest bars of candy and not the ones that put raisor blades in taffy apples. They will never forget that Halloween for the rest of their lives.
Play a game.
If you are still struggling to find something to do, throw some dice or deck of cards on the table. Check out the drinking card game called “Hockey.” It is a low key game with a competitive flair and it is extra fun. My girlfriends are still waiting for me to host our first “Hockey Moms” Night Out. Jan 1 ladies, promise.
Listen to an album…from beginning to end.
While you are trapped indoors with a glass of glogg, ask Alexa to bust out an album and enjoy it. Looking for an album that tells a story? Try Grace Potter’s newest album, Daylight on for size. This album was written during/after she broke up with her husband/drummer, found her everyday love and had her first child. This album is about heartbreak and finding love again and I will admit it, I am obsessed.
Snuggle up with some tea and a good book.
This is the perfect option for the person that hates Halloween and everything that it stands for. You know who you are. Lock your doors, turn down the lights, cozy up wherever your cozy nook is and read a book. If you want to be festive, crack open a Steven King novel. Spookers!
Light some fire.
Whether you have a fireplace or a couple of candles, flame on! It is candle burning season.
Heat up some cinnamon, cloves and orange peels.
Lauren’s stovetop simmer is the toxic free way to make your house smell like a cozy, autumn dream with a few items from your kitchen.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what the weather is going to be or how full our trick-or-treaters pumpkins will get. That stuff doesn’t really matter on the grand scale. Special days like Halloween are really more about the moments we create with the people that we love. That is the only bucket that is really worth filling to the brim.
Happy Halloween friends.
xo, Michelle
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