Photo by Thirdman from Pexels

Yes Grown Ups! It's Time To Dress Up For Halloween!

We as adults really don't think about it. As we get older, we stop dressing up for Halloween. I think it was around high school, complete strangers began to tell me it wasn't ok for kids my age to trick or treat. I was taller than most, so fair enough ...or was it? 

As I grew more and more into adulthood the spirit of one of my most favorite holidays began to dwindle and die. I slowed my routine of wearing a costume, parties became a chore, and then I just stopped thinking about it. A little scary movie was enough. It really became a mystery to me why it all stopped.

Misconception will make you a bored and boring person

Photo by Joshua Rawson-Harris on Unsplash

Misconstrued (or should I say, miss-con-Scrooged!)

Sadly, the misconceptions and expectations of Halloween from adults to other adults can be pretty "hyper critical" and "hypocritical". In reality, it sucks! The person often asking "Aren't you a little too old to be dressing up?" is often the one who spent a weekend or more forcing the haunt in their house and handing out candy 🤔...fully dressed up. 

If I had an adult at my doorstep who was special needs or made a really strong effort or had an awesome costume, they'd get the snickers! Well deserved! Sadly, the hypocrisy and buzz kill push us into the other lie, "maturity". 

Maturity

We eventually get the idea implanted in our mind that we're too old for this and that we must be mature. We're not leading a good example right? We must sacrifice fun for this stage in our growth ...right? This defeats the purpose of celebrating any holiday and there is nothing in the "book of maturity" that indicates we should stop having fun 😉.

Bringing back the fun!

Photo by Thirdman from Pexels

Find an excuse to get back into it!

Still 50/50? Worried about the ridicule and judgment? Find yourself an excuse 😉! "I'm trying to be fun for someone. I'm trying to lighten things up in the office. Let's put a smile on some kids faces!" You can literally think of anything and the best part is, it'll make it ALL right!

Get yourself a wingperson (previously known as a wingman)

So the excuse wasn't working out for you. No problem. If you dress up with another person it makes it even easier. Dress up with a group? Even better! Can't find a fellow adult? Hang out with your kids or take them trick or treating! DON'T HAVE KIDS? Find some (without being creepy). What I mean is, spend some quality time with your relatives or go to a friend's house who has kids. Make a party or cool dress-up hang-out from it. 

JUST DO IT and have fun!

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

All-in-all you don't need a reason or excuse. Ignore the negativity, get out there or stay home, and have fun! Stop being a boring adult! Even if you are by yourself, grab a friend, throw something on and turn on that spooky movie. If you have roommates or family who don't dress up, be that hype person that re-introduces fun into their lives. 

What does this  do for you and your kids, friend's kids or family member's kids?

I'm 100% sure there is some science or study out their indicating that dressing up as an adult for any event or holiday has a positive mutualism for everyone. What I think this does for children is boost their confidence and reassures them that they don't need to stop having fun at any age. It would also show them that you're not that typical boring "mature" adult 😉! As for adults? I'd say it's also a good confidence booster and lightens up an already stressful life. Oh! There's also the little fact that it's exciting and fun! 

Disclaimer: The post is written without the COVID-19 virus in mind and meant to be generalized to last beyond the pandemic. My website, www.ridiculouslyben.com, and I highly recommend that if you are to meet up with anyone or go trick or treating to please do so safely, with a proper mask, or even meet up virtually. Please stay safe, stay healthy and wash your hands 😉.