Family Hallowe'en Parties

A few years back, we started having huge family costume parties under the ruse of my sister’s birthday, but really, it was a family Hallowe’en party with all of our aunts and uncles and cousins.  My Mom’s siblings are all very close (my Dad is an only child) which in turn all of our cousins were close.  Over the years as the family grew, we don’t get to see each other as much.  These Hallowe’en parties were extra-added fun as it was a guaranteed way to see most of our family at least once a year, as our stand by family reunions, Christmas is busy with in-laws and extra family commitments, where we don’t always end up at my Grandparents’ house at the same time.    

When I lived at home with my parents’ I compiled a huge Hallowe’en décor collection.  I was frivolous with my pay cheques as soon as Hallowe’en stuff started to appear in stores.  (Seriously, I once had to leave Walmart as my shopping cart was so full I couldn’t fit anything else in it, even though I wanted to keep shopping.)  We would use all of these decorations and plaster my parents’ living room, kitchen and bathrooms with spooky spectacles.  Of course, as we are photographers at heart, we designed a photo backdrop in the foyer so people could have a stellar photo…. 

Foyer Photo Back Droop

We had spooky and gross treats: Dirt cake, Dracula’s brew, Spirit Pop... 

The pumpkin on the back of the toilet is easily 35 years old, we don't throw anything out!

We had a costume contest for most creative, cutest and scariest.  Everyone got to vote.  Everyone dressed up!  There were a lot of creative juices flowing, my one cousin was the defending champion of most creative: The first year she came as a fly paper, and the following year she came as a urine sample.  It was hysterical. 

Eventually we stopped having the parties, as they were a lot of work.  But, I miss them ... man were they were fun!