Celebrating Halloween In A Multicultural Home & A Visit from the Switch Witch

“Happy Halloween?” Say what?

That was me 14 years when we had just moved to Canada and I had barely heard of Halloween. The months from October to December are already action-packed with birthdays and festivals that this odd, spooky day at the end of October never really made an impact on my Indian consciousness.

Why celebrating Halloween is part of my Indian festival season

In the early days when my hubby and I had just moved to Canada, Halloween was more about watching people get all dressed up and having fun in downtown Toronto. It took me a while but I finally understand the role celebrating Halloween plays in this crazy festive season that is packed with Thanksgiving, Dussehra, Diwali, all the way to Christmas and New Year.

It’s Halloween that says, “Don’t take life too seriously. Unless it’s candy, then do…..take it seriously.”

Over the years I’ve come to accept Halloween as a non-denominational celebration of all things shiny, scary and delicious. Many religions don’t recognize this holiday (mine included). But if you’ve just moved to Canada from parts where Halloween is not a tradition and you’re not looking forward to the dreary winter, Halloween’s the perfect excuse to colour in the gloomy days.

Celebrating Halloween in a Multicultural Home 

Start with the decorations. If your house looks dressed up for this spooky day, kids will come. Small pumpkins and scarecrows work unless you want to go the whole hog with a fake cemetery and skeletons crawling out of graves. It’s been done so you won’t feel out of place.

Next come the costumes. Let’s be honest, where ever you are in the northern hemisphere it will be cold. We have learnt our lessons from the many Halloweens spent in Calgary where it snowed every year – without fail. Think of costumes that can show off their character on top of a winter jacket. A pirate hat and hook, a Super Girl cape, chunky accessories all work very well. Over the years the best costume was a present from a dear friend – a meticulously hand-made pumpkin complete with a leaf hat, and that was roomy enough to fit a parka inside.

Going out for “Trick or Treat”. This one may seem a little odd – knocking from door to door asking for candy. The thing is you don’t really ask, neighbours give. Especially if you watch out for the signs of Halloween, you know the house is ready for Trick or Treaters.

Finally the good stuff. Candy. Reciprocation applies here – think of what you would like to eat and then make sure you have that candy in the bowls to hand out at your end. And go beyond. Consider pre-wrapped and include nut free, allergen-free options to include as many kids as possible. If you’re a lover of peanut butter flavoured candy then perhaps two separate bowls may work, so you don’t mix up the allergens.

A Visit From The Witch

At the end of the night, be thankful for the Switch Witch. A dear friend introduced us to her a couple of years ago. Make no mistake the Switch Witch will save your sanity for weeks to come. This is how it works.

Once the day is done, have the kids prioritize their haul. Then bag the candy that isn’t at the top of their fave list, and hang it outside the door for the Switch Witch overnight. 

In the morning the candy disappears and is replaced by a toy or book of their choice.

When shopping for the replacement I suggest go cheap but useful because you know Christmas is around the corner.

What parents do with the candy they get in return is up to them. I will not judge!

A New Canadian’s Tongue-In-Cheek guide to Halloween