The Bat Wreath

Fifteen years ago (or more), Megan and I went to Mansfield, IN, for their huge craft fair as part of Central Indiana's covered bridge celebrations. That particular day, I bought a treasure--a home made Halloween bat wreath. It's one of a kind. (If you saw it, you'd understand why.) The center circle is in padded orange calico, and the outer edge is a large black calico ruffle. In the center of the circle is a black satin bat, with red eyes that flash while the whole thing laughs maniacally, due to a motion sensor. Every year, I have put that stupid wreath on the door, with the batteries installed. (In later years, I learned not to put the batteries in until the 31st because I got tired of hearing the laughter every time a car drove by outside.) It has never received more attention than it did this year!

One little girl saw it and heard it as I answered the door. Her eyes got really big and she took a step backward. (I was afraid she'd fall off the stoop!) Several others reacted similarly. At one knock, I opened the door while the wreath was flashing and laughing, and said "Yeesssss?" in a menacing tone. There were two teenagers on the other side of the door who were in the spirit of things and expressed fake fear. It was fun!

Do you know the song, Christmas Was Meant for Children? Well...I used to believe that Halloween was meant for children, but now I'm inclined to think that it's meant more for parents! I had many children at my door who were way too young to know what was going on, or even to eat the candy that was doled out. (I was guilty of that when my daughter was a baby, and I loved seeing my very young grandchildren in costume for the greedy holiday!) I get amused at Christian parents who think that the children will be taken away by the evil beginnings of the occasion. It's all about the fun! There is also a group out there complaining about children who dress up in stereotypical costumes depicting a culture. Are we taking ourselves a bit too seriously????

Halloween 2011 is now history. I still have a half-bowl of candy left. Since the family will be here this weekend, it won't go to waste.

On another note, today would have been my brother's 58th birthday, had he lived. He left this planet far too soon and without my permission!

Still another note, tonight was my son-in-law's first official Halloween in America where he actually met trick-or-treaters at the door. He said it was "charming". :)