Stay little. That’s what I think as every Halloween draws to a close. For me this holiday, more than any other, highlights the innocence of my children and I realize as we’ve taken another trip around the sun that next year will not be the same. My teenager may not dress up, my middle schooler might not want to been seen with us, my fourth grader will ask to go out with his friends alone, and my five year old will make her own plans with new friends from Kindergarten.

As with many afternoon events with my family, even though we’ve had all morning to plan and prepare, when it’s finally time to go out it’s a flurry of chaos. Trick or treating is no different. Every year as soon as we hit the sidewalk the kids just start running everywhere and honestly, it stresses me out.

I made a comment about how it was annoying to watch the kids, but that wasn’t really the right word at all, it’s anxiety producing watching them. Running from house to house and leaping over anything in their path to the next candy oasis, I worry they will fall, I will lose sight of them, or a car won’t see them darting in and out of driveways. In a broader sense I worry they will outgrow this pure excitement sooner than I want them to, and walking the streets with mom and dad will be the last thing on their minds.

Trick or treating is no longer a family excursion, as my oldest goes out for hours with his friends, an important freedom that he’s had for a few years. I know I have to let them all go little by little, but I’m soaking in everything that I can right now.

As we walked around the neighborhood the sunlight dwindled in the sky and our buckets got heavier and heavier, I felt at peace as we drew another Halloween to a close. I realized this moment is unique, and you have to live for the present, not worrying what is to come or what has been.

Ending the day at our house we sat with our friends, laughing and taking in the last moments of the holiday as the kids played in the yard. They were elated with their bags of candy, sorting through to find their favorites, trade, and eat as much as possible…without a care in the world. This is the innocence I cherish, and what I will miss the most.

But my heart is full because life is good, so soak it in.

by Ellen Volpe – Co-Owner of ET Family Travel