Letting Him Choose

I'm not big on Halloween. It's probably because it wasn't part of our traditions when I was growing up. Also, I don't care much for scary, spooky & creepy stuff. I admit, I'm a wimp when it come to those things.

When the boy was younger, it wasn't an issue. He did not seem to care much for it either. I'd dress him up for the school parade then we'd go to our church's harvest festival and that was it. This year was different. He was so excited for Halloween. He wanted me to decorate the house. He also decided on his costume right away. He wanted to be Buzz LightYear.

Now, you all know how frugal I am. I tried to convince him to just use his costume from last year as it still fits. He would not hear of it. He wanted to be Buzz and there was nothing that could change his mind. Except, we could not find one in his size. We tried several stores without any success.

I kept on suggesting his Thomas the Train costume from last year but he wouldn't budge. Finally, he settled for Spider Man.  I also gave him the choice between going to the harvest festival at church or going trick or treating in our community.  He chose the latter, which is why last night, we went ringing doorbells and knocking on doors.

These are just small decisions, which, in the grand scheme of things don't matter too much. However, for him, letting him choose and honoring his choices are a big deal. I think it's a harmless way of teaching him about decision making. I hope it also taught him that his voice, though small, matters.

Oh, by the way, although I instructed him to say "Trick or treat", for most of the night, he said "Happy, happy Halloween". For us, it was indeed a happy Halloween.

How was your celebrations?