Post-Halloween Play

Happy All Saints Day/ Día de los Muertos, one and all. But what to do with the ridiculous pile of candy/sweeties that could not conceivably (well perhaps…) be eaten? Here are two ideas dredged up from my memories of years gone by. I’ve found that these are good opportunities for smaller ones to start to talk about anything that may have spooked them last night. By transforming some of the Halloween paraphernalia into something safe can be a way for toddlers - and older kids - to understand a little of what went on.

Pumpkin Composting
I’m considering making a little ritual out of this. The smiley pumpkins and ‘neepy candles are carried in state through to the gently fermenting heaps at the bottom of the garden to lie in rest. The kids select and dig out a little niche for each to sit in and watch the garden. The pumpkins are thanked and one or two sweets are chosen to be placed inside. For the next couple of weeks we’ll watch them sag, paying a child-like attention to which bugs and worms seem to like pumpkin or the sweeties the best.

Perhaps as the boys get older I’ll light the lanterns one last time, this time using a couple of bits of loo roll to get a 4ft high flame. Though I’m not sure that the methane bubbles that I’m sure are forming in the heaps would be too happy.

Sticky Colage
Quick, run to the bin. See if you can salvage a handful of shiny wrappers to rinse off (alternatively consume the candy yourself using the keeping your children healthy excuse I use) and stick on a big ‘ol sheet of paper to make a reminder picture of their favourite bit of last night. You may have to draw some outlines, and I recommend upva glue over the stuff that comes in a stick. Stick it up on your fridge. I’ve done this a few times with younger kids, if it’s displayed at their hight you may well find yourself been escorted over to it to be told about it. This is when thinking big thinks happens. Listen.

For the sweets themselves you might want to check out one of my blog favs, A Readable Feast.  The Milky Way Pan Au Chocolat looks sooo good.

Enjoy.

tag... play for today, 2up, 3up, 5up, makes