Embracing Change: Halloween Memories and Gratitude
My mom’s sugar cookie recipe brings back memories…
I’ve always loved fall and enjoyed Halloween. As a little girl, my mom made it special. A seamstress in her own right, she would make the most amazing costumes for my siblings and me. She made sure we had a bowl of warm chili and pumpkin shaped sugar cookies before heading out into the cool evenings of our home in upstate New York. My dad would joyfully take us around the neighborhood, chatting with everyone as we made out like bandits with pillowcases full of candy. As my siblings grew older and broke away to do things with their friends, my dad continued to take me around with a friend. We would all meet at home and pour out our stash while watching The Great Pumpkin, and trading would ensue.
When my kids were little, Halloween was certainly a hustle. With school parties to manage, costume decisions (and changed minds), elementary Halloween parades, and more—it could get a little stressful. Toddlers who didn’t want to take off their princess shoes but couldn’t walk the whole way, or needed to head back early while the older ones continued with my husband. I still tried to recreate the magic at home: Charlie Brown, candy, and family time.
My daughter and I pumpkin carving
Now that my kids are older, Halloween traditions have shifted. Costumes aren’t as big of a deal, and the older ones often go off with their friends. We rarely get trick-or-treaters, so Eric and I walk the neighborhood with them. We enjoy being outside, and it’s an added bonus if we run into someone we know and haven’t seen in a while. This year, I noticed that instead of sprinting door to door, my kids walked slowly. They leisurely trick-or-treated, unsure if it was still cool, content but more reserved. We came home and did our tradition of a candy dump and Halloween movies. It was still special, but the energy felt different. Eric and I talked about how these moments continue to change and wondered what future Halloweens would look like when they’re grown. Will we start new traditions? Will we have peaceful nights at home?
What began as a touch of sadness over the change shifted to hope. Seasons inevitably change as we grow older, but what truly matters is how we adapt and find new ways to make each one meaningful. It’s normal to feel a bit wistful, but embracing each season with a fresh perspective can bring more joy and gratitude.
As we move into the holiday season of thankfulness and giving, I’m savoring this pause. The trees are still vibrant, the rush hasn’t begun, and there’s a chance to breathe. This month, I’ll share what I’m thankful for and be intentional with my reflections. It might sound a bit cheesy, but I believe an attitude of gratitude can transform feelings of discontent or envy. When we focus on what we have and who we have, there’s little space for what we lack.
I’d love for you to join me and share your small blessings or how you’re embracing this season. Let’s celebrate the beauty of change together.
May the crisp crunch of leaves and the beauty that surrounds us remind us that while every season changes, we do too—and that’s a beautiful thing.
XO,
Jenna
