So, in a few short hours the clock will strike midnight, and the calender page will turn to my favourite month of the year: October! The smell of damp foliage, the cinnamon-inspired drinks and desserts, apple orchards, mulled wine, the magnificent
rust colours on the trees -the month is total sensory extravaganza. Aside from all the beauty brought on by the autumn season, October holds a special place in my heart for a more important, more EXCITING reason: HALLOWEEN!
Anyone who knows me knows that Halloween is the biggest holiday for me -leaving all others in the dust by miles. I don't know what it is. I have always been a huge fan of the season. "Season". That is a term on which my neighbours might challenge me. You see, for me, the "season" is not the mere couple of weeks leading up to the glorious pagan ritual... no, the "season" starts on Labour Day Monday. No, I am not kidding, and no, I am not crazy. As far as I'm concerned, if I'm going to go "all out" (as they say) and decorate my humble abode, inside and out, I am going to maximize my spooktacular enjoyment by stretching it out as much as I possibly can. Retail stores start stocking the shelves with Halloween paraphernalia as early as the middle of August. At least I'm waiting until September. Don't try to challenge me on this one. This is an argument that you will never win. Your efforts would be in vain. Anyway, my neighbours know that once the kids start packing their new knapsacks for that first dreaded day of the academic year, their crazy cat-lady neighbour will proudly be erecting the severed head on a spike in the front lawn, alongside the tombstones. Forget Wiarton Willie -I'll tell you when it's time for the seasons to change.
This year, circumstances beyond my control prevented me from adhering to my decorating schedule, but the outside is now finished and tomorrow marks the beginning of my "Extreme Makeover: Halloween Edition" on the inside. Even my cats roll their eyes. It is all for a purpose, however. Each year I throw a big ol' bash where the big event of the night is the ceremonial autopsy of the jello brain. Disgusting, yet edible treats are served, the lighting, decor, and sounds create the perfect ambiance, and the costumes are side-splitting. Who wouldn't have a great time? I take pride in my creative contributions to the evening -especially with respect to my costume. Each year I strain my brain to come up with something creative and unique. It will be a cold day in Hades when I purchase a commercial disguise. Some previous attempts at masquerade genius include: The Pillsbury Doughboy's Dead Wife (COD: Yeast Infection), Father Karas from "The Exorcist" (complete with a can of pea soup all down the front of my smock), Laurie the Human Tornado (aka Laurnado), Carrie (a la Stephen King), Grissom from CSI, Mrs. Roper from "Three's Company", and Road Kill, just to name a few. This year's attempt will be no less creative. Though it is a secret at this point, I assure you, it will generate some laughs and plenty of photo opps.
I spent the day shopping at the new store in London: "Party Packagers: Halloween Extreme Superstore". I thought perhaps I had had a sudden heart-attack and was actually in heaven. I was the kid in the proverbial candy-store. My friend followed me around pushing the cart as I practically danced my way down the aisles. In retrospect, it's actually kind of embarrassing, though I'm assuming more so for my friend.
By the end of the day, my party-shopping was nearly completed. I will be spending the day tomorrow putting the finishing touches on the place. For the next 26 days I will enjoy every ounce of gruesome decor as I sit and stare patiently at the clock, waiting for the magical night to finally arrive.
HAVE YOUR SAY: What are your Halloween traditions? If you don't take part in these festivities, what celebration leaves you sleepless with anticipation?
No comments:
Post a Comment