Halloween is either very loved or very hated, the number of people in-between can be considered almost extinct. The parties lined up in the town can be found here, if the beijingkids 8th Halloween Costume Party conflicts with your schedule (there is still space for the Sunday morning session). Halloween might be very new to some as this might be the first time celebrating it, so here are some tips to help you and your family have fun and looking forward to others.
Take something with you
If you are invited for a party, just like another time, try to take something without sugar as they pretty much with have those covered. Making some is very thoughtful but just having to get something goes a long way to breaking the ice and scoring an invite to the next party.
If you are attending one of the events around town, then it’s a good idea to carry your child’s favorite snack in case the snacks provided are not to their liking. This will have them enjoy the event for a bit and then try again to see if there’s something to like.
Costumes
So this year’s girl’s favorite costume is from the animation Frozen, well most will not be going as Anna but Elsa so there’s a chance very many girls will be wearing the same costumes. Add a little flair to make what’s pretty much the same outfit stand out. This is because there might be a little tension where there are same outfits involved but it does not say you cannot have fun. The little difference will help with the awkward situations. Some costumes are just a no-no search for Prince Harry’s apology to the World War II veterans after he wore a political incorrect costume. There diverse cultures present in Beijing will make this one area that you don’t wish to step on anyones toes. So before buying that costume find out if there’s any cultural insensitivity that might be perceived from it.
Pranks
Some pranks can be very scary and might lead the younger children not enjoying the event or the party at all. So find out what kind of pranks are to be expected and decide if your child can handle them or not. As fun as it is to scary kids there is a limit to their threshold also that just becomes plain mean, therefore save the best pranks for an audience who will appreciate it. Here is an article that asks that Halloween be not too scary. There should be a limit to the number of pranks that are allowed this does not become overwhelmingly in bad taste.
Respect
In a house party or at a big event, its always good to remember that there are others waiting to serve food, have a chance at trick-or-treat, get in on the activities, and so mud more. So wait till you see that all the guests (children) have one round before asking for a second round when some people haven’t had the chance to get any. Have a talk about what is and isn’t allowed this way saving the awkward situation from not happening. Being courteous to both adults and children go a long way in making your family feel welcome and have a nice time. But if there’s an injustice then speak up.
Safety
Beijing has a low crime rate, this does not mean that there’s no crime. Safety should be a concern as they walk around in search of the never ending candy. Your child should be within your eye range as they play, and run around. When going on a trick-or-treat session then make sure they have a buddy, you and another parent get to have your kids hold each others hand and make it and take care of each other all through the evening. This will help.
So enjoy the horror without being horrified.
Photos: Mitchel Musilun
