Establishing family traditions to the various holidays is very important to us with two small children and two parents who work full time. The kids love the fun and whimsical side of Halloween and spend 6 months prior to it deciding and then changing what they want to dress up as.  I love the cooler weather when I can finally break out my sweaters, and light up a bonfire. So, since they have been little, there are a few things we do every year for Halloween- pick out costumes together, make chili for dinner on the big night, and then pass out candy to our little visitors.  An important part of this is saving money as we celebrate- thanks to Walmarts Everyday low prices it isn’t hard at all to pick up what we need in one spot and not spend a fortune.

Establishing Family Halloween Traditions

There are 3 things we do that you may be on your yearly tradition list too, besides just Trick or Treating…

Shop for costumes- My kids start planning their costumes about May, I bet your kids are about the same right? Then when we got to Walmart and the racks were bursting with choices it was back to square one. Luckily they were able to decide in a reasonable time frame and  I was able to grab both of the kids costumes for less than $40. I have tried, to no avail, to get them to do some kind of themed matching costumes to no avail, something about wanting to be unique and an individual…wierdos.

( I couldn’t resist sneaking in a few last minute decor items too!)

Create a Halloween menu-  Choose something you can shop for and make together as a family like homemade pizza, chili, breakfast for dinner, etc… Make it your meal every year. While shopping for our somewhat last minute costume choices at Walmart I picked up all the ingredients I needed for our annual All Hallows Eve dinner- Chili. The kids help me gather the ground beef, beans, cheese, onions, sour cream, etc.. Everything we need to put that steaming pot of goodness on the table before heading out for treats!

Pass out candy together- Grab a couple bags of candy to pass out and a big fun bowl for holding it all in for the trick or treaters that will come to your door. We found a fantastic selection of candy at low prices, so good in fact that I could spring for the “fancy” chocolates that will surely make us the most popular family on the block! Even the littles love tossing handfuls of candy into bags every time there is a knock at the door.

What are some of your family’s favorite Halloween Traditions?

Here are some Gratuitious adorable pics from Halloween’s past for your enjoyment…

Okay, there was that one time that they let me match them, before they had opinions and stuff…