It finally happened; I was able to open my windows at night. That’s right… fall has finally come to the subtropics. Classroom bulletin boards are transforming into idyllic “fall scenes” and transplanted northerners wistfully remember “fall” from our childhood. We remember how Pumpkin Patches held hay rides, apple picking events and stories told by a “scarecrow”. The air was filled with the scents of apple cider, cinnamon and pumpkin pies fresh from the oven.
I remember running home from school to quickly get ready for my favorite holiday “Halloween”. The one day of the year I could wear make up. Needless to say my costumes always revolved around being a princess.
After a quick snack, I would dash across the street to my Aunt Grace where she would apply a layer of foundation and blush. The whole picture wasn’t complete until she added Mabeline blue stick eye shadow and Avon red lipstick. You see, back then there was “brand loyalty”. (Of course that was a lot easier when there weren’t so many options.)
Next step was to go home and find a dress suitable for a princess, put it on and then layer my “pea coat” over it. Didn’t really matter what costume you wore because it was too cold to go out without a coat. The neighborhood would meet at my house where parents would assemble to take their photos, recording another year’s passage.
Of course we were reminded to: stay together, mind our manners and only ring the bell twice. If they did not answer we were to leave quietly. That’s right; we went house to house without adult supervision, but believe me, if we were rude our moms would hear about it!
Shortly after nightfall we were to return home for the “candy check” and a pizza dinner. Night hours were reserved for the local teenagers.
It was much easier to love the holidays then, because they were special. Even if your family had money, life was pretty much the same for everyone.
The pundits are telling us this is going to be a tough year. They say that there will be less abundance to go around. Perhaps that’s a good thing. Maybe holidays can be special again, and our children will be reminded that abundance is a feeling in your heart and not an accumulation of things.
Have a wonderful fall,
Peace and Light,
Grace
Written by Grace Geller
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