Does Halloween Rival Christmas For Goodwill Fostered?

I love Halloween. It’s the only holiday which both children and adults are given free rein, to dress up and make-believe. A child can be a Super Hero for the day, while their teacher becomes a Disney Princess or Zombie Rock Star. The rules of this parallel universe are observed without question for 24 glorious hours. But like in Cinderella, although not at the stroke of midnight, our costumes get packed up and tucked away for another year.

To see adults play and make-believe again is a beautiful thing. For a child to be allowed to express themselves in a safe social environment, is a beautiful thing. When entire communities open their doors to local children and share without expectation, that is a beautiful thing. So I would like to suggest that the spirit of Halloween, not the customs of that specific day, be observed all year.

What am I proposing exactly? With Bullying Awareness Week right around the corner, we needn’t tuck away that creative, playful, abundant, giving side of ourselves with our Halloween costumes. Now not all costumes represent positive, peaceful, or giving characteristics. So to be clear, this is not the “spirit” of Halloween I’m proposing we continue throughout the year. Rather, that sense of possibility “what am I going to be this year?”.

How can we, as a school community be more inclusive and accepting? How can we squeeze more play into our day (grow-ups especially)? How can we step up, and encourage our students to step? How can we contribute, and encourage our student’s to contribute? And how can we share more of that hero that lives within each of us?

I challenge parents and educators to ask yourselves these questions. Ask a better question, get a better answer. The School Heroes Unite program is designed to unleash your student’s inner hero, while fostering teamwork and empathy. We’re here to help. Keep the creative, inclusive, playful and giving spirit of Halloween alive. Bring School Heroes Unite to your school!

Happy Halloween!