3 Tips for Conquering Halloween Chaos

This post is sponsored by Red Baron but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

A certain conversation starts in September around here.

I just listen, sometimes giving applause and encouragement, while other times trying to shield the look on my face that reads “you’ve got to be kidding me, right?”

I’m talking about Halloween and all the chaos, yes chaos, that surrounds it. It’s kind of my own personal “war story” each and every season. But, as the years pass, I think I have finally settled into a groove where I’ve figured out how to make the holiday less hectic so I can enjoy it more. From purchasing costumes, to rushing out the door, to obsessing over candy that leads to tummy-aches, here are my 3 solutions to making Halloween a little less chaotic.

Encourage my kids to take hold of their imaginations and interests and create their own costumes.

I struggle with the idea of overspending at the store on a mass produced costume that is bound to be stuffed in a bin and forgotten about afterwards. It’s a lot more exciting to see what they come up with and so much more affordable. Not to mention, my spooky little spider witch will change her costume idea a dozen times so, we can’t commit too early. The possibilities are endless for creating their own costumes and more often times than not, the kids will find what they need right under our own roof. It may require a trip to the dollar store or pulling out my hot glue gun to assemble something, but I can handle that. 

Anticipate and prepare for late night hunger and tummy aches. I’ve made the mistake one too many times thinking there would be time for dinner after trick or treating only to realize my kids have been consuming candy all evening, leaving them with a sugar high and an upset stomach.  If there is anything my kids love as much as candy, it has to be pizza. Before the final touches are put on costumes and we head out in the neighborhood, I make sure my kids have full bellies even amidst the excitement. Our solution for getting a dinner on the table quick so we can get out the door fast is by enjoying Red Baron pizza right from our freezer. This pizza is always crowd-pleasing and is available in 11 different flavors from our family favorites, Pepperoni or Cheese Trio, to unique pies like Chipotle Chicken. I’m a fan of the Red Baron Classic Crust pizza because it is not too thick, not too thin, with a crispy, airy, flaky layered crust. The sauces are robust and the cheeses are premium.

With Red Baron for dinner, my kiddies will be well fed (and I’ll have an easy clean-up) before the night even begins which makes things a whole lot less scary for me as the night comes to an end. There’s no flying solo with this pizza on the table because it takes the chaos out of mealtime. My kids won’t turn into monsters begging for a late dinner or complaining of a candy hangover as they are spreading out their loot at the end of the night. Donate.

Unless it is sentimental or it’ll work as a hand-me-down, I avoid collecting costumes that become clutter in the basement. Local consignment shops love buying costumes for the season. Even our PTO hosts a Costume Craze each year where donated costumes are sold for just $5! It’s an easy way to make some earnings for the school.

“I have too much candy!” said no kid ever, but sometimes there really is just too much sugar rushing going on in the house. Did you  know that you can donate leftover candy? Look for organizations that collect candy to give to soldiers or first responders. Or check your local dentist office who may exchange the candy for healthier offerings like toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Now that I know how to avoid the dreaded chaos of the evening, I’m looking forward to a fun night out with my kiddies.

Do you have any parenting “war stories” to share when it comes to Halloween?