No More Goodie Bags, and Re-using Hallowe'en Decorations

by Monica
(Fort Smith, Arkansas)

Like many people, the recession has caused my holiday spending to decrease. That includes the amount of money my family spends on Halloween. In years past I would buy decorations when they first hit the stores.

I can no longer afford to do that, so now I wait and purchase any decorations I want after Halloween is over.

I save up to 80% and put them up for next year. We used to buy several pumpkins to carve, but now limit ourselves to one large pumpkin bought at a local produce market. The price per pound is cheaper than in a typical grocery store.

I use many decorations from years past, and rework them, as needed.

For example, I have several small buckets painted with Halloween motifs. I use these buckets from year to year for holding candy, candles, small gourds and pumpkins, or even as a trick or treat container.

We live in a large neighborhood that is always busy on Halloween night. I used to give out more expensive candy, such as chocolate and caramel. Now, to save money, I give out bubblegum or less expensive candy purchased from my local dollar store.

I no longer make up "goodie bags", as they tend to be more costly to fill. Even though I hate to scrimp, I now give no more than 2 pieces of candy to each trick-or-treater. I have found that the amount of candy I now give out on Halloween night is cut by at least half.

It does save money, and at least I am able to give something to everyone.