Trick or treat? Halloween’s greatest trick is that the treat isn’t always the greatest choice for little bodies. Instead of candy full of processed sugar, food dye, and other potentially harmful additives, why not create traditions around this holiday that are fun and healthy? Here are some great ways to have a happy, healthy Halloween.
The Treats
What better way to teach your children healthy holiday strategies than to show them? Give out healthy or alternative treats to trick-or-treaters at your door. If your treats are allergen-friendly, be sure to put out a teal-colored pumpkin so those with allergies know! You can always find some great options in the party favors section at Target/Walmart etc. Here are some ideas:
- Organic fruit leather
- Organic juice boxes
- Dried fruit (raisins, mango, cranberries, etc.)
- Small toys
- Bracelets
- Stickers
- Bubbles
- Bouncy balls
- Tiny coloring books
- Glow sticks!! (A favorite in one of our old neighborhoods!)
The Tricks
Get your bodies moving this Halloween! Instead of driving or just walking from house to house, try different ways to get to each door: skipping, jumping, grapevine, bear crawl – you can get creative! The kids will be falling over giggling as they do these challenges in their costumes! And the best part? They’re enjoying being active!
For older children, you could set a goal for how many houses you’ll get to in your trick-or-treating window. See if you can beat the goal and still make it home!
The Witch
My kids’ favorite part of Halloween? When the Switch Witch comes! When we’re done trick-or-treating, the kids gather all their candy and leave it on the back porch. During the night, the “Switch Witch” appears and swaps out the candy for a few toys or things they love. Our boys love opening up the back door to see what the Switch Witch brought them this year!
We love this tradition because the kids still get to enjoy Halloween with their friends, and even without candy they get something they enjoy in the end. It’s a win-win situation for both parents and kids alike!
Hope you have a spook-tacular Halloween this year!
Blessings,
Amber
P.S. Don’t get spooked by a weak immune system! Sign up here to get 50% off my upcoming online course on strengthening your immune system!
