I have been meaning to get to this all week, and I know everyone is probably so over Halloween by now. But we did have the most AMAZING Halloween and we live on the best street for a great evening. I closed on my 124 year old house on Halloween four years ago. Everyone kept telling us we were moving to the best street for Halloween in the city. I remember coming over that evening after the closing- a key to an empty house and the promise of a "must see" Halloween experience. I picked up a few bags of candy and thought I would meet some neighbors. I had no idea that I was about to witness a 25 year tradition that I would not only be a part of, but look forward to every year.
I brought my Golden Retriever Brennan, and my mom. We were GOBSMACKED at the street. First of all- the street is closed all day on Halloween- and NO cars can drive on the street. The houses are decorated each on in its own style. The attendance is over a THOUSAND and it literally looks like the set of ET. ( YES- I buy and give out approx 800-1,000 pieces of candy each year now).
My five little bags of candy that I picked up on that night in 2006 were gone in 15 minutes... but the neighbors that I met that night are now babysitters, "Chicago Grandparents", dear friends, guests at cookouts, we have each others keys, leave each other baked treats, and water plants on vacation and visit over coffee on our porches.
The people on this street are so special and love to have fun and this is basically our annual "Block Party". Many have parties inside and out- invite friends to share in the night- trick or treat- and stay to eat.
I have done this in the past as well. This year- I spent an memorable day with Jack- we ran all through the park in the morning, carved pumpkins with hot chocolate in the afternoon- and put out a few more decorations. We had supper on our front porch and greeted early trick or treaters. My dear friend Susan came over and we sipped on mulled wine and walked Jack around through the magical lights and excitement. Running into friends from school, the gym, parks, beach, and our neighbors.
It looks like a movie and feels like a fairy tale. As you can tell, we love our street for MANY special reasons- but Halloween is our biggest show of the year and it takes all the of houses to make it "happen" and that is probably the best example of all- we work together- to raise our children- show our pride in our homes- and make life here special.
Hope you had a great Halloween! Now Im just SO excited for ALL of the Holidays!
