Utah Mama

The Candy Blitz Solution

Halloween isn’t here yet, but already my house is swimming in sugar.  The girls have brought home sacks of candy from dance class, pre-school parties, even violin lessons.  Last night when they were picking at their dinner plates—too full from candy corn and mini-Snickers bars to eat much—I remembered how much I like Witchelena.

Witchelena is a friendly witch who visits our house on Halloween night.  I invented her back when all of my girls believed whole-heartedly in the Easter bunny and the tooth fairy.   After the girls choose about 15 favorite treats to keep, they leave their trick or treat bags outside their bed room doors.  Late at night, Witchelena takes the candy and leaves fun (inedible) surprises in exchange.  Last year she left a book and this cute matching hat and glove set.  This year, she’s been shopping for earrings.  I know it sounds mean and impossible, but we’ve been doing it for so long, the girls are used to it.  Wondering what surprises Witchelena is going to leave them is part of the Halloween fun.

And frankly, I don’t do this only for the girls.  It’s in the best interests of the whole family.  No matter where they hide their trick or treat bags, it’s way scary prey for me while they are in school.  I need Witchelena as much as anyone.

My biggest worry is my three year old.  She’s not old enough to have any fond memories of Witchelena.  Right now the Halloween world is so magical for her.  Behind every door is a potential chocolate bar.  Witchelena will have to be especially nice this year.  But still, she’ll want to know where the candy went.  I’ll have to break it to her gently.  Witchelena took it.  She and the Tooth Fairy are probably building a house with it right now.  Instead of Kit-Kats, we might have to eat  eggs and applesauce for breakfast this morning.  Somehow we’ll adjust.