Happy Halloween, 2012!



My daughters, Rossie and Riza trick or treating on halloween, 2012.

We celebrated my daughter's 4th birthday 5 days ago, and I thought, "Yeah, right. Halloween is here, then, Thanksgiving holiday. Then, christmas." By the time we gathered together to celebrate my daughter's birthday, and I know it has become a culture to us to come to our house in halloween costume, especially with the little kids and eat dinner together and then, we were reminded that yes, after the halloween, all the holidays are in the corner.

Nearly 8 years ago, we celebrated our All Soul's Day and All Saint's Day with our families in the Phil. Although there was no glamour of wearing the most expensive costumes but we enjoyed visiting our deceased family and relative in their graveyard, and some folks are actually partying with them bringing food and drinks in their grave. In the night of Nov. 1st, we used to gather together as a family and offer prayers to the souls of our departed families. After the prayer, we come and eat together as a family and welcome kids and neighbors treat and tricking and have them eat and play with us.

Now that I am thousands of miles away from home, all I can do is just recall my memories as I saw the kids treat or tricking in the neighborhood. I felt a sudden sadness while I watched my girls knocking at my neighbor's door. At that moment, I decided to go with my girls to the main street and be with the rest of the kids in town enjoying the display for halloween. It is something that cannot replace my childhood experience during halloween but at least, I have them experience the moment.