Halloween with Little Ones: A Cosy Night In While the Big Kids Go Out
The bigger children are putting on costumes. Someone has misplaced a vampire’s teeth. There is a last-minute discussion about whether a coat will ruin the outfit.
And somewhere in the middle of it all is a little person who would quite like to join in—but might find the whole business rather overwhelming.
Whether you’re a parent staying home, a grandparent on babysitting duty or the designated keeper of the youngest family members, Halloween can be a lovely excuse for a cosy evening together. There can still be dressing up, a little silliness and something nice to eat. You simply get to enjoy it all without standing on a doorstep in the drizzle.
Give the evening its own special name
When older brothers and sisters are heading out trick-or-treating or going to a party, staying behind can feel terribly unfair. Rather than making the evening all about waiting for them to return, give the little ones something of their own to look forward to.
A “Little Monsters’ Night In”, a “Pumpkin Pyjama Party” or a “Cosy Halloween Story Night” can turn staying home into an occasion. Let them choose a cuddly guest, pick their pyjamas or decide where the story corner will be. A teddy wearing a witch’s hat is perfectly qualified to attend.
Make a cosy story corner
You don’t need elaborate decorations. A blanket, a few cushions and a favourite soft toy can make an ordinary corner feel special.
Add a paper pumpkin or a battery-operated light if you have one, then settle down together.
There is no rule that says every Halloween story must contain a ghost. If your little one prefers funny animals to things that go bump in the night, a familiar, cheerful story can be just the thing.
Halloween outside can be noisy and unpredictable. Your story corner can be warm, comfortable and reassuringly free of unexpected skeletons.
Keep the Halloween fun gentle
A few simple activities can give younger children a taste of the celebrations without making the whole evening frightening.
Draw pumpkins with silly expressions. Invent names for friendly monsters. Take turns making the most ridiculous ghost noise you can manage. You could even ask everyone to design a costume for their favourite story character.
What would Kiwi the Cockerpoo choose?
Probably something that allowed him to remain lying down. A small, furry rug, perhaps.
Have a plan for the doorbell
If you’re answering the door to trick-or-treaters, let little ones know what to expect: visitors wearing costumes, a quick hello and then off they go. Some children will love helping you greet them. Others may prefer to stay tucked up with their story and let a grown-up handle the visiting vampires. Either way is fine. There is no need to turn the evening into a bravery test.
Finish with a story and a cuddle
Once the pumpkin pictures are finished and the excitement begins to fade, a story gives everyone a chance to settle.
Choose something you’ll enjoy reading together. Pause to look at the pictures, try a funny voice or ask your little listener what they think might happen next. And if they request the same favourite again, your Halloween entertainment programme may already be sorted.
A little company from Kiwi
Kiwi the Cockerpoo would understand the appeal of a quiet evening at home. His own plans usually involve getting comfortable and hoping nobody announces an outing. Unfortunately, life has a habit of interrupting.
The Kiwi the Cockerpoo picture-book stories bring funny mishaps, colourful characters and a dog who would generally prefer a little less excitement—ideal company for a cosy evening of reading together.
Explore the stories at www.mymcb.co.uk, with downloadable PDF ebooks available for 99p each.
Because while the bigger children are out collecting treats, the little ones can have a lovely evening of their own. There are even some free, downloadable activity sheets to help pass the time.
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