THREE WEEKS BEFORE
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Decorate Your Space |
Break out your boxes of decorations, and start transitioning your home and porch into a festive space. Use pumpkins, plastic spiders, ghosts, holiday signs and other decorations to kick off the celebration. Test lights and illuminated decorations to make sure they’re still functioning properly. Display whole pumpkins, but to keep them fresh, don’t carve them until it gets a bit closer to Halloween.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
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Prep Costumes |
Purchase or start making your family’s costumes. Head to a costume or consignment shop, or buy fabric and other supplies to create your one-of-a-kind design. Or, save time and money by swapping costumes with friends and family.
ONE WEEK BEFORE
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Plan Your Route or Venue |
If you’ll be trick-or-treating in your neighborhood, map the route and drive it to make sure it’s not too long for your kids. If you’re heading to an organized function, find out what time it starts and how long it runs.
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Get Coordinated |
Plan on trick-or-treating with a large group? Now is the time to connect with other parents to coordinate a starting time and location.
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Carve Your Pumpkins |
Let the carving begin. Whether you go for a smiling, big-toothed jack-o’-lantern, or a sad or scary face, go ahead and start carving. Don’t forget to roast the pumpkin seeds!
THREE DAYS BEFORE
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Get Ready for Treats |
In preparation for the big night, have your kids find a sturdy bag or pillowcase to collect their goodies. When purchasing treats to hand out to trick-or-treaters, compare prices and look for the best deals on your favorites.
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Do a Costume Fitting |
Have your family do one last costume fitting, just in case there are any issues with zippers, buttons, size or overall look. Use the next few days to complete any last-minute repairs or additions to costumes.
THE DAY BEFORE
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Clear a Path |
Make sure the path to your front door is clear for trick-or-treaters. Mow the lawn, rake leaves and clear away any fallen debris or items that could trip little feet. Cover or remove sharp plants or hazardous patio items.
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Change Your Batteries |
Load fresh batteries into your camera and your kids' flashlights, and charge your cell phone and camcorder — you don’t want to miss a single photo opportunity!
HALLOWEEN DAY
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Review the Rules |
Sit your kids down, and go over rules about Halloween safety and etiquette. Remind them to stay together, stick to the pre-determined route and to always say thank you after receiving treats.
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Set Out Candy |
Whether you place a self-serve bowl of candy at your front door (while you're out trick-or-treating), or you’re home to answer each and every knock, place your candy in a festive bowl and have it ready to disperse. If you won’t be home to hand out candy, place a sign on your door or near the candy bowl to let guests know to help themselves.
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