Just Out Here Doing a Medium Halloween

With Halloween right around the corner (tomorrow – eek), I’ve found myself feeling a little different this time around. There’s so much heaviness in the world right now, and I’d be lying if I said my heart was fully in it this year.

No elaborate costumes, no weeks of themed crafts or Halloween snacks — just a few pumpkins, way too much candy, and decorations that my husband and kids took the lead on (and I was especially thankful for).

Did the decorations come out exactly how I would have liked? Not quite.
Is it good enough? Sure is.

At first, downshifting and doing less felt like relief.
Then came the guilt.

That little voice started whispering — Am I doing enough?
Probably right after a scroll through social media where I spotted beautifully curated pumpkin installations, adorable family-themed costumes, and perfectly staged Halloween snacks.

I had to stop myself.
Hold on.
You’re doing that comparison thing you talk to clients about all the time.
Even us therapists are human — and not immune to the comparison trap.

Because honestly, things have gotten a little overboard.
Halloween isn’t just one night anymore — it’s a month-long marathon of spirit days, class parties, community events, and costume coordination.

And my capacity looks different this year.
I’ve had a lot going on, and I just haven’t had the energy (or desire) to go all-in on the magic-making. I’ve also realized it’s okay to match our family’s pace — to honor my kids’ temperaments and needs without overdoing it at my own expense.

Luckily, both my kids picked simple costumes this year — and honestly, that small grace felt like a gift. I have a lot of respect for the moms putting together K-pop demon hunter costumes and learning how to braid intricate hairpieces.

I also have a kiddo whose birthday falls not long after Halloween, so I know I’ll be throwing a big party next weekend. Part of pacing myself is conserving energy for the celebration that’s right around the corner.

Will I decide to go all out again next year? Probably.
And if you do get joy and satisfaction from doing all the things — rock on with your creative self! Truly. I think that’s amazing, and I love seeing all the fun things you’re doing.

Because this isn’t about right or wrong, good or bad — it’s about capacity, values, and the season you’re in.

If you’re up for hosting the big party and going all out — hell yeah, and thank you for hosting.
If you’re opting for convenience and ease — you deserve to celebrate too. We all do.

I’m not in the business of pitting moms against moms or judging how you and your family choose to celebrate.

Sometimes “doing enough” looks like protecting your energy.
Sometimes “doing enough” looks like letting someone else take the lead this year.
Sometimes it means letting go of the extra.And sometimes it means saying yes to the crafts, events, and activities because you genuinely want to.

Last year, I carved the most incredible pumpkin of a certain female presidential hopeful because I was feeling inspired. This year? I’m doing less — and it feels good.

So as Halloween arrives tomorrow, here’s my reminder: Do you.
Whether that means glitter and glue guns or takeout and candy from the grocery store checkout line — it’s enough.

That’s not less. That’s love.