Handling Halloween

Well, this post may be a bit late for some-- however, I think that a lot of it applies to the other upcoming holidays (we certainly aren't in the clear yet...). As I'm typing I'm waiting for Trick-or-Treaters at home, hoping that we get a good number, since we certainly have plenty of candy! We didn't live at our house last year, so we never know...

Here are my tips for handling Halloween:

1) Take time to enjoy the season- the flavors, the traditions, etc.- this doesn't necessarily mean over indulging in the treats- but it does mean not depriving yourself. I have a "Trick-or-Treat" scented candle burning in my kitchen right now, which somehow just makes it feel like a holiday!

2) In regards to the treats, have some- have your favorites, and enjoy them! Be sure that your are intentional and conscious of your choice, and I'll bet that you'll enjoy them just that much more.

3) That said, pick your POINTs- don't waste POINTS on the stuff that you don't really love. For me, candy corns are just "meh" when compared with some of the other options. So, I'm picking other ways to use my POINTs. Now a Heath on the other hand... yep, I'll pick those POINTs!

4) Know what you are getting yourself into... This goes back to the basic tool of preparing yourself. Consider in advance the types of things that will be available at your parties, know the POINTs of common candy (as a side, here are a few that are relatively low: Twizzlers, York Peppermint Patties, 3 Musketeers, and some of the basic 'sugar' candies- i.e. Runts, Laffy Taffy, etc.), and plan for your success.

5) Enjoy the holiday and celebrate your accomplishments along with the holiday itself! What did you do differently this year? How have you changed your behaviors since last year's Halloween? What did you choose to do well? How did that feel? Don't be scared to celebrate the small accomplishments--- remember that it is the culmination of many small changes that ultimately bring us the overall success.

Allright, it is now 6:17pm, and no Trick-or-Treaters yet. I'm adding one more tip:

6) Have a plan of how to dispose of your leftover candy! Whatever works for you- but don't let it sit around and haunt you past the holiday.