I have never loved Halloween. And no matter what efforts I made to simplify – less candy, fewer baked goods for school parties, easier costuming, lowered expectations – I just could never really command the holiday. It always commanded me. Until covid and living on the road allowed us to simplify while also getting a sugar rush and pretending to be someone we were not. A low-cost run to the craft store and the kids’ aptitude for you’re-on-your-own-DIY turned the evening into one filled less with distraction and more with quality time, creativity, and some engaged grandparents willing to hide around corners and provide both tricks and treats.