It’s that time of year again when leaves change color, mums are abundant, and pumpkin spice rules the world. The back corner of Target was in shambles today as families bought last minute fall decorations, costumes, and extra bags of candy. As I trotted around Target waiting for a prescription refill with Thing 3, I bumped into a few people I know who all excitedly and sweetly asked the same question: “What are your kids going to be this year for Halloween?”

Ah. Nothing.

We had a blast last year when we decided to ditch the Halloween fanfare. Thing 3 stayed home with the grandparents while my husband and I took Things 1 and 2 to a college football game. They ran around campus, danced to the marching band, stuffed their faces with pizza, and skipped and smiled the whole night.

Because October 31 falls on a school night this year, we need to keep plans low-key and local; but again, there will be no itchy costumes or mandatory trick-or treating for my brood. Maybe we’ll watch a movie, or maybe we will eat dinner out and do something fun with the boys. Since I received a lot of positive feedback on the original Conscious Un-Halloweening, I wanted to give a shout out to my fellow special needs parents. We are all heading into the busiest time of year with parties, extended family visits, dinner spreads full of foods our kids won’t eat, blinking lights, and extra layers of clothing… But it is a wonderful time of year, and I hope all find ways to make the holiday blitz special.

And this is what happens when I roam Target unsupervised.