Last year during this time, we attempted trick-or-treating. We, as in Kyson and I. We made it down the block and then he immediately ran off back home. He was frightened by the number of people out walking and the type of costumes we came across.

We went home, but I was determined to have him get to one house so we went next door. He fought the entire way but eventually, we got to the doorsteps. I rang the doorbell and our sweet little neighbor comes to the door.

“Trick-Or-Treat!” I said (for Kyson)

We get two treats into his bucket and then walked home, passing just one house to get to home. It was pretty cold last year during Halloween anyway, so I didn’t mind going back. That was that.

No Tricks

This year we’ve been saying “Happy Halloween!” for the past few days. Trying to ready up for the event. Kyson had a few small pumpkins, that he likes to play with. We watched a few Youtube videos too, that he’s familiar with.

As he got home from school, I prepare him for what’s about to happen.

“Happy Halloween Kyson! Are you ready to go trick-or-treating?”

No answer, but I get a smirk.

We grab a quick snack and I put on my costume, he looks confused. I show him his costume and his face lights up! He loves Minions. Yes, we were minions. Mind you, we were the exact same thing last year, but no one saw us so might as well put it to use again.

Just Treats

However, instead of walking the streets we go to our local mall. Now, many may think why since malls are usually quite crowded, but our mall is a complete “ghost town” (pun intended).

We arrive and park. Kyson hops out of the car, he is ecstatic! We walk through the entrance hall all smiles but curious! It’s been a while since we’ve been here.

Kyson sees his favorite, school bus! So naturally, I let him take in the scene by letting him play for a bit.

Then Kyson notices the “Haunted House” and the host all dolled up in a skeleton costume! He jumps out and runs to me, here goes the escape!

I catch up and redirect him to walk. At each store, there’s an attendant waiting to hand out candy. Kyson hides and tugs on the back of my costume firmly. He doesn’t want to see anything!

“No!” Kyson yells at each stop

We walk the mall taking in each scene at a time. He’s more interested in the kiosk and games they have laid out in the center. So I let him calm down and explore a bit.

We make our way to each store attempting to get in one “Trick-Or-Treat” but Kyson wasn’t having it. I ended up doing all the trick-or-treat while he hung on to my costume hiding his face.

Quite strange to be Halloween and having the mall decorated for the holidays already but we made the best out of it. We ran into a few others dressed up as minions, seems I was the only parent dressed up but after the walk, I understood why. I was sweating my butt off in the thick fleece costume. We had great weather this year and it would’ve been great to walk outdoors but I felt the mall atmosphere was just right for Kyson.

A success? Yes indeed!

We head home to hand out candy the rest of the night. We didn’t get many trick-or-treaters but we did have some. Kyson was intrigued by all the visitors coming to the door in their costumes. Peeking out each time someone showed up to the door.

Final Thoughts

We had a great adventure today. We made it to a public setting with only one attempt to escape but walked the entire mall. He got one “Thank You” out to the attendants, a huge WIN of an epic milestone! Next year we will try again and if he doesn’t get there yet, I’m still happy and proud how far he’s come. Every little step, every little setback, every single day of this “An Unusual Path” makes it all worth it.

Hope you and your family had a Happy Halloween!

-Anna MV