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You are here: Home / Blog / No Costumes Allowed: Halloween Cancelled

No Costumes Allowed: Halloween Cancelled

October 29, 2015 By Shann 140 Comments

No Costumes?

I had a completely different post planned for today, but I was completely caught off-guard yesterday. I received an email from my son’s teacher saying there were no costumes allowed in school. What?! He had an awesome costume party last year in pre-school. I was actually even planning to dress up when I went in to volunteer at his art class.

No Costumes are allowed at school. Since when did fun become outlawed?

No Costumes Allowed

I don’t normally post about controversial topics, and I didn’t even think this was one, but it got me a little upset. Why couldn’t my child dress-up in a costume on Friday? They are actually having a “Harvest” party on Thursday, and someone must have asked about wearing costumes for the party, which prompted the email.

I really didn’t understand, so I called his school this morning. I asked if it was a school policy that the children couldn’t wear costumes on Friday. The woman who answered the phone said that they “don’t do that, and haven’t done it for a couple of years.” I asked why, and she said it was because there are many different beliefs. I totally get that, but you don’t have to “believe” in Halloween to have some fun and wear a costume. Now, if it was some kind of safety issue, I could get behind that. However, she didn’t even offer that as an excuse.

I guess if you go back to the “true” meaning of Halloween waaaay, way back when it originated, maybe some people would object. However, Halloween has become so commercialized, I really don’t think that is why people dress up anymore. It’s just a fun thing to do. Kids dress as super heroes, princesses, TV characters, etc. It doesn’t have to be something scary or evil.

In fact, couldn’t they just make it a “dress like your favorite character” day, if they were that worried about offending someone?  I also don’t think it has to be a requirement, so if it does offend you, don’t dress up.

Past Costumes

costumes

Are those really offensive? How about these?

no costumes allowed #Halloweencancelled #Halloween #NoHalloween

I guess the thing that bothers me the most was that Halloween and dressing up was one of my favorite memories from elementary school. We would get to wear a costume to school, then parade through all the other classrooms. Everyone clapped and cheered and had a great time. No one was worried about offending anyone.

Let’s Play Dress-up

Dressing up has always been one of my favorite things to do. My mom had a huge tub of her and my Grandma’s old clothes, and I would occupy myself for hours dressing up and playing pretend. Isn’t play and pretend play something that’s supposed to be celebrated in school?

I’m just a little sad that my son doesn’t get to wear the cool costume we had planned and play pretend at school.  I was looking forward to seeing silly costumes as I walked in to volunteer on Friday. In the grand scheme of things, t’s really not that big of a deal. I’m just a little bummed.

I just wish everyone didn’t have to be so serious all the time, and worry about every little thing.

You’re only in  kindergarten once.

Costumes have been outlawed at our school. Since when did fun become a bad thing?\

How we celebrate

You can bet we will all be in costume on Saturday. If you dress up, I’d love to see pictures on my Facebook page wall.

If you don’t, I’m not mad at you. Just don’t ruin my son’s fun.

Do your kids dress up at school?If you like what you just read please click to send a quick vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs- The best mommy blog directory featuring top mom bloggers

 

Filed Under: Blog, Holidays Tagged With: costume, costumes, dress-up, elementary school, fun, halloween costumes, kindergarten, make-believe, play, pretend, pretend play, school

Comments

  1. nmiller00 says

    October 29, 2015 at 5:47 am

    I couldn’t believe it either when my 10 year old started school. I remembered loving dressing up when I was a kid and even the teachers dressing up. So many fun memories. I was completely surprised this year when we were told that our kindergartner was able to wear his costume to school. He is being a hammerhead shark. . .not sure this is a good idea since his costume is a bit big, but he is super excited. I saw let them dress up!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 8:42 am

      Yes! Our teachers used to dress up too. That’s awesome that your son gets to dress up. Love that he’s a hammerhead shark. Send me pictures!

      Reply
  2. Leah says

    October 29, 2015 at 7:48 am

    That’s so sad. I loved dressing up in school as a kid!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 8:42 am

      That’s what makes me so sad too. They are some of my best memories.

      Reply
  3. QueenThrifty says

    October 29, 2015 at 7:52 am

    Wow that sucks. It sad how ignorance has changed tradition. I love the photo’s.

    Reply
  4. chefjoe11 says

    October 29, 2015 at 8:26 am

    Our school also does not allow dressing up. I am ok with it, I think that school should be for learning.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 8:41 am

      I’m all about learning, but I think that there is value in play and pretend, which is also learning.

      Reply
  5. Lauren (bpatty.com) says

    October 29, 2015 at 8:32 am

    It’s crazy at how politically correct everything has gotten. I could see maybe putting guidelines on the costumes. Like nothing scary or sexy but super heroes and princesses or cowboys and doctors should be completely fine.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 8:40 am

      Exactly!

      Reply
    • Alana says

      November 1, 2015 at 11:34 am

      Yes!!!

      Reply
  6. Sabrina @ Pink Little Notebook says

    October 29, 2015 at 8:39 am

    I would be totally upset if my child couldn’t wear a costume to school. Who wouldn’t let their kid dress up for halloween? that’s just cruel!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 8:40 am

      I know!

      Reply
  7. Lindsay (@itssimplylinds) says

    October 29, 2015 at 8:54 am

    That is sad – I still love dressing up to this day, and I, like you, grew up with tubs of dress up clothes and costumes. Dressing up for grade school Halloween was always such a fun, special time, and it’s sad that it’s being taken away from most schools.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      Yes! Agreed.

      Reply
  8. Inspiration Indulgence says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:19 am

    I think this is a bunch of BS. I know that I was allowed to wear costumes in elementary school but they since canceled it at that school about two years ago. I think everyone just needs to lighten up a bit…

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      Agreed 🙂

      Reply
  9. Emily, Our house now a home says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:21 am

    I was surprised as well when my daughter started school and they do have a Halloween party, but no costumes. I remember that was such a highlight for me in school.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      Yes, for me too 🙁

      Reply
  10. Sina @ Vegan Heaven says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:22 am

    This totally sucks! And I don’t really get their explanation either. 🙁 I loved dressing up in school when I was a kid!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      I honestly don’t get it either.

      Reply
  11. mommygorun says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:23 am

    My kids have never been able to dress up for Halloween, but they do character days at different times during the year. It’s really frustrating because honestly it’s the adults that are so concerned about “offending” some group. It’s ridiculous. The kids don’t care about any of that, they just want to show off their cool costumes to their friends. In our schools we get a lot of “some families may not be able to afford to participate” which I understand, but if that’s truly the school’s argument they shouldn’t allow “dress up” days EVER!!!!
    Great post!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:57 pm

      Exactly. Thank you!

      Reply
  12. Ashley says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:24 am

    Totally agree, I would be upset too! It’s just for fun! People get too offended these days.

    Reply
  13. hilkayaker says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:28 am

    That is so sad! Halloween is the most popular holiday with kids today, it is so much fun, dressing up, playing, chatting with other kids about their costume. My 2.5 year old is so excited and asks EVERYONE about their costumes. This would be a shame if they made it wide-spread. No reason kids can’t dress up in costumes!

    I totally just wrote a post about the origins of Halloween 🙂 But you are right, it is so commercial now, it really has nothing to do with its origins.

    http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.com/samhain/

    Foster kids imagination and independence, encourage them to dress up and play pretend and choose what they want to be. Such a shame! I would probably be the parent that sent my kid in some form of dress up outfit in protest regardless!

    Reply
  14. Liz @ The Clean Eating Couple says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:30 am

    What a bummer! Most schools don’t allow candy either.. That was one of my favorite things too!

    Reply
  15. Angie says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:39 am

    DISLIKE! I think costumes should be allowed. I think it’s fine to adhere to some guidelines like no masks, certain lengths, no weapons, etc. But I still think you should allow dressing up. Some of my favorite memories from school are Halloween costume parades and parties in class. Boo!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      Exactly. I’d be fine if there were rules too. I say Boo too! 🙂

      Reply
  16. workingmommagic says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:55 am

    My son is not allowed to dress up either, and he is in first grade. The kindergartens can dress up and do a parade.. but then they have to change into regular clothes. My daughter can dress up for the morning but she is still in daycare. (Love the new look of your site BTW)

    Reply
  17. Becky @ Disney in your Day says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:55 am

    I absolutely love dressing up. Honestly, this makes me a little mad. I don’t feel like Halloween is a religious holiday so I don’t get the idea of banning it. I do storytimes in local preschools here and there are one or two Catholic schools where we can’t even mention Halloween and have to be careful with the books we choose for the preschools because they’re not even allowed to talk about it – apparently because it’s seen as sacreligious with witches and “dark magic” and all that. Ugh.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:56 pm

      Ugh. That’s just too much for me. It’s just a little harmless pretend and play.

      Reply
  18. Crystal // Dreams, etc. says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:58 am

    I enjoyed dressing up in school too, but I can actually see why they have that policy now. I know enough people who didn’t grow up seeing Halloween as a time to dress up and have fun and instead grew up knowing some of the darker roots that people have issues with and are incredibly offended by it. And there’s so much competition between kids for what they’re wearing these days… I dealt with a lot of that when I was younger and I think it’s even worse now. So I can see issues coming up if someone’s costume isn’t up to par with the others… I can just see how it could create issues that schools wouldn’t want to deal with it. I think dressing up around Halloween would still be seen as dressing up for Halloween even if they called it something different, but it would be cool if they had a “Dress as your favorite character” day or something at another point during the year so that the little kids can still have the fun of dressing up in costume. I remember one winter in 2nd grade, I think, we had to dress up as our favorite character and it was so much fun to come to school dressed up on a day when you usually wouldn’t. Also, we also had to be more creative because we couldn’t go to the store and pull a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume or something else like it off the shelf.

    Reply
  19. My Urban Family says

    October 29, 2015 at 10:02 am

    The schools around here made that move sometime between me getting out of elementary school and my brother entering it. My mom was so upset I actually remember her crying over it. They wouldn’t let the kids have holiday parties at all anymore. And I remember my mom and some other mothers storming off to the school to argue that a party to celebrate winter and having a couple weeks off of school wasn’t going to offend anyone, and to let the kids stay kids. They felt like the school was robbing them of one of the best parts of elementary school. I agree! I know the schools in Chicago don’t allow it either which makes me sad.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      Awe. It really makes me sad too. I’m glad your Mom tried to do something about it.

      Reply
  20. serenemomblog says

    October 29, 2015 at 10:39 am

    I’ve been hearing that a lot lately. No costumes allowed because of beliefs, blah blah blah. I personally think it’s ridiculous! I dressed up in school, and if you didn’t “believe” in Halloween, then you just didn’t dress up. Simple as that. I hope you post pictures of the boys’ costumes this year!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      Oh, I will. 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
  21. Leslie Soto says

    October 29, 2015 at 10:43 am

    That’s pretty sad and crazy. Even my 12 year old can dress up at school & he’s in middle school! I just think it’s sad that everyone has to be so serious and politically correct all the time. I wish that people could just understand the fun in it all and let kids be kids. I hope y’all have a wonderful Halloween on Saturday!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:52 pm

      Yes….thank you. I hope you have a wonderful Halloween too!

      Reply
  22. nicole says

    October 29, 2015 at 11:40 am

    i know… it sucks. sadly, no costumes allowed is more the norm now.

    Reply
  23. Lisa says

    October 29, 2015 at 11:43 am

    Halloween is all about the fun and costumes are part of that fun. It’s not just the treats. Those were some of the best memories of Halloween when we all dressed up in costumes at school!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:51 pm

      Yes! Me too!

      Reply
  24. Wendie says

    October 29, 2015 at 12:13 pm

    Unfortunately, I was one of “those” kids that never got to dress up because Halloween was evil. So, we always went to church to a festival. That wasn’t so bad, but I never understood as a child what was so wrong with it. Same with Christmas. My mom sat me down at 3 and told me Santa wasn’t real and it was Jesus birthday. I get all that, but as a child, we want to pretend and dream about Santa coming and things like that. We learn a lot growing up. My kids will definitely be dressing up….heck, I threw my Pantry Doctor apron on my dog and took him to the Monster mutt mash this year! 😉 He was a Pantry Dog!!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:51 pm

      Love it! And yes, I think pretend and play is good for kids. Why make them grow up so fast?

      Reply
  25. Neely (@Neelykins) says

    October 29, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    SEriously!? I always dressed up for school growing up. Even in high school we would wear ears, or fun shirts!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:50 pm

      I know. It’s crazy.

      Reply
  26. Anamika Ojha says

    October 29, 2015 at 1:38 pm

    Oh! It feels so bad…Halloween without costume is no fun.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      Yes!

      Reply
  27. chacha43 says

    October 29, 2015 at 2:21 pm

    Our school has superhero shirt day & if you like you can make up your own superhero & put it on a shirt!
    I think it’s a good compromise- I’m sure some of the costumes get out of hand and can cause problems.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      Something like that would be fine too. Just give us something 🙂

      Reply
  28. Jonelle says

    October 29, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    Ahh that’s so sad! I don’t get why it’s an issue.. surely the kids who want to can dress up and those who don’t can go in regular clothes. I don’t get why it has to be turned into a huge thing!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 29, 2015 at 2:49 pm

      Exactly!

      Reply
  29. Andria says

    October 29, 2015 at 3:44 pm

    We aren’t in school yet but I can’t believe all the fun they are taking out of school these days. As long as the costume is age appropriate and isn’t a safety hazard I don’t see why they can’t. If someone doesn’t believe they don’t have to participate it was never mandatory.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:19 am

      Exactly.

      Reply
  30. taylynneduvall says

    October 29, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    I hate that!! I grew up in circles of people who thought dressing up was satanic. I’m so over the ridiculousness! Great post!!!!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:20 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  31. platypus6 says

    October 29, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    My son’s school allows kids to dress up but they wouldn’t care if kids wore costumes on a normal day! 🙂 Their dress code is very loose.

    Reply
  32. Corina Ramos (@NotNowMomsBusy) says

    October 29, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    Hi Shann,

    I remember my kids were able to dress up on Halloween when they were little. I’m with you in that if it were a safety issue I could understand them not allowing it. Well, if they won’t be able to wear their costumes you can make it an extra special Halloween for them at home. 🙂

    Hope it works out hun!

    Cori

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:16 am

      Exactly. Thanks Cori!

      Reply
  33. twitchetts.com says

    October 29, 2015 at 6:09 pm

    No dress up at our school here either. Last year my son’s class had a Vocabulary Parade the same week as Halloween where the kids could dress up to match a word. (This way they were pre-approved costumes) My son went as Ninja vocab word Covert. There was quite a few Regal and Royal aka Princesses. It was a nice way to still let them dress up, but keep out all of the controversy.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:16 am

      Ah. That’s a really cute idea!

      Reply
  34. Lindsay Carreiro says

    October 29, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    That’s a shame about your son’s school…it’s encouraged in mine, I am dressing up as Pete the Cat haha

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:20 am

      That’s awesome! I want to see a picture!

      Reply
  35. Nichole says

    October 29, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    That whole thing is bogus. I can so easily get on my soapbox over issues like that and how we make dumb “blanket” policies to avoid offending people all the time instead of just saying “If you don’t like it, don’t participate!” ugh. I’ll spare you the rest of my rant! lol!

    I homeschool my kids and they come to class in costumes whenever they want to. Today my 9 year old is dressed as a ninja and wielding at least 7 “weapons.” I asked him to please remove the swords from his back so he could actually SIT in the chair and he responded by telling me “Sorry, mom. But a ninja’s gotta have swords. Know what i mean?”

    i couldn’t argue with that!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:15 am

      Ha ha! I love it! Costumes are just plain fun. 🙂

      Reply
  36. Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says

    October 29, 2015 at 7:11 pm

    Wow, that’s really interesting! I didn’t realize it was a thing that schools weren’t doing. Growing up we would parade around the school so we got to see EVERYONE’s costumes. It was something fun that we looked forward to every year. I wonder if it comes down to some costumes being to gross or dangerous? I know we couldn’t have any “weapons” that went with our costumes (no swords or guns, etc) but otherwise it was just a fun thing.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:14 am

      They said it was because of “beliefs.” If it was for safety, I would be more OK with it.

      Reply
  37. Lauren English says

    October 29, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    Our school doesn’t allow costumes but I teach middle school, so it’s a little tougher. I hear you though…it’s frustrating when they limit what the kiddos can do because they want to be politically correct in a way. Especially in elementary! The kiddos just want to dress up and play!

    Reply
  38. Jenny says

    October 29, 2015 at 9:06 pm

    Wow, I can’t believe that.
    I have so many fun photos from Halloween when I was in elementary and we got candy and a little Halloween party complete with costumes.

    xoxo, Jenny

    Reply
  39. Beth@FrugalFroggie says

    October 29, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    Maybe they should drop having Valentine’s Parties as well if they are going to be that ridiculous.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:13 am

      Oh, I guess they do. Grrr.

      Reply
  40. the.nitta.notes says

    October 29, 2015 at 11:04 pm

    Wow, that’s so interesting, I’ve never heard of a school that doesn’t allow kids to dress up. I’m not a parent, but I still think this is unusual!

    Reply
  41. Madelaine Lam says

    October 30, 2015 at 5:51 am

    That is so ridiculous!!! It is such an American tradition!!

    Reply
  42. jessica says

    October 30, 2015 at 8:54 am

    My son’s preschool doesn’t allow it, but it’s for potty reasons not something ambiguous like “beliefs.” I would be upset if an elementary school had a no costume rule, why do school take all the fun out of being a kid?

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 9:12 am

      Exactly!

      Reply
  43. Michelle Grewe says

    October 30, 2015 at 9:19 am

    My kids’ school lets them dress up for the Halloween Party, but not the entire day. Then they parade them around the playground. My Kindergartener wanted to wear her costume all day, so I let her. Mind you, I’ll let her wear her wear costume dresses as a dress on any given day. She once went to church in a Tinkerbell Dress.

    I don’t follow school rules too well. Never did. In high school, I used to leave, mid class, to get a mocha latte on snowy days, or Diet Coke when the teacher’s lounge was out. I put my cigarette out on the tobacco free zone sign. I hate rules that have no reason for them. I can’t stand them. Unless there’s a safety issue, don’t tell me what to do.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 3:18 pm

      Love it! I love that your daughter went to church in a Tinker Bell dress. My kind of girl! And you sound like you are too 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
  44. Acadiana'sThriftyMom (@acadianathrifty) says

    October 30, 2015 at 9:25 am

    WOW! That’s a bit harsh :/ Our children’s school had “career day” today, which was a lot of fun! The kids were still allowed to “dress up”, they just had to be kid friendly 🙂 Maybe suggest they simply change the language of what it’s called.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:56 pm

      That’s a great idea! Sounds fun!

      Reply
  45. birdhousebooks says

    October 30, 2015 at 9:37 am

    I taught preschool for years and we always dressed up on Halloween. I think dress up is great for imaginative play and building creativity. – Trish

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:55 pm

      I completely agree Trish.

      Reply
  46. Nicole Johnson says

    October 30, 2015 at 9:57 am

    My kids aren’t allowed to dress up at school day. Instead they have a spirit day and dress in black and orange….it is foolish. All dress up is is playing make believe. What kind of parent or administration takes issue with children using their imaginations and having fun?

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:55 pm

      Exactly!

      Reply
  47. Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:03 am

    No costumes at our school, either. I am ok with it, though. Not all kids can afford one or whatnot, so I wouldn’t want anyone to feel left out. For the record, no outside food other than what the kids pack for lunches is allowed into the school, either, so no parties.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:54 pm

      Wow. Very strict.

      Reply
  48. Heidi Spears-Gray says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:14 am

    This is happening at a lot of schools and it is sad because I think most if not all of the KIDS enjoy it. I think it’s become so much about the parents that we forget who we should be focusing on in schools…

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:54 pm

      I agree. Thank you.

      Reply
  49. tara pittman says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:26 am

    My boys dont get to dress up either for school. They dont have a party either.The school does do a fundraiser at night for halloween.

    Reply
  50. livelifewellblog5 says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:49 am

    I have never heard of ANYTHING like this! Growing up, the most fun part about Halloween was dressing up for school and we would even have a Halloween parade where we all went from classroom to classroom to model our costumes. I’ve heard that a lot of schools are saying that kids are welcome to wear costumes or pajamas if costumes are against their beliefs, but I’m shocked that his school banned dressing up all together. Sometimes we just need to let kids be kids!

    All the Best,
    Allison | http://www.LiveLifeWellBlog.com

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:53 pm

      Exactly! That was my same experience growing up, and made me love Halloween to this day.

      Reply
  51. Tianna says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:50 am

    no kids here, but that sounds depressing! I loved dressing up as a kid and going to school in my costume. Even having classroom halloween parties were tons of fun as well. I feel like people will find any reason to be offended or upset and make it something it’s not. Like you said, Halloween has become highly commercialized ; it’s not all “bonefires” and “pagan sacrifice” anymore. It really sucks for the kids who miss out. Sorry to hear about this, but I’m sure you guys will still have fun trick or treating on the big night!

    stop by and chat with me ♥ http://StorybookApothecary.com

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:52 pm

      Thanks Tianna! I can’t wait to see your costume…I know the make-up will be fantastic.

      Reply
  52. Brandy M says

    October 30, 2015 at 11:29 am

    I am one of those people who tries to see both sides of the coin, but honestly if they don’t want to dress up , then don’t why should my child pay for what someone else doesn’t believe in?

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:51 pm

      Exactly!

      Reply
  53. momonthemove35 says

    October 30, 2015 at 12:56 pm

    It’s such a bummer too because the inside costume times are the best in Wisconsin! Saturday is supposed to be cold and rainy. Which means winter coats and umbrellas and covered up costumes! We always look for a few other fun inside opportunities to wear our costumes so they don’t have to pack layers underneath or over just to stay warm!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      It always seems to be cold on Halloween! Luckily, we are going to an inside party tomorrow, so they can wear their costumes then 🙂

      Reply
  54. Stefanie / The Monarch Mommy says

    October 30, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    My oldest is in his first year of preschool and he got to wear a costume today! I’ve heard of some school doing “Orange and Black” day instead of a costume day.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 1:50 pm

      Woo Hoo! Hope to see a picture!

      Reply
  55. michelle says

    October 30, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    Halloween costumes were never allowed at my school and I never minded one bit. we had plenty of dress up days that i enjoyed

    Reply
  56. Kathryn With Going Zero Waste says

    October 30, 2015 at 2:13 pm

    We were never allowed to dress up in school growing up for halloween. We did have a “recreation” of the thanksgiving dinner. Where half of the class dressed up like Indians and the other half like pilgrims… I can only imagine that wouldn’t fly anymore. But, it was good time.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 3:16 pm

      Ha! Yes, I’m sure they wouldn’t like that at all.

      Reply
  57. Branson says

    October 30, 2015 at 4:12 pm

    When it comes to adult functions, then the “if you don’t approve then just don’t join in” applies, but when it is kids you have to think about the kids who have parents that will not allow costumes which leaves them instantly left out. We do halloween, and love costumes every day of the year for that matter, but I always feel for the kids who want to do things but are forced to remain outsiders for whatever reason (when I was a kid it was because we couldn’t afford the things other families could…)

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      That’s true. Thank you for bringing that up. I can really see your point.

      Reply
  58. Deanna says

    October 30, 2015 at 4:31 pm

    I homeschool my daughter so she does dress up for her parties. They are usually through a co-op or something we throw ourselves. I think it is a bummer that kids are not allowed to dress up, I remember looking forward to it when I was little. I know my daughters friend was allowed to dress up as long as they chose a story book theme and they based it around a unit they were doing. Maybe you could suggest that next year. Dress up is such an important part of creative play for little ones.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:24 pm

      Yes, I think I will. Thank you for the idea!

      Reply
  59. hooplah says

    October 30, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    Seriously, this is a little silly. As you said, Halloween has become an “event” – it’s no longer the act of a belief system. If the children tried to conduct a wiccan ceremony in the corner of the classroom by the art supplies, THAT is in the realm of infringing on people’s beliefs. But dressing up as a cowboy or Elsa? No one should be offended by that, unless maybe you didn’t like Frozen… and even then, you should just “let it go.”

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:23 pm

      Hahahahaha…thank you. You just made my day. 🙂

      Reply
  60. Heather says

    October 30, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Unfortunately this is becoming more and more of a problem in the schools. 🙁 I am very saddened by it. Even though I know everyone can’t possibly make the choice we did to homeschool, this is just another example of the many reasons we made our decision.

    Reply
  61. Natasha says

    October 30, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Seriously!? It’s not like they would be coming as flesh eating death zombies. Give me a break! Everything offends someone these days!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 30, 2015 at 8:22 pm

      I know. Pretty ridiculous.

      Reply
  62. Jasmine Espinal says

    October 30, 2015 at 7:26 pm

    My sons school only allows pre-k and kindergarteners to wear costumes. I don’t like that they do that but I get why they do. It can get out of hand with some kids and I can only imagine how hard it must be to deal with and teach at the same time.

    Reply
  63. Elizabeth O. says

    October 30, 2015 at 8:02 pm

    I find that reason a bit off. I totally agree with you. Because Halloween is not associated with any religion.

    Reply
  64. keatingbartlett says

    October 30, 2015 at 9:52 pm

    I remember when I was in elementary school, it was totally okay to wear costumes. In fact, we did a school costume parade kind of thing haha it was always so much fun! It sucks that some schools have policies against them.

    Reply
  65. Wildish Jess says

    October 30, 2015 at 10:33 pm

    My son’s school did the same thing, its really sad and lame that they can’t have a bit of fun for Halloween!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 31, 2015 at 8:44 am

      Exactly!

      Reply
  66. victoria says

    October 31, 2015 at 12:36 am

    It makes me feel sad that Halloween is no costume allowed? it not fun

    Reply
  67. thedealmatchmaker says

    October 31, 2015 at 1:54 am

    I saw your post yesterday and wanted to leave a comment almost immediately but i was too busy! Our school reminded us about NO Customes halloween party. I said WHAT? They said due to religion restrictions 🙁 I left

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 31, 2015 at 8:44 am

      Yes, it’s just so silly. I’m sad you didn’t get to wear them either. I hope you and your kids dress up today 🙂

      Reply
  68. Ourfamilyworld says

    October 31, 2015 at 4:55 am

    Bummer. We all look forward to Halloween and it’s the only time our kids get to wear those fun and gory costumes.

    Reply
  69. Claudette Esterine says

    October 31, 2015 at 10:03 am

    I might be the only voice hear that is not saying this is a travesty of justice to not be able to dress up for Halloween. My position is not based on being an immigrant, one of the “others,” etc. It is simply this – I don’t believe in Halloween. Now, I am not saying that others should not and ought not be able to dress in costumes. I did not allow my child to dress up and we did not go trick and treating in the 14+ years that we have lived in North America and in our years living in Europe. I simply do not endorse or wish to participate in this celebration.

    I no longer have a child in my house and so that is not an issue for me any longer. I know my daughter is going to be challenged by it as she has grown up not endorsing the celebration but now she has a child of her own, born and will be raised in Canada. She however will have to sort that out.

    When I got into work yesterday, there were all kinds of Halloween activities going on around me. I did not become a scourge or anything. I just smiled and was polite with all the participants. I even had some candy.:) What bothered me though was when someone jumped in my path dressed in character that totally goes against my beliefs and expected me to jump with them. No. Then, as I went to my office, a motion detector mask started shrieking in my ears. I was terrified. These are simple, maybe even petty to some, reasons why I do not like or participate in Halloween. I have no desire to be terrified, scared, being a ghoul or have any such representations in my personal space. As another visitor wrote, if the schools gave guidelines about the costumes that were less offensive for a wider group called “the community” maybe they wouldn’t have to outright ban or disallow costumes. We live in a changing world, whether we like it or not, and that world is more inclusive of all cultures. Just as I would not expect a person wearing – let us say a niqab – serving me in customer service role in Canada, so too I am not to happy to have “devils,” ghouls, and bloodied costumed people jumping in my face even for a day.

    Sorry for the length of my comment but this is one of those issues that has troubled me – not in schools but as I visit blogs and being demanded to comment positively on something that I simply do not enjoy. Thank you for your patience.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      October 31, 2015 at 12:21 pm

      Everyone certainly has a right to their opinions and their beliefs. I appreciate you sharing yours with me.

      Reply
  70. Ana De Jesus says

    October 31, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    I believe that we are all entitled to our beliefs but Halloween-which originally derived from pagan rituals- has become commercialized to the extent that all kids of different backgrounds participate in celebrations. As a community the school should foster a united spirit and Halloween is a national celebration that should have been advocated by the school. The school is not going to have legal issues with the religious or cultural groups that don’t believe in Halloween because the majority enjoy the festivities for the sweets rather than the meaning behind the day.

    Reply
  71. katrina g says

    October 31, 2015 at 9:36 pm

    My grandma loves seeing me and my sister dress up for Halloween it just makes her day.

    Reply
  72. Stephanie Pass says

    October 31, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    This is one thing I love about living in a small town. Everyone dresses up, including the teachers. The elementary school has a big parade that goes around the outside of the school lead by a school bus that is dressed up as a space shuttle. Even the police and fire trucks participate.

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 1, 2015 at 7:17 pm

      Awe. That sounds awesome! My kids would freak out (in a good way) about the school bus/space shuttle.

      Reply
  73. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) says

    November 1, 2015 at 5:18 am

    that is stinks 🙁 My daughter is in 4th grade and they had a costume parade outside. She was wearing a leopard. She was so happy to see e with the rest of the crowds.

    Reply
  74. caitlincheevers says

    November 1, 2015 at 7:18 am

    Whaaaat? How boring! I could understand it for high school or something, but come on.

    Reply
  75. Alana says

    November 1, 2015 at 11:34 am

    I would be so disappointed! Many different beliefs means celebrating different beliefs not stopping them!!! This would make me so upset, especially considering Halloween is a secular holiday!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 1, 2015 at 7:15 pm

      I love that….celebrating the different beliefs is exactly what all schools should be doing. Thank you!

      Reply
  76. CourtneyLynne says

    November 1, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Ughhhh this drives me nut!!! Literally. My daughter is in preschool and her teacher had to kinda fight with the school to let the kiddos dress up for there party last Friday. But the teacher and the aids had to put the costumes on the kiddos the last 45 minutes of school. The rest of the school didn’t do anything for Halloween. I hate how some people have to take things so personal and ruin something so comercalized for everyone. Halloween is about candy and playing dress up these days. If you really think we are all worshipping the devil or something you are surely mistaken -_-

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 1, 2015 at 7:14 pm

      Exactly. Thank you CourtneyLynne 🙂

      Reply
  77. Jojo Vito says

    November 2, 2015 at 9:49 am

    I love to wear those costumes when I was a kid…but I also understand also some policies not to allow any costumes especially if they site about beliefs and history

    Reply
  78. Rocio Chavez (@yoursassyself) says

    November 2, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Awe, too bad but I hope y’all at least got a chance to do it up right on Halloween – on your own time and in your own neighborhood 😀

    Reply
  79. Hollie Black-Ramsey says

    November 3, 2015 at 3:17 pm

    That’s pretty lame. I’m a Christian and I love Halloween to bits because to me any excuse to dress up and eat candy is a great day. A lot of holidays and events we celebrate and observe today have questionable origins – are they gonna water those down too?

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 3, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Exactly! Thank you!

      Reply
  80. Valerie says

    November 6, 2015 at 2:29 pm

    Dressing up is fun… I work in a school district where some schools allow it and some don’t I always feel bad for the kids who can’t ! Great post!

    Reply
  81. jessica says

    November 9, 2015 at 7:10 pm

    The past two years at my daughter’s school did not allow Halloween costumes…BUT for some reason this year, the principle allowed it. I think it may have to do with different cultures and religion…not sure.

    Reply
  82. Jessi Joachim says

    October 31, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    Kind of off topic but I went to a private school when I was little, we weren’t allowed to dress up…but it went further than that. They tried to teach how evil the day was to a bunch of elementary school kids :/ I had a lot of issues as I grew up and eventually left private school but I know I will never send my kids to private school.. I do find it odd that a public school won’t allow dressing up though. My daughter goes to a pre school that is srt of tied to a church, and they got to dress up today.

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      October 31, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      Wow! That’s really crazy. I can totally understand not wanting to send your kids to private school for sure.

      Reply
  83. Wendy Lemeric says

    November 1, 2017 at 8:02 am

    That’s a bummer!Tsk!

    Reply
  84. Vanessa says

    October 18, 2018 at 10:45 am

    Wow! Yes, Halloween is very commercialized, it is not celebrated per its origins! Just have fun!

    Reply
  85. Diana says

    October 19, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Dressing up is fun, and it sucks, but I think I can see why a school wouldn’t allow it. There are a lot of issues with cultural appropriation, kids dressing up as Mexicans, Indians, Asian (being Asian myself, I do find it offensive when people dress up as “sexy Asians” or “geishas” however, Mulan is totally okay), etc. Then there are some costumes which are just plain scary and may scare other kids.

    So I guess instead of writing a letter with what your kid can or can’t wear, it’s easier to just say no costumes because you know there is always going to be that one parent that has to cross the line and ruin the fun for everyone.

    Reply

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Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

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