Halloween in Germany

Halloween is over. I am a big Halloween fan. And as an American living in Germany, I really miss the way kids and adults get so into this tradition in the US.  But never fear, Halloween came to Hannover! We hosted our third annual Halloween party, complete with glowing jack-o-lanterns, tombstones, cobwebs, a giant black ghost hanging in the dining room, and twelve costumed five and six year olds swinging between happy, puzzled, and delighted. The delighted part came especially during the eating-mice-hanging-from-the-witches-broom game, and the beyond delighted came during trick-or-treating. My neighbors were amazing. Twelve homes got in to the spirit - and we organized a trick-or-treating night right on our street. It was incredible. Each neighbor seemed to have their own way of bringing the magic into the night. One had the flicker of a candle flame moving all around mysteriously on the other side of their glass door. One reached out a spider-covered hand when they opened the door. Many answered the door dressed up as witches or vampires. The children yelled trick-or-treat (in English!) and usually the whole gang was invited in! It was very touching to see the neighbors embrace this strange holiday and create such fun and mystery for the kids.