Every Halloween, I face the same delicious dilemma: how to keep myself from devouring all the candy before the big night. This year, I came up with a strategy—pre-sort everything into goodie bags and tie them up tight so I won’t be tempted to sneak a treat. I took from each bowl to create the perfect mix: rings, toys, glow bracelets, Halloween-themed pens and notebooks, 3D erasers, stickers, chocolates, sugar candies, Rice Krispie treats, and even Goldfish crackers for the adults. It took me 2.5 hours just to prep the layout, and another full session to bag everything up.
I laid everything out like a candy chemist, carefully balancing fun and flavor. The toys went in first, followed by the glow items, then the sweets. I wanted each bag to feel like a tiny treasure chest—something that would make kids light up and parents smile. The Goldfish were my nod to grown-up taste buds, a little salty break from the sugar storm. As I tied each bag shut, I felt like I was sealing away temptation. No peeking, no snacking. Just discipline wrapped in cellophane.
It’s funny how much joy I get from organizing Halloween treats. There’s something soothing about the process—lining up the bowls, counting out the items, watching the piles shrink as the bags fill. It’s part ritual, part self-preservation. I know myself too well. If I left the candy loose, I’d be knee-deep in wrappers by Wednesday. This way, I get the satisfaction of preparation without the guilt of indulgence. And when the kids arrive, I’ll be ready—with treats that look as good as they taste.
The hardest part was resisting the Rice Krispie treats. They’re my weakness. I kept one aside “just in case,” but even that felt risky. So I tied it up and tossed it in the mix. No exceptions. Halloween is for sharing, not sneaking. And honestly, seeing the bags all lined up, ready to go, gave me a sense of accomplishment. It’s not just about candy—it’s about creating moments. Little bursts of joy handed out one by one. That’s worth more than a sugar rush.
Now the bags are stacked in a bin by the door, waiting for their big debut. I’ve labeled them by age group, added a few glow-in-the-dark stickers, and even tucked in a couple of spooky jokes. It’s silly, but it makes me happy. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday—not for the costumes or the scares, but for the chance to make someone’s night a little brighter. And this year, I’ve done it without eating half the stash. That’s a win.
So here’s to tight knots, well-balanced bags, and the joy of resisting temptation. Halloween prep may take hours, but the payoff is sweet—literally and figuratively. And when the doorbell rings, I’ll be ready, proud of my restraint and excited to share the magic. Just don’t ask me what happened to the extra Rice Krispie treat. That’s between me and the ghost in the pantry.
