Crickey Mate

Happy Not Christmas Yet. Yes, you heard what I said. If the leaves haven’t fallen, then Christmas better be stallin’. This is a little late, but I want to speak about Hallows’ Eve and the first week of November.

While I prepared for such a day, over 2,000 trick-or-treaters entering our workplace looking for sweet treats and even more reasons to get out of school, I began to think about which costume would work for me. Dressing up as a pilot that Rachel Gerber does not believe in. Although the costume might be stellar, it also does not fit my agenda because I am able to both see and hear.

Another choice would be a gruff father figure that works for the government. However, there might be too much controversy, as the family I have married into often partakes against what this character considers to be a vile sin: drinking the water that is lying about being milk. Jokes of skim milk aside, my job has a religious no facial hair policy, so this majestic stash of Mr. Swanson would not fly.

So I went with the next best thing, a crocodile hunter. I pulled up my black tube socks with my brown tattered boots, khaki shorts with a white fisherman top. And upon my right shoulder was my childhood friend and local croc, Brutus. After one long look in the mirror, I realized I was nowhere near as majestic as Mr. Irwin, with a son that, for obvious reasons, has made both Rachel and Lily fans of Dancing with the Stars. Even with the flaws, this would have to do.

So, following many “g’day mates,” many quotes from my research watching Australian blues clues, and putting all the shrimps on the barbie, I completed my day of work. The kids came with all the costumes of pirates, Bluey, and even a small Bruce Wayne with his brother Batman. Bruce Wayne said, “I’m Batman,” and stuck out a small pumpkin for candy (even though he had both parents and I tried to let him know his costume was lore inaccurate). I gave him the treats he desired.

This left an impression on me. The best way to get what you want in life is with costumes or having kids in costumes do the work for you.

All jokes aside, it made me think of the treats that we can give the world around us every other day of the year. Can I provide service to my neighbor or lend an ear to a friend? Can I call a person who feels lonely or help a stranger reach something on the top shelf (I have gotten really good at that one)? They may not be sweet treats, but just like Halloween, they gift memories and togetherness, which our world needs more than ever today.

So whether it is bringing home your wife’s favorite food or not breaking your sister-in-law’s ankles during basketball, try to gift a treat of good to someone this week. Like Texas Tech did to BYU this past weekend.

Have a good week, and please don’t listen to Christmas music without killing a turkey first.