Halloween, the Brussels Way

Halloween

Unfortunately, the great American tradition hasn't really seem to caught on to the Belgian people (they are a little old-fashioned..takes longer for commercial things like Halloween to get to them). I was actually surprised at how many people ignored us when we rang the bell, or simply said they didn't have any "bonbons." When I was living in Germany and went trick-or-treating, we actually ended up with full bags of lots of random things, including not only candy, but also apples, chips, toys and even money! Yes, some people were not happy to see us, but for the most part, people thought it was funny! One family even had us come into their living room and sing our "American" trick or treat song for the whole family, who just stared at us and laughed. Anyway, back to Belgium. 

Tonight was Niki and Jonas's first time trick-or-treating in Belgium (and my first time trick-or-treating in a big city!). Jonas was a Hexe (witch) and Niki a Zauberer (Sorcerer). I helped them put on their costumes (mostly black, with big pointy hats. Niki had a wand and Jonas a big broomstick) and then painted their faces. They loved it:)

Of course, I could not pass Halloween without also at least getting a little dressed up! Did I mention that Halloween is my favorite holiday of the year?? Even more than Christmas!! I just love getting dressed up and I especially love getting lots of candy, because, as my family knows, I have a major sweet tooth. So, I also quickly painted up my face. Not sure what I was supposed to be (maybe a sorcerer/alien? I also wore a blonde wig.. Oliver took some better picture of us all which I can post later). 

Anyway, as I was doing my make-up, I suddenly heard booms outside my window...fireworks! There were some major fireworks going on at some Place in Brussels Centre. I could see them all the way across the houses from my window on the top floor. I called the boys over to watch, lifting them up and holding them in front of the open window so they could see. They were so fascinated by the colors and noise (they kept saying, "I bet another one is coming! I bet it will be purple!" They always bet each other about things, it's so funny). It's also so cute how they get really excited about the most simple things. They started yelling "Happy Halloween!" out the window, and other people standing on their balconies looked up at us and laughed. Then I started singing the Trick-or-Treat song, "I'll pull down your underwear" one. You know, the one that goes:
Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat! If you don't, I don't care, I'll pull down your underwear!" 

I translated it for the boys and they thought it was the funniest thing ever. Later, I came down with my face painted and the blonde wig, and the whole family was in the dining room, getting ready to eat dinner. I jumped out from behind the door and yelled, "BOO!" And held out my surprises for the boys: real American candy. I brought Twizzlers and Reese's with me from New York:) They were so excited, especially for the Reese's because I got them so hooked on Erdnussbutter (peanut butter) and PB&Js:)

Later we went out, and started ringing the doorbells, first saying friandises ou bêtises (trick or treat in french!) and then saying "Halloween!" because sometimes the people didn't understand what we wanted. When they still didn't understand, we simply said "Bonbons!" Some people came to the door, others ignored us.. Some just said they didn't have candy. I think that was a lie tho because what Belgian does't have sweets in the house? They are known for their chocolate and overflowing candy isles!! How could they not have sweets at home?? I believe they just said that because they couldn't bare to share their candy! :P We did get quite a lot of success from going into the night shops tho and asking! The men working their are usually very friendly. I go to the shops sometimes to ask for directions when I am lost at night in the city. We also passed a house with a big window, and inside saw a very funny scene: About 10 mid-20 year-olds dressed up in crazy costumes (one girl was wearing a giant blue foam hat) screaming and yelling. One of them looked out the window and saw me walking past, then yelled at me through the window some kind of compliment about my costume and gave me the peace sign. Was quite nice:)

Here are some pictures from our outing.. sorry they are so blurry! The boys would not stop running around all over the place! Oli took some better pictures, which I'll post later!!

Niki looks a little "Halloween crazed" if you know what I mean...Maybe too much candy?

Well, it wasn't my most successful Halloween candy-wise..(look at my side "pile" below) but, it was lots of fun with the boys and interesting to see what people thought of us when we rang their doorbells and asked for candy.

Sad:(

Well, I leave for Mallorca tomorrow! Yay for warm weather and sunshine!! :)