Am I a witch for life?
The Witch Costume Tradition: Simple Choices for Overwhelmed Moms (and Family Photographers)
Halloween is one of those magical times for kids—the excitement of costumes, the sugar rush from trick-or-treating, and the thrill of staying up late to wander the streets in the dark. But for parents, especially those of us juggling work, family, and life’s many curveballs, it can feel like one more thing to add to an already overflowing plate.
I get it. I was born from a teenage pregnancy, and my mom, a single mother by the time I was 1, usually dressed as a witch for Halloween. I never questioned it growing up—Mom was always a witch. It wasn’t until later that I think I understood why: simplicity. In the middle of parenting and life chaos, she didn’t have time for elaborate costumes. It was about making the day special, even if that meant throwing on the same cape and hat year after year.
Eerily enough, I find myself walking the same path. In 2016, when I picked up my camera again after becoming a single mother to my two little ones, I was in the middle of building a new life while also trying to keep the old one alive. I remember one Fall, Halloween snuck up on me, and I was in the busiest season of my life with Family photo sessions. Choice overload hit hard—there were too many decisions to make, too many things to organize. But there I was with my kids, trying to figure out a costume and just… stopped. I grabbed a witch hat and cape and went with it.
Every year since, I’ve embraced that simplicity, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. As a parent, especially a single mom, reducing decision fatigue is priceless. And in my work as a family photographer, I see it in my clients too—moms feeling the weight of having to make every moment picture-perfect.
Embrace the Simplicity and Capture the Moments
Here’s the truth: it’s not about the most extravagant costume or the most meticulously planned outfit. It’s about showing up. Whether you’re donning a last-minute witch hat or throwing together whatever you can find in the closet, it’s the joy and spirit of the moment that matters. Plus, there’s a beauty in owning the messy, imperfect moments. We’ve all been there, and sometimes, the most authentic memories are the ones that weren’t scripted.
Here are a few simple tips for overwhelmed moms (and dads!) to take the pressure off when Halloween rolls around:
1. Take Your Photos Early: Snap those pictures of your little ones in their costumes before the sun goes down. Natural light makes all the difference. Once it’s dark, it gets tricky, and you’ll want to just put your phone away and enjoy the night. Trust me—it’s worth being present.
2. Keep It Simple: If you’re feeling the overwhelm, give yourself permission to keep it low-key. Whether it’s a witch hat, a superhero cape, or just some face paint, the kids will still have the time of their lives. And so will you.
3. Document Without Perfection: Whether it’s the perfect shot or a blurry one from all the running around, take the photos anyway. Those imperfect moments will be treasured later on when you look back. Trust me, that one shot of my mom as a witch means more to me now than I could have realized then.
Writing Yourself Into the Story
Finding that old photo of my mom in her witch costume was like a gift. It helped me see her in a new light. As a family photographer, I’m constantly reminding my clients that these moments—these simple, raw, unfiltered moments—are part of the story we’re writing for ourselves and our kids.
Halloween, like life, doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. So embrace the messy magic of it. Whether you’re a witch, a ghost, or a busy parent just trying to make it through another day, take a photo, be present, and know that in the chaos, there’s beauty.
