boo

We're spending less time outdoors on bikes or in the sprinkler nowadays. It's another reason I don't like the soggy weather here - I miss all the random times with our neighbors that we enjoy in the summer.

So, we're boo-ing the neighbors, and frankly, I'm hoping the sentiment spreads!

I was unfamiliar with this tradition until I stumbled on it in a craft store. It's basically a very sweet way to be neighborly. "Boo-ing" requires secretly delivering treats to 2 neighbors. The packages can be as simple or complicated as you want; the main point is to have fun and be thoughtful.

While I don't consider myself particularly crafty, I can follow directions and enjoy cool, homemade projects. Some people mistake this for creativity. I say, "there's nothing new under heaven" and figure a borrowed good idea is nearly as nice as an original. Plus, I'm happy to share it with anyone who wants to copy it, too!

I share my grandmother's habit of saving and reusing things, so I simply used a couple of gift boxes I had on hand. I did buy a plastic table cover from the dollar store (for $1 - imagine that) and cut it to cover the boxes. Result: cute & somewhat weather-resistant gift packaging!


Inside the boxes, the boys and I put a variety of little sweets, some purchased and some homemade (leaf cookies). I bought little celo bags and filled a couple with candy corn and caramels. I also bought a pair of "goofy glasses" for each box. Finally, I bought some doggy treats, as one of the neighbors we chose to "Boo" has a pet.



Now we'll simply sneak to the neighbors' houses & deposit their gift by the door. Boo instructions are copied or printed on a double-sided page, which is pictured below.

(Hopefully these pictures can be enlarged when you click on them. Feel free to print it out and copy for your own use!)

Instruction side:


Sign side (for them to post on their door):



Here's the text, in case you can't or don't want to click on that photo or you'd rather make your own signs. I found the poem on a website, but when I went to write this for you I couldn't find it again to give proper credit. Feel free to comment if you know the source!

Happy Halloween

This treat is for you, we hope you enjoy.

The idea is simple, one all can employ.

You pass "BOO" along to two other neighbors.

Along with any kind of Halloween favors.

If we all do our part, and spread the good cheer,

By Halloween night it will be very clear,

We're a friendly bunch, we like to share fun

So please do your part to keep "BOO" on the run!

You’ve been BOO’ed! Here’s what to do:
1. Enjoy your treat!
2. Place the “BOO” sign (the back of this sheet) on your front door.
3. Within 2 days, make 2 copies of this note AND 2 “BOO” packages.
4. Secretly deliver the “BOO” treats to 2 neighbors who don’t have a sign on their front door.
5. Keep an eye on nearby doors to see how fast BOO spreads!

I know Halloween gets a bit of controversy, but we think it's a great opportunity to have fun and bless our neighbors. After all, how often to people show up at your house unannounced, except for this one night every year? So, perhaps you'll enjoy starting this tradition as much as we have today. I can't wait to hear if it spreads in your neighborhood, too!