I remember every year for Halloween looking forward to planning my costume, carving pumpkins, and jumping in piles of leaves. And it all culminated to one night; the all-encompassing, wide-eyed wonder of Halloween. It has long been my favorite holiday. For most of us, somewhere down the line we lose that child like splendor. Perhaps our teenage years caused us to rebel against past traditions as they were for children. But somewhere, maybe only existing in the back of our minds, that same excitement persists into adulthood. We get a rush when we think about the crisp air and daring to face the ghouls and goblins which may lurk in the night. The loot we haul home, too, is enough to rot all our teeth (if our parents will stay out long enough).

It was literally midnight when I walked in my front door tonight from my 10 to 7 job. Yes, the air was crisp. And yes, I had been ruminating the idea of going out with friends this Halloween. But where was that spark? That blissful anxiety and anticipation of all things Halloween? That was when I noticed the package. "Open this end!" "At least they cared enough to think about that," I snarkily thought. Halloween hadn't hit me yet.

Excited as I was, I still had to take out the recycling. Halloween hadn't hit me.

Exhausted, I plunked down into my chair, grabbed the knife and started hacking away at what I consider an excellent tape job. The first thing I see are books. Okay, pretty sweet, I've been wanting to start reading fiction again. And it's a movement started to give books instead, or in addition to, candy. She sent some pretty cool titles as well. I started to feel a thrill inside me. Next was the candy, all which I love. It reminded me of the times trick or treating with my family. Then came the awesomely thoughtful bag. What an amazing, HAND-MADE gift! Lastly was the card. An awesomely thoughtful message which made me smile. And then it hit me. Inspired by one of the best, most generous gifts I have received to date, I was finally ready for Halloween.