Hi cheery friends,

So, here we are again—Halloween is just around the corner, and I can’t help but think back to my first experiences with this wild tradition. Oh, its been such an interesting journey! You see I was born in Nairobi,  Kenya and so when I came to America and was introduced to the Halloween scene, it felt like the stuff of nightmares. September 11th had just happened and the whole country was reeling. Then came the decorations – skeletons, ghosts and all kinds of spooky stuff. I still remember, a house I used to pass by on my way home that puzzled me. Outside on the lawn was a whole casket and skeletons trying to come out of it. I honestly thought I was dreaming, and passing through that at night was horrifying.  I really struggled with the spooky stuff and wondered if other people were seeing what I was seeing. The other thing that was puzzling to me even through the holiday season, was having wreathes on doors, and as decorations.  Where I am from, these were exclusively bought for funeral ceremonies and memorial services. So you see my mind was just spinning lol.

***This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, or #ad, #sponsored or #paid for any social media content

Each year, people would come up to me and ask, “so who will you be for Halloween?”. I was dumbfounded and wondered who else I can be if not myself . I wondered if this was a mandatory thing to do. Or I would just be myself and someone would ask me, “so who are you supposed to be?”.  I was speechless lol, but as I settled in and later became a mom, the whole Halloween tradition became a part of my life. As my child grew, I found myself online and at Party City looking for Halloween costumes. So as I went to  Halloween school events and for trick or treating, I got a clearer picture of the tradition.

For many in the African community, Halloween is seen as an odd tradition,  a celebration that feels disconnected from the values we hold dear. When I first started participating in Halloween, I noticed the side eye glances from fellow Africans. The judgment was obvious and direct. They often questioned why I would want to engage in a holiday that centers around costumes, candy, and spooky imagery. For many, these themes can feel trivial or even disrespectful, especially when considering our own cultural practices that honor ancestors and spirituality.  But as a parent, I want my child to experience the joy of childhood traditions, even if they differ from what I grew up with. Halloween has now become an opportunity for creativity, fun, and community engagement. I’ve watched my child light up at the idea of dressing up as their favorite character and going door to door with friends, and it’s hard to deny the happiness that comes from those experiences.

It is a walk on a tightrope and there has to be a balance to strike between  supporting my child’s enjoyment and honoring the values and beliefs of my community. I’ve had conversations with friends and family, trying to explain that embracing Halloween doesn’t mean I’m rejecting my culture. For me, it has now become a time where I get to express my individuality more. Like three years ago, I decided to wear an Egyptian costume of Queen Nefertiti to celebrate beauty, femininity and goddess-hood.

This was my first Halloween costume and it felt safe yet powerful. I picked this costume, not just for dressing up and supporting my child, it is also a way to celebrate a woman who has inspired so many throughout history.  I found a beautiful, flowy dress adorned with intricate patterns, a beaded collar, and a striking headpiece that the queens of Egypt are known to have worn. The moment I slipped into that costume, I felt like I was in Egypt. It wasn’t just fabric and embellishments—it was a celebration of my African roots.

I sometimes feel that Halloween can be quite superficial, so when I wore this costume, it felt like a statement. Even more special was to share this experience with my child and sharing our heritage. Watching my child’s eyes light up as they listened made me realize that this wasn’t just about a costume- it was about passing down knowledge and appreciation for our culture.

The following year, I decided to switch things up by going for a striped cat costume complete with a fuzzy tail. And let me tell you, it was such a fun experience.  After honoring Queen Nefertiti the year before,  I wanted to embrace something playful and lighthearted. Wearing this costume was so liberating and I couldn’t help but feel my spirits instantly lifted. I love how costumes can transform your mood and allow you to step into a different persona, and this one was no exception. I could let go of any worries and just have fun—no rules, no expectations, just pure enjoyment.

Walking around the neighborhood with a swishing tail and being silly had kids laughing and wanting to play with me. So I found that for me celebrating Halloween is showing other parts of me, you know, things I don’t get to be everyday.  This cat costume brought out my inner child and it was so much fun to wear it. It’s funny that when I started trick or treating with my child and both of us were in costumes, I found that people acknowledged me and would comment on what we were wearing. Previously, they would only talk to my kid and I was invisible. It was like, it’s wrong to show up at a door step asking for candy without a costume lol.

The following year, I decided to throw it all the way back with a 80’s women costume set to celebrate the music and fashion of that unforgettable decade. Honestly, putting on that outfit felt like stepping into a time machine, and I was nine again! I have realized that finding a Halloween costume becomes easy when you do it for yourself ,and not to please others. I went for  colorful leggings, legwarmers, bright pink pumps, and bold accessories. Can you guess who I was channeling, she is a fan favorite! Keep reading and I will reveal at the end.

Music is such a big part of who I am , and I had a wonderful childhood that I lived through the 80’s , so its near and dear to me. This was a fun costume that was all about celebrating history and self expression. You guys know that I am a pump heels fan and so , this costume is my personality to the t. I wore this to celebrate Whitney Houston as I believe there is a video of her dancing and twirling in a similar outfit!😊