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When I was a kid, many moons ago, most Halloween costumes were homemade. Our parents dug through closets to pull out their own old clothes to make costumes (I remember many cheerleaders, hobos, varsity football players, and 50's costumes) or if they were crafty, they sewed, painted, or pieced together something on their own.

My favorite costume:

a hand painted brown paper bag turned into a Rice Krispies box.

Love.

Princesses circa 1979.

I think my tin-foil covered crown and egg carton flowers are way cooler than the

thin, plastic store bought costume on the left.

But I'll admit: making costumes now is much harder. Most years I just don't have the time or inclination.

Kiddo's first Halloween he wore a candy corn covered onsie (he was only weeks old) until his diaper had a blow-out.

Next year he wore a clown costume I found in a bag of hand-me-downs.

I think the fireman was next: the coat a gift from Grandpa (a fire chief himself). He wanted to be just like like him.

I must admit, the two Peter Pan years have been my favorites so far. During this phase, the only movie he would watch was the classic Disney version full of Pirates, Lost Boys, and his first crush, Wendy. I'll never forget finding him in tears on the living room floor, devastated because even though he really DID believe, he still couldn't fly.

I was lucky enough to track down this costume at a consignment shop. He still has it, and wants to keep it forever (for his kids -- gasp!).

My little boy who doesn't want to grow up.

That's just fine with me.

Now he has matured into his Star Wars phase. I spent hours sewing his Jedi costume last year (read all about it here), so yes, that puppy's getting recycled this year (and maybe next year if he still fits).

But whether the costume is homemade or bought after Halloween off the clearance rack, it's the thought, and the memories that count. For kids, Halloween may be all about the loot and the parties, but for me, it's all about capturing a little piece of childhood to live on forever.