Embracing Halloween as a Late Father: Rediscovering Joy

There’s something about Halloween that brings out the child in all of us. Maybe it’s the crisp air, the glowing pumpkins on neighborhood porches, or the excitement that builds as the costumes come together. For kids, it’s pure magic. For fathers—especially those of us who came to parenting later in life—it’s a chance to see that magic through their eyes and feel it again ourselves.

The Excitement Starts at Home

If you have young kids, you know the days leading up to Halloween are a mix of endless questions and joyful chaos. “Can I be Elsa and a witch?” “Do ghosts like candy?” “Can we decorate the bathroom too?” This time of year turns your house into a creative studio. You’re carving pumpkins, hanging fake cobwebs, untangling string lights, and pretending to be brave when your daughter jumps out wearing a monster mask. It’s all part of the fun. And truth be told, it’s one of those times when being a dad feels like the best job in the world.

School, Friends, and Growing Up

At school, Halloween brings a special kind of energy. Kids get to dress up, trade candy, and share laughs that they’ll remember for years. As a father, you start to notice how these moments shape them—how your child learns confidence when she walks into class proudly wearing her costume, or how she learns kindness when she shares candy with a friend. You also start to see how fast time moves. One Halloween she’s a tiny princess holding your hand; the next, she’s running off with friends to collect candy on her own. These transitions are bittersweet but beautiful—they remind us why it’s important to be fully present in every stage.

Trick or Treat and the Father’s Role

Trick-or-treating is one of those moments that turn ordinary evenings into memories. You walk beside your child, flashlight in hand, as she darts from door to door, her excitement lighting up the street brighter than any pumpkin. This is where your role matters most—not just as a protector, but as a participant. You’re there to encourage her to say “thank you,” to remind her to wait for her friends, to show her how simple joys can be the biggest ones. You’re teaching without lectures—through example, through laughter, through being there.

The Lesson Hidden Behind the Candy

Halloween teaches more than most people think. It’s about creativity, courage, sharing, and joy. As fathers, we get to guide our kids through those lessons. We help them handle fear (“It’s just a costume!”), manage excitement (“One more candy, then bedtime!”), and express themselves freely. In a world that often pushes kids to grow up too fast, Halloween lets them be kids again. And maybe, just maybe, it lets us be kids again too.

Why These Moments Matter

Being a late father gives this season extra meaning. You’re old enough to appreciate how fleeting it all is—and wise enough to slow down and enjoy it. The laughter, the costumes, the messy pumpkin seeds on the kitchen table—they’re all reminders that happiness often hides in small, simple rituals. So when your daughter looks up at you in her witch hat or superhero cape and says, “Come on, Daddy, let’s go!”—don’t just follow her. Step into the magic with her. Because this, right here, is what fatherhood is all about.

Creating Lasting Memories

As we navigate through Halloween, let’s not forget the power of creating lasting memories. Each trick-or-treating adventure, every pumpkin carved, and all the laughter shared become cherished moments. These are the stories we’ll tell for years to come. They shape our children’s childhoods and our own experiences as fathers.

The Importance of Being Present

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in work and responsibilities. But Halloween reminds us to pause and be present. It’s a time to connect with our children, to share in their excitement, and to create a bond that lasts a lifetime. When we engage fully, we not only enrich their experiences but also enrich our own lives.

The Magic of Costumes

Costumes are more than just fabric and accessories; they represent imagination and creativity. Watching your child transform into their favorite character is a joy like no other. It’s a reminder of the importance of play and self-expression. Encourage them to embrace their creativity, and you’ll see their confidence soar.

Sharing the Joy with Others

Halloween is also about community. It’s a time to share joy with neighbors and friends. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just sharing candy with those around you, these connections matter. They teach our children the value of kindness and generosity.

Written by Anderson, founder of *LateFatherhood.com — a space for dads over 40 who want to stay strong, connected, and present for their kids, their partners, and themselves

If this post made you smile, share it with another dad who’s still finding the balance between work, family, and wonder. Because sometimes, all it takes to feel young again is a night of trick-or-treating by your child’s side.