(Junior at 10 months old wearing a Superman romper)
When I asked my dad what he thinks Junior should be for Halloween, my dad excitedly said “Superman!”.
That’s how it was decided that for Junior’s 2nd Halloween, he would dress up as the Man of Steel. The costume of course would be purchased by my father and mailed to us.
And like me, always trying to find some kind meaning behind everything, I realized how ironic it was that my half-Dutch son would dress up as the most iconic American superhero in American history.
Since his introduction to the public in the 1930’s, the Man of Steel’s core narrative continues to be a reflection of America’s core beliefs and values. Superman is also considered to be the ultimate American immigrant story (after all, he came from space to be raised by adoptive parents in Kansas), the embodiment of the American dream.
What better way to teach him about his American heritage then to dress him up as Superman?
Even though Halloween is not celebrated in the Netherlands, I am still making an effort to share this tradition with my son. Halloween is the embodiment of American childhood nostalgia, sweetened by memories of everyone (including adults) playing dress up and getting tons of free candy. It’s also when the Castro district of San Francisco throws an amazing party for grownups. What’s not to love about that?
For my expat mommy friends living in the Netherlands, are you celebrating Halloween this year? Are you going to dress up your little one’s too? If yes, what are your plans?
