Fall Festivities

The leaves rustle in the wind, its almost possible to smell the crisp apples and the pumpkin spices Autumn brings with it. The chill breeze on Halloween night confirms the season has arrived. Excitement and joy surround the atmosphere as I enter the restaurant. Employees are dressed in their costumes, eating candy and conversing of their holiday plans. The flow is steady, but slow. Customers seem amused by our get-up, a few overjoyed as they notice a common theme between our outfits.

Among the few customers arriving, I notice two prominent age groups. One being families with children, dressed in masks and capes. It is still early, so I imagine their choice of eating here is a "pre-game" to  night full of trick or treating. Their parents probably feel they should chow down too for a little energy. After all, they most likely have a long night ahead of them; might as well get some tacos first to help them through it.

The other age group seems to be the older fellows, perhaps the people here and there who might nearly have forgotten the celebration? It amuses me however, because it seemed consistent through the night, that no matter the age, most everyone seemed pleased at the end of their meal being able to receive Halloween candy.

As the Friday night progressed, I attempted to tune into my usual eaves-dropping manner, quietly listening to the exchanges between people surrounding me. A young couple sits at a table with their three children, looking to be no older than 10. The kids loudly and vivaciously describe their days at school telling stories of friends and teachers.  All three kids have something to share as their parents listen quietly. When more parties arrive around their table, the parents motion to the kids to lower their voices and explain the idea of courtesy to others. Those these children seem to behave, the opposite occurs at the other end of the restaurant. A toddler who appears to be quite rambunctious waddles around the restaurant like a little lost duck. Her mother perhaps screams her name as if the young child would respond. Weaving around her, patrons and  employees maneuver around the toddler as the mother chases her down .

It''s getting later in the night and the air outside cools rapidly. The crowds of children in their outfits seem to lessen, which makes me assume trick or treating has begun. The crowd transitions to a younger generation, but they also appear to have a little less hype and excitement as others have. Although, that doesn't stop them from dunking their hands in our bowl of candy!

The waddling toddler is still at it, this time pushing her highchair around (which makes me question why she isn't sitting in it). But most employees are too occupied with the cheerful nature and our sugar rushes, we forget little person running around. Besides, our laughter most likely drowns out the screams anyway.

Hopefully, the toddler as well as the other patrons will leave soon. Halloween is a day meant to be spent goofing around with family and friends, rather than being stuck inside working! But perhaps our customers can read my mind or pick up on vibes, because it seems as in no time the tables are cleared and the doors are shut. Though dinner for patrons, and work for me, has ended, the festivities have just begun.