Choosing Unique Costumes
Growing up, my sister, Anna, and I were known in our neighborhood for our distinctive Halloween costumes. Unlike most kids who opted for recognizable characters, we embraced the obscure. Our choices were influenced by our love for reading, which often led us to portray characters from our favorite books. This penchant for the unusual made Halloween an exciting challenge for us.
Inspiration from the Old Kingdom Series
One particular year, our fascination with Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom series culminated in a costume inspired by Sabriel, the remarkable heroine of the first book. Anna unearthed a stunning blue coat and fashioned a belt that slung diagonally across her chest. Completing the look, she pinned seven bells to symbolize Sabriel’s call to adventure and her role as a necromancer.
The Reality of Halloween
Upon venturing out for trick-or-treating, however, we encountered a lack of recognition from our neighbors. Their bemused comments included remarks like, “What are you supposed to be? A crumpled-up Union soldier?” and “You look like you have the junk drawer strapped to your chest.” While these remarks stung, they did not diminish our enjoyment of the character. Sabriel’s journey resonated with us deeply; she’s a character who carves her destiny, taking on the responsibilities of her father while battling demons and saving souls.
Our Halloween experience, much like Sabriel’s adventures, taught us the importance of staying true to ourselves and embracing our unique interests—even when they go unrecognized by others.
