Halloween is a holiday that everyone has enjoyed. Different costumes, different makeup, different candies. But Halloween involves different precautions then other holidays for the fact that it takes place in the evening and nighttime. Here I will discuss with you various things to remember about costumes to stay safe (for both children and adults) this Halloween season.

Nighttime is children's favorite part of Halloween; It is the time when trick-or-treating takes place. It is important to dress your children with visibility in mind. This doesn't mean you have to make the kid look like a 'nerd', armed with 'protectiveness' as your excuse! You can make it fun!

Since Halloween involves black and lots of other dark colors, pedestrians become more difficult to spot out for those on the road. So one of the fun ways to be seen easier is by using glow in the dark necklaces. These usually only cost a couple of dollars at grocery stores and they last for hours on end. DO steer clear from the little glow in the dark items that 'light up [in] your mouth.' They are very small and can very easily become a choking hazard.

Other classic visibility accessories are glow-in-the-dark buckets, bags, and lunchbox-like pails. But don't just stop with glow-in-the-dark items, there are also flashlights, light-up pumpkin wands, light-up headbands, jewelry with flashing lights and many, Many other things.

Now, with night time visibility out of the way, here is advice about costumes and how they fit. These are more so common sense, of course, but things that not everyone thinks about.

• First off is length. Children and adults alike wind up with costumes that are way too long each year. When this is the case, it is a big hazard. People can fall and get hurt or even trip while crossing the street. So be sure to avoid any problems like this by attaining costumes that are not too long.

• Secondly, there are the costumes that are too baggy or too tight. When trying on costumes, be sure you can reach upwards with your arms and that you are able to do most other arm movements in a regular fashion. Sometimes a lot of costumes do restrict regular movement as they are dress-up costumes after all instead of regular clothing, but if you find it too restrictive, better to choose an alternative.

• Now make sure the costume in its entirety is not too baggy. Some costumes are meant to be baggy, but you should have the sense to figure out if a particular costume is meant to be baggy or not. Just keep in mind that a baggy outfit can and probably will snag on toys, tree branches and/or other parts of our own costume.

Another problem with costumes are masks. The problems with masks are when they hinder normal senses. Do not buy a mask that keeps you from: seeing clearly, hearing clearly, or breathing clearly. You want to be able to wear a mask and have fun, while being able to see traffic, hear cars and other pedestrians, and get a sufficient supply of oxygen!

Lastly, are shoes. Simply put, (for example), if you will be walking alot on Halloween night, then stillettos are most likely going to give you blisters. Keep comfort in mind without sacrificing your theme. Maybe just bring along a comfortable pair of shoes if your intuition warns you!

So now hopefully your creative/safety 'juices' are activated and you are more armed and ready for Halloween night! Just take these tips with you when you decide on a costume and when you go to the local Halloween store, to help you prepare for a fun and safe night while also incorporating your own ideas and accessories into the mix. So have fun and be safe!