Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- Dear Judgy Mothers on My Website… - June 15, 2013
- 10 Skills Every Mother Should Possess - June 10, 2013
- Perfection (Or pretty close) - June 3, 2013
If you live in a heavily child-populated suburb, you are probably familiar with the tradition of getting Boo’d. It’s where a family prepares Halloween goodies and doorbell ditches another family, leaving the treats behind. Along with the goodies is an instruction sheet and a sign to hang on the door, letting others know that your house has already been hit. The house that has been Boo’d must do the same to two more homes, thus involving the whole area. Our neighborhood takes all things Halloween very seriously, and this game is no exception.
My family is not the most popular in our very tight knit, conservative ‘hood. I tend keep to myself and let my children run around like animals in our not-so-private back yard. Our lawn is an embarrassment, I take way too long to bring in the trash cans and there has been a popped out screen window sitting on my front grass for weeks. We’re just a bit… different and I know it drives the neighbors crazy.
Last night, our doorbell rang just before nine. The kids bolted down from their rooms and I let them peek out, sure we had just been Boo’d. Indeed, we had. The basket waiting for us was more than impressive— glow sticks, brownies, books, arts and crafts, the works… While the kids were tearing out the candy and battery operated toys, Jeff noticed that there was also a bottle of wine tucked in. Really, I asked, from the computer? That’s kind of odd, but sweeeeeet!
Later, as I was putting the rest of the contents away, I read the wine label:
Hell Raiser.
I believe this takes getting Boo’d to a whole new level.
And I do believe my neighbors are a bit cooler than I thought.
{ 72 comments… read them below or add one }
i love the idea of it. going to do it to my neighbor tomorrow [with wine of course]. and nice to know you have neighbors who reach out to you. must be waiting at the ”bus stop” with Lily and kids in tow.
we miss all of you lots!
That’s cool. Living in the swamp, I had never even heard of getting Boo’d until last year. Sadly we’ve never been Boo’d, and I doubt we ever will……
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Is The Grass Greener? Or Is That Just Another Laundry Stain? =-.
I want to be Boo’d! They don’t do that in the city:(
.-= Nap Warden´s last blog ..Shopping the Joffrey =-.
Awesome. I wish I lived in your neighborhood!! How fun!
.-= Maria @BOREDmommy´s last blog ..Flashback Friday – No Dance No Cry =-.
Neighbors leaving wine on your doorstep?
Sounds like my hind of ‘hood!
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Monday Morning Musings =-.
We were boo’d twice – guess they did not entirely read the memo to not “rehaunt” someone who has a ghost hanging on the door. But we did not get a fancy basket only a small plate of cookies – maybe I need a different neighborhood! But the batches were really good, though.
Happy Halloween!
I think you are totally in, now. The Hell Raiser proves it.
Let us know what you give when you Boo someone
.-= paige´s last blog ..Day 2 of photo Challenge– A Day at work =-.
I’ve lived in many, many different neighborhoods over the years and I’ve never heard of being BOO’d until this year, when it seems like everyone is doing it. Aside from us, still. It’s a great idea. And obviously, the people who BOO’d you are definitely parents themselves.
.-= C @ Kid Things´s last blog ..100 =-.
i think you have to be actually be friends, or friendly, with your neighbors in order to get boo’d, right? i don’t make the effort. we don’t get trick or treaters either, EVER. i wouldn’t mind a nice gift basket from a stranger. take care.
So… I have NEVER heard of that, it sounds awesome. My cousin, however, had a strange gift of food dropped off at her doorstep a few months ago. With a strange note like “we all need help at times. pass on the blessings to another family.
And it was weird food. And they were like WHAT? THey both are employed and not having a hard time that anyone should think they need help. And the handwriting was weird. They ended up calling the police to report the strangeness and threw everything away in case it was poisoned or something.
Now if they had just included a bottle of Hell Raiser, I bet they would have been cool with it.
.-= Missy @ The Marketing Mama´s last blog ..I wonder if they get funny looks =-.
Ewwwww– how weird is that?? Gross. I could never eat random food like that.
What a FUN idea! I’ve never heard of getting Boo’d before!
.-= Muthering Heights´s last blog ..A Maize Maze =-.
We usually get boo’d a few times before Halloween, but nothing as nice as your stash. Usually just a plate of goodies. This year, though……..nada. :)
.-= angie´s last blog ..Wordful Wednesday-Halloween Edition =-.
You are totally and completely the coolest neighbors in your development : ) I just know it! I mean, you did help those college kids with their magazines and everything didn’t you?
Our neighborhood does not do that. We should though. Maybe I will start it : )
.-= Life with Kaishon´s last blog ..Jessi gets ogled! =-.
Oh, I love you. We’re too cool for the ‘hood. :)
And you should totally start it!! http://familycrafts.about.com/od/halloweengames/a/youvebeenbooed.htm
You are totally and completely the coolest neighbors in your development : ) I just know it! I mean, you did help those college kids with their magazines and everything didn’t you?
Our neighborhood does not do that. We should though. Maybe I will start it : )
What a great idea! I’d love to be boo’d. I should totally start that up in our neighborhood.
.-= Mariano´s last blog ..The Web and You Presents: Small Business, Big Voices =-.
Oh, do it- they’ll love you!
OMG do you live in Utah! I had never heard of that until living in Utah and our neighbors took it very serious! Would have loved getting wine love the name!
Nope, outside of DC. :)
Wine in your basket! Wow it is a cool neighbourhood! No one really thinks of adults on Halloween – its all for kids. Now this gesture makes me rethink our baskets. Are you planning on making any changes to yours?
.-= Shalvika Sood´s last blog ..Too much media too soon =-.
Nah, I was all set with my baskets already and I’m keeping my wine, LOL!
niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice…
.-= scrappysue´s last blog ..CSNBaby Giveaway! =-.
That is a nice idea. I could live with Halloween traditions like that.
.-= Mwa´s last blog ..My retail life is shit =-.
Dang, we don’t do that cool stuff in our neighborhood. We’re lucky to get anyone home when we ring the doorbell…
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..The vultures are circling =-.
I’m feeling terrible about being a bad neighbor…
I’ve never been boo’d like THAT! That’s fantastic!
That’s a great tradition! I’ve never heard of it before. Sounds like fun, and hey, glad to know you’re cool after all. ;)
.-= WackyMummy´s last blog ..Little Things =-.
Well, this just proves that I totally suck. We boo’d a couple of people the other night, but the only thing in my goody bags was candy, halloween pencils and stencils. Totally boring! But who the hell would spend that much money on a boo anyway???
Justine :o )
.-= Justine´s last blog ..The Hobo and the Flapper =-.
Awesome! I remember reading something like this years ago but haven’t heard of getting “Boo’d” since! I think I definitely want to do it!!
Whoa! Had people leave goodies at my door when I was a struggling single mom of four…but no one leaves food at the door here, the fire ants would invade in less that five minutes. You’d be the one yelling Booooooo! at whoever lead them to your door. LOL
That is so cool – we don’t do that in our neighborhood. So do you know which family boo’d you?
.-= christy´s last blog ..Evening fun at the park =-.
We don’t do anything like that in my neighborhood but we we just got neighbors with kids a couple months ago. Before that our teen was the only “kid” on the block.
Your basket goes to show that getting Boo’d is not just for kids though. I wouldn’t mind being gifted a bottle of Hell Raiser.
.-= Brandy´s last blog ..Size DOES matter =-.
This is the first year I’ve ever heard of this. I should tell my mom about it; she would love it. It’s like May Day but for her favorite holiday.
.-= S Club Mama´s last blog ..Creepy Crawly Craft for Moms =-.
We did this in Texas and then Colorado……now we’re in Kansas and I haven’t seen it done. Assuming it’s either a regional thing or neighborhood thing!
.-= Starnes Fam´s last blog ..Fall Favorites 2009 =-.
Our building usually gets egged by the gang kids. Sometimes they throw stale baked goods from a nearby bakery trashcan. I would rather get Boo’d.
.-= Jensational´s last blog ..Boo at the Zoo =-.
I’d never heard of being Boo’d before but it sounds like a great tradition. We just moved into our neighborhood a few months ago so maybe we can try to get it started.
Already I think we’re the ‘odd’ ones on our block too.
I’ve never heard of this. I think it is a really cute idea. But I’m not sure my neighbors would participate. I would have to make sure to pick some that aren’t lazy (like me).
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..My Little Scarecrow, Wordful Wednesday =-.
That’ cool…i would be your neighbor…you seem like a cool chick!
.-= Stephaine @ Geezees´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – our first! =-.
What an awesome idea for a game! I have never heard of being boo’ed before… But I wish I had! Maybe I’ll have to “BOO!” someone this year :) And what a cool basket!
.-= Jaden´s last blog ..Apple Picking at Wellwood Orchards, 10/11/09 =-.
What an awesome idea! I’ve never heard about this before this year and the second time was someone else’s blog post. It must be a US thing. Us Canadians (in the big city anyway) aren’t really that friendly.
I really like the idea. We have a huge kid population where we live. I might try this next year. Thanks Jill. Happy Halloween :-)
.-= Carrie Anne´s last blog ..Write a Review Wednesday: The Scariest Monster in the World =-.
Yeah!!! Very impressed with the goodies.
Nope. My neigborhood sucks. Maybe I should start the tradition and it will pick up. Probably not.
.-= Keyona´s last blog ..And Then I Blinked =-.
I’m packing up and moving down to YOUR hood! Love this idea!
You got boo’d with WINE? Nice! If that’s the case, I boo’d myself last night! Haha.
Such a cute idea! Only heard about this boo-ing thing this year! I have yet to be boo-ed, but may plan a boo-ing event next halloween. Great Post and I’ll take that wine off you if you don’t want it… really it’s not a problem. ;-)
Gee whiz. I just get cheap candy and bad homemade cookies. I want your neighbors.
.-= Lolli´s last blog ..Ghosts of Halloweens Past =-.
I loved the line line where you say the appearance of your house is a bit “different.” Hmm…perhaps the word you were actually looking for was: ghetto.
Say it with me: gheeeee-ttttttooooo.
xoxo
.-= Mayhem and Moxie´s last blog ..Ghosts of Halloween Past =-.
–>I’ve never heard of neighbors doing that for each other. What a wonderful idea!
http://www.WebSavyMom.com
.-= WebSavyMom´s last blog ..Wordless Wedneday – 16 Candles plus 34 =-.
How fun! I have actually NEVER been boo’d! I’ve done it, but I’ve never received one. Sad, I know! LOL!
I’ve never heard of this! I want to be Boo’d! With wine! And homemade cookies and chocolate fudge. I could make a list for my neighbors to make it easier…
.-= Belle´s last blog ..Are you there, Internet? It’s me, Belle. =-.
I had never heard of that before. That is so cool. I remember something getting May Day baskets when I was little which was the same concept.
I laughed at your comments on your neighbors. The best neighbor is one who only waves…
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Red Alert! Red Alert! =-.
It does sound like your neighbors actually are cool. You know we live in a neighborhood with mostly old ppl who have nothing but time to landscape and keep their yard pretty. We have lived here for 5 years and the only landscaping that I have is the weeds that grow in our rock beds. That is why I am thankful for winer. At least the house looks decent with snow on the ground.
.-= Jen, buried with children´s last blog ..Past and Present Pumpkin Processes =-.
That is awesome! Any neighbor that passes out the vino is cool. Love it! I am sure that they want to be bffs with you. I do!
We have old people neighbors AND on the golf course, we are for sure talked about behind our backs. Toys everywhere, like Sanford and Sons. And our dog runs around barking at the golfers.
Go us!
WOW!!! No ones does any thing like that in our neighborhood – perhaps it is time to start a new tradition.
Oh – and I am sure that my house is “that” house in the neighborhood – all of Madaline summer toys are still strewn through the entire yard – and I noticed that a few of them hand blown into the neighbors yard. Perhaps I should go collect them before they become nothing more than lumps & bumps under the snow. Oh – and one of our front porch lights is out – and I am sure I can keep coming up with lots of stuff, that makes us “that” house too.
.-= HaB´s last blog ..Wordless/Wordful Wednesday: Apples, Apples & MORE Apples! =-.
What a cool idea!
your neighbors are WAY cooler then mine! We just got a dum dum ghost…ONE and we have 3 kids! lol I am moving
That is a really neat idea– I never heard of that one before. Now I wonder what you are going to give back.
.-= Christopher (AKA: CaJoh)´s last blog ..Trapped in Time: Act 1 =-.
In DC, you just get shot at. :)
.-= DCUrbanDad´s last blog ..This Hot Dad gets no respect =-.
I live in Modern Mayberry, ugh. Where everyone is uptight, the men are as skinny as the wives, everyone is cranky,dress alike, and they all drive the same SUV. I doubt I have any cool neighbors that would give out that. Very cool indeed.
.-= dawn´s last blog ..pumpkin scones w/ cinnamon-cider cream cheese glaze =-.
We’ve been boo-ed. And I suck because all I did was put the bag of junk food on someone else’s door.
Who started this crazy tradition anyway? Just one more thing I have to do. …
(and it teaches our children the whole ding and dash thing)
Now that’s the BEST version of getting Boo’d I’ve ever heard!! Very cool! :)
.-= Stacy (the Random Cool Chick)´s last blog ..Wordlesss/Wordful Wednesday – Pretty Pilgrim and Thanksgiving Feast Part 3 – Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes =-.
Must be your new celebrity status. You are moving up the list.
I want my neighbors to leave alcohol on my door! But I am still a D-lister.
.-= Seattledad´s last blog ..Chalk (H1N)One up for Team LIAYF =-.
funny… as in FUN-ny! :)
Here’s our story.. if I tell it here I don’t have to blog it right?
I was on the phone one evening and the kids were loud, big suprise? SO i stepped out the front door to get away from them.. and I here a kid go.. CRAP! He looked at me handed me some goodies and says: “you didn’t see me”! How funny, I ‘caught’ the boo-er!
So? What’s going in your boo basket??
This is such a great idea!! I’ve never heard of this before.
Oh, and I think there’s a wine called “Big Stinker” or something, too. Labels are awesome these days hahaha
.-= Jessica – This Is Worthwhile´s last blog ..My valiant little burger =-.
That looked like a fun boo basket. So I would agree that you might just have at least one cool neighbor on the block.
.-= Michelle @ one crafty mama´s last blog ..WW — Photoshop =-.
That is awesome!
My neighbors are all cranky and old. :-( I think if I tried to leave something on their doorstep, they’d call the police!
.-= Jenni Jiggety´s last blog ..WW: Obligatory Pumpkin Patch Pictures! =-.
We were actually Boo’d twice this year! I must say however, we were in no way boo’d like you were. It is a fun tradition!
.-= 3 Stinky Boys and Me´s last blog ..Remember, Your Eyebrows are Sisters NOT Twins =-.
We were boo’d when we first moved into our neighborhood. My youngest two were 2 & 3, we were buried in boxes and the note said to pass it along to 3 more neighbors. I was annoyed. We knew no one and I was left alone to unpack with two rugrats underfoot. The next year that we were boo’d I had a much better attitude. And I felt so bad about my attitude the year before that not only did I boo three of my new neighborhood friends, I also boo’d some new families that had just moved in. But on their notes I put a disclaimer that they did not have to boo anyone in return – that I had taken care of the for them.
.-= Jane´s last blog ..What To Do When You’re At A Loss For Words? Play Around With Google, Of Course! =-.
do you draw names with the neighbors to get this?
Such a neat idea! I don’t even know if anyone does that in Canada… how fun!
I would dearly love to find a bottle of wine on my front steps!