(Totally off-subject and originally published at my other blog, Raising Jane.)

Do you know the Legend of the Sugarplum Fairy? Not the ballet character but the Halloween legend.

No?

Oh, you’re going to love me for this one.

Here’s what you do. Sit your kids down on Halloween night or the day after. (The Sugarplum Fairy keeps a flexible schedule, believe me. There’s no telling when that lazy fairy remembers to show up at my house.) Have your kids put their trick-or-treat candy into two piles: one for themselves and one to give away. Put the giveaway pile outside your front door that night.

Here’s the best part: the *Sugarplum Fairy* takes the candy away and leaves a little (stress on the *little*) gift in return. That’s it. You’re happy because you’ve whittled down the monstrous haul of sugar, and your kid is happy to get a present and candy.

You’re welcome.

Filed under: Holidays