It’s one thing to get your own Halloween costume on point ― it’s quite another to coordinate your entire family’s costumes around a common theme, and slay every year. We found a family who does just that, and they are Hallo-winning.
Beginning when their two oldest kids were preschool-aged, the Narcisos have pulled out all the stops to kill it every Halloween, even as their brood expanded to six (they are parents to Bella, 10; Mia, 8; Chance, 6; and Indy, 3). We partnered with Chevrolet Malibu to show you how the family-Halloween-costume sausage gets made.
Q: When did you start making family Halloween costumes?
A: My insatiable love for Halloween has been with me since my childhood, and when I had kids I wanted them to experience the same joy I had as a child. In 2010, my two daughters wanted to be Jessie and Woody from “Toy Story” and, since I’m a sucker for family camaraderie, my husband and I committed to doing a family theme every year. We’ve added two more children since that first Halloween and together we cherish these memories and look forward to it year after year.
Q: Do you make everything yourself, buy the costumes or is it a combination of both?
A: Sadly, I do not sew. I do own a sewing machine but can’t seem to find the spare time to figure it out! My mother helps to sew any pieces that I need. But truly, a hot glue gun and some duct tape can get you far! My goal is to thrift shop as much as I can and alter existing pieces to fit our theme. Every year there seems to be at least one costume that needs to be purchased. It’s also really handy having a sister who rocks at hair and makeup!
Q: What’s your favorite part of the process?
A: The thrill of the hunt! Rummaging the aisles of thrift stores, consignment shops and dollar stores gives me the most satisfaction. Seeing my ideas come together in creative and inexpensive ways ― without having any sewing experience ― is so darn satisfying.
Q: What does the day of Halloween look like at your house?
A: The right answer would be that we all happily put on our costumes without a hitch, sit still long enough for hair and makeup and actually LOOK at the camera and smile for a picture. But that answer is a total lie. The real truth is that I almost always have a one-way ticket to crazy town and freak out over every last detail. I do not recommend this. However, the very second the photo shoot is over we get to trick-or-treat, have fun and end the night with chocolate.
Q: What would be your dream group get-up if you could do anything?
A: My dream group costume is: many years from now ... my children are grown-up, confident adults, busy with their own lives yet silly enough to still come home and relive their childhood once again. This mother’s heart will be full just knowing we’re all together again. At that point, it won’t matter what theme we are or what costumes we wear — as long as we do it together.
Oh, who am I kidding? Hand mama the glue gun!
Q: What’s your advice to other parents who want to do the same thing but don’t know how to get started?
A: Do it, even if you can’t sew, do it! Make the process fun and exciting. Think of a theme that has meaning to you and your family. Hit the thrift stores to mix and match items, buy a glue gun and get started. I guarantee that, years from now when you look back on the pictures, you’ll smile.
Has your family mastered the art of the group Halloween costume? Show us with the hashtag #WeHalloweenTogether!
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