Walking through the aisles at local department stores lately, the racks full of ready-to-wear Halloween costumes, reminds me of the excitement of Halloweens past, when I couldn't wait to dress up as someone or something else.

Yet, when I was in elementary school, the thought of buying a costume was strictly taboo.

Instead, my mother went to work, using anything she could find to create one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes

for me and my sisters.

Although there were never any prizes, competition for best costume was unmistakable. I can't imagine the creative pressure my mom endured knowing that I was in a class at school with a kid who came as a keyboard one year and a pack of spearmint gum the next.

Without fail, however, my mother was able to turn everyday clothes and leftover craft supplies into expertly crafted Halloween creations.

I remember years when leftover black yarn became a wig, cut up brown paper bags and one of dad's flannel shirts became a scarecrow, and an old pink leotard and yards of tulle were transformed into a genie outfit.

My favorite Halloween, however, was one where my mom found herself with an abundance of thick green felt. That year, Christmas came early.

Using old ornaments, tinsel and a set of battery operated lights, she created a Christmas tree costume for my older sister.

Keeping in the spirit of the giving season, I was dressed up to complement her outfit. Mom cut one large hole out of a cardboard box, added some flaps for my hands to fit through, covered the whole thing in gift wrap, and voila! I was the perfect Christmas gift.

To top it off, my mother made a hat out of a shiny green bow and a paper plate.

They were simple costumes, but creative ideas, which earned extra attention during our door-to-door walk through the neighborhood.

Rounding off our candy-collecting crew that year was my younger sister, dressed like a doll.

Though it wasn't my concern at the time, I also remember how my mom factored the weather into our costumes.

Almost every costume left room underneath for sweatpants, turtlenecks and long underwear, and for those costumes that didn't, there were always backup costumes on hand in case of an early snow.

Though my large present costume left plenty of room for layers, the weather was clear and dry. Although it was an unfortunate turn for our seasonal theme, the fair weather could not dampen our Christmas spirit.

In the end, whether the costume was store bought, handmade or hand-me-down, the best part was the way we felt, proud and excited, ready to show others who or what we had become.

Of course I say that now, almost ignoring the main motivation for the fall holiday - the candy.

Sarah Goodwill works in the Eagle's Focus department and is loving that green ribbon hair.