All the Things Boomer Kids Thought Were Normal

Costumes for Boomer kids were often pre-packaged sets: a printed plastic smock with a stiff, glossy mask held on by an unforgiving elastic strap. The eye holes never lined up. Breathing was optional.

Yet it was a thrill. You became Frankenstein, Batman, or Cinderella for one night. The masks made your face sweat, and the plastic crinkled loudly as you walked—but you didn’t care. It was about the candy, the costume, and the freedom.