Tonight, the streets will be filled with little lady bugs, witches, ghosts, and goblins. Buzz and Woody are sure to make an appearance; along with Strawberry Shortcake and one of those weird looking things from Yo Gabba Gabba. A mad rush of trick or treaters take center stage on your front porch, including your own My Little Pony or Lightning McQueen. Making their way through the neighborhood, gathering oodles and oodles of treats. Only to return home at night’s end with overflowing bags of Snickers, Skittles, Starbursts, and more.

Now, what to do with all that candy? I just recently came across the story of the Switch Witch.

The Switch Witch promotes a healthier Halloween by trading in the bag of treats for a special gift. I really liked the idea and decided to make up a little poem about the Switch Witch to read to my kiddos:

Do you know the witch of Halloween night?

The Switch Witch is coming; she’s coming all right.

She flies by the moon and down with a swoop,

She’s in with a blast and out with a whoop.

It’s candy she wants, and candy she’ll get.

Stuffing it into her black little net.

She wants your treats for her sugary face,

Leaving a special toy in its place.

So pick out 5 pieces you want for yourself,

Eat 1 right now and stash 4 on a shelf.

Bundle the rest in a trick or treat bag,

Tie it all up with a zig and a zag.

Leave the bag on the table and jump into bed.

The Switch Witch is coming, just like I said.

have. a. happy. healthy. halloween.