"Well, at least you still look like you- an archaic you," Sally admitted as she put the finishing touches on Jack's costume.
"Thank you, Sweetheart," Jack said, kissing his wife on the cheek. "It does seem to suit me better. Red just wasn't my color."
Sally couldn't help giggling at his rakish wink. "Well, be careful out there. There will be snow and ice and a lot of other things that you don't have to deal with on Halloween night."
"I consider myself an ambassador," Jack intoned loftily as if addressing the citizens from the town hall podium, "of Christmas and all that peace on earth and good will toward men can offer- should children choose to behave themselves. I promise, my dear, that I shall be on my most horrible behavior."
Pulling the antler-crowned hood up over his head, Jack turned to admire himself in the mirror. The long ragged cloak swirled dramatically around his narrow body. The rough-woven tunic, threadbare trousers, and shepherd's boots giving him the appearance of a Medieval scarecrow.
"Do I look very terrifying, my love?" he asked. Sally clasped her hands together against her cheek and smiled.
"Absolutely horrific," she sighed. "If you can't get all those Naughty children to behave, no one can."
"Thank you Baby Doll," Jack said, gathering her close. "Wish me luck."
"Good luck," she breathed before losing herself deep in his kiss.