Expectation: Knowing you’ll have THE coolest costume from the Oriental Trading Company magazine, no matter how much you made Mom pay. "Funky 70's Dancer" is all you.

Reality: That damn girl who sits next to you in music class obviously has the same costume. And her mom bought the extra boots and accessories. COME ON MOM.

Expectation: Looking exactly like the model in the magazine. AKA flawless.

Reality: Looking like a chubby kid covered in stretchy plastic. AKA not flawless.

Expectation: Getting to strut that costume down the streets of your suburban neighborhood, thus becoming the talk of the town.

Reality: Having to wear two sweatshirts and gloves because nighttime at the end of October is actually pretty cold. Duh.

Expectation: Filling a pillow case with Reese’s, pink Starbursts, Twix and Kit Kats galore. All of the best candy, refined sugar and chemicals one could dream of.

Reality: A Reese’s here or there in the world full of Sweet Tarts, Raisins, and gum. All of the crap that ends up in the trash.

Expectation: After patiently waiting all year to be able to stock up on the sweetest treats available, giving your mother, dentist and pediatrician a heart attack, you’ll have your stash that will last you until at least Christmas. The gateway to addiction.

Reality: After experiencing major sugar highs (and lows) for about two weeks, Mom finally throws out the candy. Dammit Mom. Until next year.

And the most shocking reality of all: Only one month until ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas!