Rumor has it that, when it comes to Purim, things were simpler in the ’70s and ’80s. Queen Esther, Mordechai, the King, and the Clown accounted for the most of children’s dress-ups, and mishloach manos were known to be sent on cellophane-covered paper plates. But as we know, our beautiful customs keep evolving, and Purim is no exception. “Themes” soon made their debut.

What is a theme? I would define it (not as per Merriam-Webster!) as the coordination of mishloach manos with the costumes of all the children and even the parents to make one grand, unified splash! And it takes some creativity and planning.

As the winter wanes and Purim draws near, my family begins to hear comments wherever we go:

“So what are the Raczkowskis dressing up like this year?” or “Can’t wait to see what the Raczkowskis come up with this Purim….” 

Most people have the one Yom Tov that they especially love or identify with. Mine has become Purim. To explain how this came to be, I have to take you back to the beginning. So make yourself comfortable and listen to the whole megillah.