My wife just spent over $500 on Halloween she needs to be stopped

I’m generally a reasonable man. My wife is a SAHM, “spending their husband’s cash,” and she has equal access to our funds because she’s an equal in the marriage.She never needs to ask my permission for anything, nor does she have an ‘allowance’… but Halloween is changing my mind.Halloween began in our home a couple of year ago, when we joined in with the neighborhood kids doing the trick or treating rounds.Then last year, my wife thought it might be nice for the adults to grab chairs and drinks and take it in turns taking the kids to a few houses.But this year, she’s upped the stakes and wants to host a party at our place.When she raised it with me, I said it sounded like too much work for something that was meant to be casual.She assured me, “Just plastic glasses and a cheese board.”But between some fancy helium balloons, bits and pieces for costumes (including a wizard’s hat for me), “nibbles” which include an order for sushi platters, soft drinks, beer and wine… I’ve calculated it’s come to about $530.40 (800 AUD).And that’s before the so-called “boo baskets.”Almost half a grand, (1K AUD), on Halloween, an occasion that doesn’t even mean anything. And it’s only two pay packets until Christmas.I guess at the bottom of it is that I am confused.

I accept Halloween is a thing these days and I’d never want my daughters to miss out on cute costumes and trick or treating.But should it cost this much? I feel that if we don’t reign it in, it’s just going to escalate next year.My wife could have asked people to bring a bottle or plate… but it just looks like she didn’t care about the money at all.The other thing is, as a dad, as a provider, I accept Christmas is an expensive time.

And while, as I keep saying, I don’t want to deny my family anything, I just wish the crazy cost of Christmas had been considered so close to the date.Do I tell my wife that’s $530.40 (800 AUD) out of the Christmas budget? I really d...