Halloween has always been my favourite holiday. Something about running around with your neighbours in flashy costumes collecting flashy candy always got me in a frenzy as a kid, and I still have those feelings come every October.
In my youth I often celebrated Halloween with my birthday, the latter being only a few days away from the 31st. I dressed up for pub nights at my university, went to Halloween parties, hosted Halloween parties, and ate too much chocolate.
I’ve slowed down (mostly) in my thirties, and am now even more of a homebody than when I was a kid, but I still like to celebrate Halloween, so allow me to show you how this is my favourite time of year without even going out to celebrate:
- Dress up
Not optional, and if you’re working from home, I suggest turning your camera off in meetings if your costume is a bit out there. If you’re able to dress up for your in-person gig, I’d suggest sticking to an accessory or a simple but smart-funny costume.
- Set the mood
All of October is just one big countdown to Halloween. Now’s the time to stock up on your favourite Halloween candy and chips, popcorn, red wine, diet coke, pumpkin spiced tea and coffee, and whatever else suits your fancy.
Buy pumpkin flavoured creamers for your coffee or a decaf pumpkin tea to enjoy on weekday evenings (which happens to pair quite nicely with mini-Snickers, thank you very much). You can also revisit childhood classics like pumpkin or apple pie leftovers and Pillsbury cookies.
No main lights ever is my motto but particularly during spooky season. Instead, light every lamp and candle in your house while you rot on the couch under a pile of blankets watching horror movies.
- Eat seasonally
I mentioned some goodies already, but now’s the time to really load up on pumpkin and squash-centered dinners. As for take out, I believe pizza is the perfect Halloween food, so this should be your go-to if you’re ordering dinner. This is the one time a year I suggest straying away from Hawaiian and instead order something super cheesy, meat optional.
- Hallow the hobbies
If you love gaming, this is the perfect time to revisit any existing farming sims and decorate for the season! You may also want to try out the below cozy games that are perfect for fall, especially Halloween:
- Wytchwood
- Strange Horticulture
- Cozy Grove
- A Short Hike
- Any farming sim with fall seasons (Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, etc.)
If you’re a reader, now’s the time to read the best horrors and mysteries! There are also quite a few witchy stories out that are quite popular now – think The Ex Hex, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic, or Truly, Madly, Magically.
For a list of my horror novels to read in October, read last year’s blog post.
Now’s also the time for new cozy hobbies, especially fun for when you’re watching a Halloween movie. I recommend something that keeps your hands busy like painting spooky landscapes or cute gourds, painting or carving pumpkins, knitting, crocheting, needle point, or simply colouring!
5. Always do something new
Traditions are key with Halloween but adding in something new on this day each year will make it even more fun! Listen to a new Halloween playlist on Spotify, watch a Halloween movie you haven’t seen before, make a cool Halloween-themed dessert or drink to enjoy on the best day of the year!
If you weren’t a Halloween person before, hopefully you are now. Need more convincing? Last year I wrote a blog post on how to become a Fall Queen, filled with tips on how to enjoy autumn, including Halloween. Check it out here and meet me at the witching hour with your candles and popcorn!