Over a hundred years ago, Anoka, Minnesota famously led the change of Halloween from a night for tricksters and dangerous pranks to a holiday for children and families. To keep the tradition going, here are nine spooky, kooky, and kind ways to celebrate Halloween.
1. Spooky – Learn the History Behind Halloween Traditions
Many of our modern traditions are rooted in customs and celebrations that go as far back as 3,000 years to the mysterious Druid priests of Celtic Europe. The roots of American trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns, and divination were brought here and largely celebrated by the Irish immigrants of the 1840s. From there, their traditions blended with harvest and Halloween celebrations of other cultures. Untangling this mixed history of Halloween can make for a spooky adventure and deeper appreciation for the holiday.
2. Kooky – Binge All Things The Addams Family
Halloween looks a little different after you have children. While you’re entitled to celebrate without the children, you’re probably more inclined to celebrate as a family with matching costumes, trick-or-treating, and/or scary movie nights. I think that the spooky, kooky, and all-together cooky Addams family encompasses what it is to be a family during Halloween season.
The Addams Family live-action television series is now streamable. There are also two animated series, one from the 1970s and the other from the 1990s. The 1990s also brought two live-action (and dare I say classic) movies, The Addams Family and Addams Family Values. Recently to come out are the animated movies, The Addams Family (2019) and its sequel, The Addams Family 2 (2021). I think there is more than enough to binge on this Halloween with big bowls of popcorn and bags of gummy worms!
3. Kind – Be Gracious to All Trick-or-Treaters
While small children dressed in costumes and reciting, “Trick-or-treat,” are hallmarks of Halloween, the reality is that not all trick-or-treaters fit that description. There are:
- Trick-or-treaters who can’t /won’t speak because they may be shy around strangers, anxious, overstimulated, or have a disability.
- Kids without costumes who may have sensory needs or parents/guardians who simply can’t afford costumes.
- Children who appear mature for their age.
- Teenagers who prefer costumes and candy instead of parties.
- Children who are in costume and trick or treating, but who may have food allergies and aren’t sure if they will be able to eat the majority of the treats they collect.
There are many possible scenarios. But showing empathy and graciousness can make Halloween and trick-or-treating enjoyable for everyone.
4. Spooky – Celebrate Your Favorite Scary Monster(s)
Witches, ghosts, mummies, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and Frankenstein’s monster are all classic creatures that pop up during Halloween. Why not pick one (or more) to dedicate to your spooky season?
I personally love anything witchy this time of the year, so I usually pull out one of my witch’s hats to wear, check out books, and watch movies featuring witches for both me and the children, and make Halloween treats that fit our witchy theme. Trust me there is no shortage of inspiration out there so have fun celebrating your favorite scary monster!
5. Kooky – Dress up as a Family, “Freaky Friday” Style
Whether you’ve watched Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster switch places in 1976, or Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in 2003, here’s a fun family costume idea inspired by the movie Freaky Friday: switch places with the kids. Pull out some clothes from your closet that you don’t mind experiencing some extra wear and tear to dress your kids up as a mini version of yourself, and then get creative dressing yourself as your adorable offspring. It’s a quick and inexpensive way to dress up as a family this Halloween.
6. Kind – Participate in The Teal Pumpkin Project
There is more than one way to get sick from Halloween candy besides eating too much. Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) created the Teal Pumpkin Project to create a safer, more inclusive trick-or-treating experience for children with food allergies, intolerances, and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep signifies that you offer Halloween treats that are safe for all trick-or-treaters.
7. Spooky – Watch Classic Scary Movies and Their Remakes
I admittedly do not have the stomach for blood-and-guts horror movies that leave little to the imagination. This is why I’m drawn to classic horror movies and their use of simpler movie effects to create feelings akin to the ones I had as a child wondering what was lurking in the dark outside the comfort of my nightlight. If you want to expand your scary movie knowledge, here are some of my favorite classic scary movies and their remakes to get you started:
- House on Haunted Hill (1959) and House on Haunted Hill (1999)
- The Haunting (1963) and The Haunting (1999)
- The Stepford Wives (1975) and The Stepford Wives (2004)
8. Kooky – Build a Halloween Candy Catapult
Last Halloween my kids got a candy catapult kit in their trick-or-treat bags, which I must say is a very creative way to enjoy the candy no one wants to eat. Building your own candy catapult is an easy and educational project. When the candy is gone, you can use it to catapult things like marshmallows or pompom balls.
9. Kind – Share the Spooky Season with Your Community
Halloween is a great time to get out into your community. The Columbia area hosts many fall and Halloween events. Some call for lacing up your sneakers and running/walking for a cause. Others introduce you to local businesses. There is always the simple act of just passing out treats to neighborhood trick-or-treaters or trunk-or-treaters at a fall festival.
Whatever you decide to do this Halloween, I hope it brings spooky and kooky fun sprinkled with kindness!
