I’m not saying I know exactly how to have a magical Halloween, but I do have five ideas.
One, watch Arsenic and Old Lace. It’s a zero out of ten when it comes to horror/gore, but it is a ten out of ten when it comes to zany Halloween entertainment. Cary Grant is sure to make you giggle, and Frank Capra knew what he was about.
Two, try to catch a falling leaf. It’s supposed to be good luck, but it’s harder than it looks. This is a feature, not a bug, as multiple needed attempts could lead to some magical, fallish evening walks. This tradition is a lot healthier than stringing donuts in our trees and attempting to eat them no-hands, but that’s a fun one too.
Three, paint a pumpkin. For years and years I was a purist and only carved pumpkins, but I have now come to appreciate the easy and festive fun of painting pumpkins. Greater flexibility, less sharp and stabby, and supergluing props without worrying about them catching on fire is a plus.
Four, read an atmospheric book. I recommend My Cosplay Escape. If you are cosplay rom-com curious, but need an excuse to give it a try, Halloween can be your alibi. I just saw a dad dressed up as Robin with his preschooler dressed up as Batman–is this costume? Is it cosplay? It doesn’t matter. It’s festive. It’s fun. And my cosplay rom-coms will not go stale if you run out of October before you reach their HEAs.
Five, celebrate early. This I find very helpful with teens in the house. Last week we attended Denver Botanic Garden’s Glow at the Gardens Halloween event. It was fun and silly and “spooooky” without being “scarrrrry.” Absolutely magical, and as we got the family celebration out of the way, it freed our teens up to go in different directions this weekend.
However you observe October 31, I wish you safe, magical, seasonal night AND a smooth end to DST.