While Halloween is filled with classic spooky movies, and endless candy, these aren’t the only things that make it magical. It’s about the nostalgia and whimsical happenings that surround the holiday. Whether it means something to you because of the nostalgic class halloween parties you experienced in your early school days, walking down the street counting jack o’lanterns on front porch steps, or baking the classic halloween sugar cookies with your parents, one thing that these all have in common is that they’re rooted in tradition. Young or old there’s something about tradition that brings a sense of comfort.
The only thing better than traditions that bring you peace and that feeling of warmth is the knowing that you can never have to many.
In this post we’ll dive into fun halloween traditions that you can create for yourself, with a partner, or as a family.
Fun Halloween Traditions
Pumpkin Patch + Pumpkin Carving
With a chill in the air and colorful leaves gracefully falling to the ground, strolling through row after row hunting for the perfect pumpkin is an autumn must. A visit to the pumpkin patch doesnt end at finding your perfect gourd, its taking your time perusing the small boutique popups setup farmer’s market style, and catching a last call tractor ride as the sun goes down. Then, when you finally make it home the fun continues with letting your creativity roam free.
Drive-In Movie
There’s something so nostalgic about packing into the car on a Sunday evening and driving miles down an old back road to your nearest drive-in theatre. Tuning the radio to the right station and making your way to the concession stand to grab fresh popcorn while you patiently wait for the sun to set and the magic to begin. While it may be a movie that you’ve seen a thousands times, there’s a silent comfort in that. Being curled up in your favorite blanket, with the stars as the perfect backdrop, this is an easy way to make watching those spooky movies extra cozy.
Make A Boo Basket for Your Neighbor
Some of the best feelings come from finding joy in small things, and then being able to share them with someone else. You shouldn’t have to wait until a birthday or even Christmas to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Creating a cozy boo basket is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and connect with a neighbor, or a friend that you haven’t gotten to catch up with in a while. The beauty is you can make it as personal and tailored to that special someone as you like. Some great items to include in your basket may include:
- A pair of warm fuzzy halloween socks
2. Fall Candle
3. Halloween Baking Molds
4. Fridge To Do List Note Pads
These are just a few items to get you inspired, but the fun part is finding small things that say “I see you.”
Halloween Classics Movie Night
Sometimes the nostalgia of Halloween as we knew it when we loved it the most is just too sweet to let go. The best part is, you don’t have to. Mark your calendar for an intentional evening of watching all of your favorite classic Halloween movies. Catching up with your favorite witchy aunts in Practical Magic, the whimsical journey that is Coraline, or a lighthearted classic like Beetlejuice, the list is endless. No matter if its quirky chaos or small-town charm these cozy classics carry a bit of whimsy and nostalgia.
Make it intentional by dimming the lights, grabbing your favorite blanket and lighting a few candles and turning the night into a little tradition. Some of the best traditions are filled with the simplest of joys.
Spooky Pizza Night
While the intro credits are rolling, what better dinner pairing could you have other than a spooky pizza. From ghosts, to pumpkins, to witch’s broom, the options are endless. You could even draw inspiration from one of your favorite Halloween movies. Once the last slice is cut, all that’s left to do is to fall into the comforting arms of your sofa, and hit play.
Costume Dinner Party
Whether enjoying a solo dinner with your favorite wine and playlist, or in the company of friends, a costume dinner party is playful and sure to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Decorate Your Driveway
If you ever remember sitting in the back seat on an October evening slowly driving through the neighborhood admiring all of the fun and unique Halloween decorations, then this is a perfect tradition to start for the next generation of admirers. Painting your driveway is a creative way to get into the halloween spirit, and showcase that to afternoon joggers and trick-or-treaters. This halloween tradition of decorating your entryway can still be achievable if you live in an apartment too! You may already have decorations greeting those who pass by, but decorating your front door can be a fun way to take it just a step further.
Paint Night
If you’re always looking for an excuse to roll up your sleeves, silence the noise and just create this is the perfect evening halloween activity for you. Grab a fresh canvas, your paint brushes, turn on your favorite playlist, and let your creative juices flow as you paint. This could be inspired by your favorite halloween movie, or Fall in general. The best part with this tradition is that you will have a growing collection of all of your artwork.
Spiked Drink Bar
This is a great tradition to start with your family or girlfriends the next time you’re hosting a movie night or dinner. A spiked drink bar is a fun way to take traditional fall drinks and add your own twist. You can go as classy or spooky as you would like. The important thing is getting creative. It’s playful and the perfect way to warm up your evening, share a few laughs with friends or just treat yourself.
Costumed Run
Being outdoors in the fall for any reason is a treasure. Whether slowing down and enjoying an evening walk as the streetlights flicker or picking up the pace to getting in a morning run, there’s nothing quite like crisp autumn air. A fun way to spice up your outdoor adventure is grabbing your halloween costume on Halloween and taking on your step goals in style. Whether in a group or solo this is a sure way to add fun to your morning walk or run.
Candlelit Evening
To really channel the magic of a classic Halloween, mark a day on your calendar for a lights out, candlelit day. On this day you will completely opt for candlelight over artificial light. Candlelight naturally gives our environment a warm welcoming glow. This is a unique way to switch up your everyday routine, creating cozy whimsical ambiance. From going through your morning routine, to curling up with a good book, you’re sure to be surrounded by a comforting glow that feels timeless and enchanting. It not only sets the mood for Halloween, but invites you to slow down.
It’s important to never forget the small joys that made our hearts smile when we were younger. Often times it’s those same joys that bring us comfort in adulthood. These fun halloween traditions are perfect ways to cherish those pure and magical memories in ways that fit our lifestyles today. It’s about creating new traditions that are rooted in the same whimsical magic that we experienced in our younger years.
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