As writer Steve Almond recognizes, “Nothing on Earth is so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night.” But what about the entire month of October before the big night? Shouldn’t that be just as special and wonderful too?
As sweet summertime changes to cool-weathered autumn, the time has come to pull out boots and beanies, drink pumpkin spice and apple cider, and get ready for the spirited thrill of the Halloween season. Children and adults have fond memories of Halloween time—hayrides, pumpkin picking, haunted houses, trick-or-treating, and parties—that evoke warm and fuzzy feelings.
Making the Halloween season a meaningful family occasion allows kids to use their imaginations freely. This time of year is perfect for adventuring, reveling, and trying out new things with creative energy. That final fun night of excess sugar has its place, but the days and weeks before can be full of exciting celebrations. If the commitment to themed activities has you shaking—never fear. Explore the following ideas for six spooktacular ways to get your family hyped for Halloween this year.
Decorate the House
Christmas may be the holiday that gets the most attention for all-out decoration, yet decorating your home inside and out during the Halloween season has become popular over the years. Now is the time to pull that seasonal décor out of storage, head to the store for traditional options, or get crafty with handmade DIY pieces. Your family can easily get hyped for the spooky season without breaking the bank on decorations.
Transformation Ideas for Spooky Spaces
Searching for different accessories for this haunted holiday season? Carved pumpkins, string or neon lights, candles, wreaths, scarecrows, macramé ghosts, painted bat leaves, stretchy faux spider webs, skull lanterns, blackened flowers or plants, paper garland, and personalized doormats are just a few ideas on the top of the décor list.
Giving your indoor and outdoor spaces an extensive new style for the season—or being the neighborhood Addams Family—isn’t for everyone. However, aim to at least make your front porch, door, or entry a welcoming and spooky oasis come trick-or-treating time. The little details matter. Be sure to include the whole family; themed decorating is a fun opportunity to teach kids about hospitality.
Pick Out Prime Pumpkins at the Patch
Is there a local pumpkin patch or two in your area? Make sure to visit one to get your family hyped for Halloween this year. Instead of purchasing pumpkins at the supermarket when grocery shopping, taking the time to pick out pumpkins together is a hype-worthy seasonal activity. Pumpkin patches provide a plethora of opportunities to make unforgettable memories—and take cute family photos as a classic fall tradition.
The Art of Choosing a Great Pumpkin
Before you hit the patch, knowing how to pick out a pumpkin that lasts all season is essential. For decorating purposes, avoid ones with soft spots, bruises, and cuts. Choose one with a strong stem and uniform orange color, but don’t feel the need to pick out a picture-perfect Halloween squash. Odd-shaped pumpkins have character and can be great for carving.
If your family plans on carving jack-o-lanterns, pick a pumpkin that’s heavy, sturdy, and sounds hollow when tapped. A carving contest can be a fun and competitive way to get excited about the season. Remember also that waiting to carve pumpkins until it’s closer to Halloween ensures they don’t rot too quickly, especially for those in warmer or humid climates.
Have a Festive Family Film Night
Can you think of a better way to hype up the Halloween season than an at-home family movie night? A festive night of favorite flicks is sure to become a year-after-year tradition. Most streaming services have a wide array of options to watch together—choose from scary films for older children or tamer classics for younger kids. Snuggle up on the couch or set up a projector and screen in the backyard for a cozy evening under star-filled skies. Feel free to extend the invitation to close friends or extended family members.
Don’t Forget Tasty Treats
You can’t watch spooky movies without sensational snacks. Gorge on the grub and break out the popcorn, candy, finger foods, and other sweet or salty munchies. Include traditional seasonal favorites such as candy corn, caramel apples, or pigs in a blanket. Bake up some pumpkin bread or themed cookies for a sweet homemade treat.
Gather Together and Tell Scary Stories
’Tis the season to hype up all things scary. Why not tell some kid-friendly ghost stories in the dark to get everyone in the mood for the spooky season? This festive bonding activity is a good old-fashioned oral tradition to carry on—and is the perfect way to enjoy the thrilling elements of Halloween time together. Grab some candy or s’mores, light up a bonfire or grab a flashlight, and tell a few funny, creepy, and impressive tales.
Parents can decide how closely to tread the line between silly goosebump-raising stories and those screaming of true terror. Lots of kids love a thrilling spooky story but err on the side of caution when choosing what to read or putting a personal twist on a classic.
Make Awesome Costumes a Number One Priority
The spooky season is all about the costumes. Why not ditch the solo options and make the event a themed group affair this year? Build up the excitement early by encouraging kids to use their imaginations and think of different ideas your crew could do. Get the whole gang involved, and don’t wait until the last minute to make or purchase costumes for trick-or-treating or parties.
Pleasing everyone may be difficult, but there are plenty of options for babies, toddler, big kids, and grown-ups alike. The best family costume opportunities lie in pop culture movies, shows, or books with a wide range of characters. Be original and creative to steal the spotlight come Halloween night.
Don Seasonal Apparel To Show Off Your Spooky Side
To make the hype this year spookier than ever, show off your Halloween tricks with some additional seasonal treats. There’s no better time to play dress-up with graphic tees—don’t underestimate their styling versatility for the whole family. Pair Halloween-style t-shirts with jeans in early fall weather during fun outings, or layer them with leggings or joggers to lounge at home.
Enjoy your family time—with plenty of laughs and smiles—wearing our stylish Halloween graphic t-shirts. Here at Tees2UrDoor, we have a passion for trendy and themed fashion. Our collection of spirited seasonal tees for sale is perfect for those going all-out for the holiday. With these cute and classic styles, the entire family can find a shirt they love to celebrate all month long. Shop our diverse catalog today!
