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Ever wish you could escape into a world where it's always Halloween? Well, then today is your lucky day.
This blog post is FULL of books, TV shows, music and more that'll make the every day feel more like October 31st.
We can all use some distraction now and again, whether we're trying to tune out the real world for a bit, zone out for an afternoon or even temper our anxiety.
For me, Halloween is always the perfect way to escape because it's my happy place. I always want to be surrounded by glowing jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treaters and witches flying across the full moon.
Since I can't actually make that happen (haven't found the right spell yet...), this list is the next best thing!
This post isn't an exhaustive list, but it IS full of my current spooky favorite ways to distract myself for an afternoon.
Whether you're an avid reader, a melophile (if you know, you know) or a TV binger, I know you'll find something to enjoy on this list.
16 Halloween Distractions
Books
"The Invited" by Jennifer McMahon - What if you accidentally built a haunted house from the ground up? That's the idea behind this novel which we read last summer in the Spooky Little Book Club. It's a quick and easy read with a few fun twists and turns. Grab a copy
"You" by Caroline Kepnes - If you follow me on Instagram, you know I'm OBSESSED with quite a few Netflix shows these days, including "You". But did you know it's also a novel? While I think I prefer the TV show to the books (literally only the second time in my life I've said that), they're a good read. Expect some BIG differences between the two. Grab a copy
"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury - Who doesn't love a classic? This is what we're currently reading in the SLBC, and we'd love for you to join us! Grab a copy
TV Shows
"You" on Netflix - While I might not enjoy traditional horror movies, I love a great psychological thriller. As I mentioned in the book recommendation above, "You" is a personal fave on Netflix - as in, I watched the first season four times in 2019. Watch it now
"Killing Fields" on Discovery Channel - Any true crime fans in the house? This show only has two seasons, but you will immediately wall in LOVE with Detectives Rodie Sanchez and Aubrey St. Angelo as they attempt to solve a cold case of a Louisiana State University student who disappeared in June 1997. This show is available on Hulu. Watch it now
"Over the Garden Wall" on Hulu - Treats Not Tricks subscriber Cynthia K. reminded me about this gem and shared it as her pick for the perfect Halloween distraction. Join brothers Wirt and Gregory as they go on a journey through a strange forest with a ton of spooky vibes. Watch it now
And, uh, dare I tell you once again how much I love Stranger Things and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina? If you haven't watched either on Netflix...do it!
Shops
Just a little food for thought: as my girls at Thorn and Moon pointed out last week, small businesses often suffer in times of crisis. I echo their sentiments and encourage you to shop with your favorites to give them a little extra support right now!
Seance Perfumes - I'll have more about this little company coming to my social media soon but in the meantime, I encourage you to check out some of the unique scents they offer, all with a seriously spooky twist. Shop now
Little Spooky Studio - Lately I can't get enough of the gorgeous artwork Regina is creating! It speaks to my Halloween soul, and I'm betting you guys will dig it too. Shop now
The Smell of Fear - Man, am I a sucker for candles these days. There are SO many amazing makers online. The Smell of Fear is a recent find via Instagram, and I love all their horror-inspired scents. Shop now
Music
My Favorite Songs from "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina" - It's no secret I'm obsessed with Sabrina, and part of why I love the show so much is the musical picks! I've been meaning to share this on the blog, but until I get around to it...here are 50 of my fave tunes featured in the Netflix series. Listen now
"31 Days of Halloween" by Nancy Nightmare and The Wizard - This is the Halloween carol you didn't know you needed in your life. I've been following Nancy and the Wiz for a few years now (even interviewed them on the blog!) and never tire of hearing their spooky tunes on my playlists. Listen now
The Black Flame - And as long as I'm singing the praises of The Wiz, I should tell you he hosts a killer radio show every Tuesday night from 8 - 10 p.m. EST on 99.3 WBTV-LP out of Vermont. His show is full of gorgeous goth, post-punk, rock and so much more. Listen Tuesday nights
Looking for more music picks? Browse the playlist section of the blog.
Content
Notebook of Ghosts - Love a bit of spooky with a side of history? This blog is the perfect place online for you! Ash is forever digging up glorious ghost stories, sharing beautiful cemeteries and so much more. Read now
That Halloween Bro - I never get tired of James' posts on Instagram. He hosts an incredible party, Boos and Booze, every year and has such an eye for spooky details. Follow him
The Spooky Self-Care Society - And finally, if you need a place to escape that is ALL about self-care, you will LOVE The Spooky Self-Care Society on Facebook, run by Kitty's Boo-tique. Join now
The Samhain Society - Since you're reading this Halloween blog, I'm betting you might be interested in more. In the fall of 2017, I brought together a group of my favorite Halloween content creators and started The Samhain Society. Our group is a private club where we discuss nerdy things like blog SEO, video content tricks and how to beat the ever-changing social media algorithms, but what IS public is all of our blogs and vlogs. Check out our members
What's your Halloween distraction pick?
I'd love to hear from you - drop a link to your favorite Halloween distraction in the comments to share with the rest of us.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, Spooky Little Halloween will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates & disclaimers here. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
