I like that Halloween is only one day a year.
Yes, you read that correctly. I have a blast looking for ways to celebrate it all year long on Spooky Little Halloween, but if I was ever given the option to truly celebrate Halloween every day or once a year, I’d pick once a year for a very simple reason: it makes my Halloween traditions special.
Traditions are such an important part of celebrating a holiday. They mark the passing of time, they are something familiar and they give you something to look forward to enjoying! In 2020, especially, I think we could all use something familiar and that we enjoy.
Since we’ll all likely be spending a bit more time around the house this October, why not start a new Halloween tradition with your family, your friends or even just yourself?
11 Halloween Traditions to Start This Year
1. Decorate Your Home
I know you probably do this already - or maybe you leave your decor up all year! But this year, I encourage you to make it an event. Pick a weekend afternoon to dedicate to decorating. Put on some spooky music (need a playlist?), watch your favorite Halloween and horror movies and drink a spooky cocktail.
Looking for decorating ideas and inspiration? I've got a few...
2. Host a Halloween Movie Night
One of my favorite Halloween memories – which no one else in my family remembers – is the October we watched old school horror movies together. These days, movies are one of those things that quickly fall down the priority list, but that changes when I need to stay closer to home.
Pick a night of the week (Monster Mondays, Witchy Wednesdays...) and watch a Halloween or horror movie weekly. Pick a theme and decide every movie you watch in October has to fit it. You could go about a million different directions with this!
Bonus points: you could totally do this over Zoom or FaceTime with friends or family.
Need a list to get you started? Check out this one my friend Matt made for me.
3. Make Classic Treats
This is one of those things I always want to do and also let fall down my priority list as the season goes on. This year, make it a point to enjoy a classic treat!
Popcorn balls, caramel or candy apples and even Devil’s Food cupcakes are considered classic Halloween treats. Set aside an evening or afternoon to make one of these - maybe before your movie night!
Need a super easy popcorn ball recipe? I've got one!
4. Halloween Elf of the Shelf
Fun fact: the classic Elf on the Shelf...terrifies me. I just don't trust his shifty little eyes or that mischievous face. He kind of reminds me of Chucky…
That alone would make him a perfect cross-over item for Halloween, but you can also create your own elf for October. It could be a pumpkin, a witch, a skeleton – whatever you have on hand! Let it pop up October 1 and have some fun all month long.
There are several products like this out there as well. My fave I've seen lately? Pixie Punkin from The Punkin Shop.
5. Carve Jack-o-Lanterns
If you've hung around Spooky Little Halloween for any amount of time, you've likely heard me go on about how much I love carving pumpkins. It's definitely my favorite part of Halloween.
Who says you have to wait until October 31st to carve a pumpkin? This year, try carving a few throughout the season! It’ll also give you a chance to do different designs and faces.
Check out my tips for pumpkin carving.
6. Send a Scare Package
Have a friend or family member who loves Halloween as much as you? Send them a Halloween care package, aka a scare package, with some tricks and treats just for fun!
Include things like prepackaged candy, Halloween stickers, a card and maybe even a piece of decor or two. I'll be sharing more scare package ideas later this month.
Looking for ideas for your scare package? I’ve got a few.
7. 31 Days of Halloween Outfits
My ghoul Penny gets major credit for this idea after I revisited her 31 days of Halloween outfits post from 2019.
Challenge yourself to wear a Halloween T-shirt, dress or accessory every single day in October. It can be as simple as wearing Halloween colors too. Bonus points if you incorporate costume elements, like cat ear headbands or a mask!
Looking for ideas or new items? Check out these posts.
8. Send Halloween Cards
Some days in 2020, going to my mailbox has been the most exciting part of my day. Halloween cards are such an easy way to make someone's day!
Make or buy your own Halloween cards to send out to friends and family. Here are some of my favorites.
Don’t forget to pick up some Halloween stamps from the USPS!
9. Costume Dinners
Much like pumpkin carving, who says costumes are only for Halloween night? If you have a family or roommates, pick a night to have dinner together…in costume. You could even give this a theme, like witches, and make an entire menu based around the theme!
Check out the costume archives if you need a little inspiration.
10. Take a Pumpkin Walk
I've never done this, but it sounds like a blast! Take a walk through your neighborhood a night or two before Halloween and count how many jack-o-lanterns you spot.
Really, you could do this with any Halloween icon - skeletons, spiders, even inflatables. This is also a fun way to enjoy your neighbor’s décor!
And if you need a little inspiration for your own outdoor decor, check out this post.
11. Create a Themed Playlist
Music is such an important part of setting the Halloween mood for me. Each year, I create a playlist just for the blog with a theme in mind.
Read my tips for creating a killer Halloween playlist, then try creating your own and listen to it all October long!
And if you need somewhere to start...I've got you covered.
What Halloween traditions are you celebrating this year?
If you have one to add to my list - or have a unique tradition of your own - share it in the comments! I'd love to hear your ideas too.
I hope this list has gotten you excited for Halloween season...and maybe trying something new!
