For most families, Christmas tends to take top spot when it comes to the most exciting and anticipated parts of the year. However, for some, Halloween can be a close second. If you and your kids have started to really get into the spooky spirit over the past few years, then you can make this year’s Halloween a really big one by starting to build that hype early. When fall starts to roll in, here are a few ways that you can start leading up to the big fright night itself.
Create A Halloween Countdown Calendar
If the spooky season is one of excitement and anticipation for the whole family, then one simple trick to heighten that hype is to make your own calendar, turning the whole of October into a month-long celebration. There are plenty of DIY Halloween calendar designs on the net, and you can add small treats for your kids to discover each day, from a piece of candy to a Halloween joke or an activity to hang somewhere around the home. It’s a great way to keep the occasion on the family’s mind, which makes them even more likely to engage in the other steps below.
Start Decorating Early
A lot of families make the mistake of doing all of their Halloween decorating in one night, which is not only not quite as fun but can also be a lot of work depending on how extensive your decorations are. Building it up week by week can generate a lot more excitement, starting with the subtle touches like pumpkins on the porch and a spooky wreath. Then, as the night gets closer, cobwebs, skeletons, or even animatronics can add a lot. This slow rollout creates anticipation and keeps the fun going all month long. You could even incorporate it into your “countdown to Halloween” calendar, with entries for decoration goals and DIY projects, as well.
Start Planning Your Costumes Early
Of course, one of the biggest decisions for any kid on Halloween (or any big kids like the parents, for that matter) is what they’re going to dress up as. Whether everyone has their own individual costume ideas or you’re going to go with a full-themed family, getting a head start allows you to be a lot more creative and coordinated. Start looking at kids costumes for Halloween and think of movie characters, themes, spooky classics, or even the more humorous mashup options. With enough time, you have plenty of room for DIY elements that your costume might need to feel really you, as well. A lot of kids love to do group costumes as a family, but if they have their own ideas, it’s best to encourage some individuality, too.
Start Practicing Those Fun Halloween Recipes
Halloween might be the best time for baking and concocting all sorts of tasty treats, especially those that are going to be themed for the season. Whether you’re making them for the trick or treaters, a Halloween party of your own, or just for a cozy themed dessert for the family, themed recipes such as these Black Cat Oreo treats can go a long way to making the night feel special and really engaging all of the senses. Even making them can become a fun Halloween tradition if you host a mini baking night with the kids. There’s always plenty of spooky recipe inspiration to be found on social media, as well, so if you have a theme you want to lean into, it shouldn’t be hard to find the treats that can go with it.
Start Watching our Favorite Halloween Movies
Fall is the perfect time to spend the evening in with a family, wrap up warm, make some popcorn, and chill out in front of your favorite movies. Having a movie twice a week or however often suits, can become a wonderful tradition leading up to the big night. Of course, you need to make sure that you choose movies that suit the age range of the family. Whether that’s family-friendly classics like The Addams Family or Hotel Transylvania, or you have kids that are slightly older and, therefore, maybe able to tolerate some of the best horror picks. By turning movies into an event, you make the whole month festive, not just Halloween night. It’s a great tradition to build and a perfect way to embrace spooky season together.
Go Out And Enjoy Some Seasonal Attractions
Halloween doesn’t have to be confined to the home, either. In the fall, there might be plenty of events that can get your family in the mood for the season, from haunted houses to ghost tours. Even if the events aren’t particularly Halloween-themed, the autumnal vibes of pumpkin patches and fall festivals can still set a seasonal atmosphere that leads up to the holiday well. These outings are full of photo ops, snacks, and spooky memories. Plan ahead so you don’t miss the best weekends, and consider going in costume for added fun.
Consider Sharing It With Friends And Neighbors
You can have a lot more fun when you’re able to share your festivities with those around you. Whether you have neighbors who love the season as much as you do or a friend group, you can get together to organize things like a themed potluck, pumpkin-carving party, or outdoor movie night. Start a group chat to swap ideas, decorations, or costume plans. These can help build up a real sense of community spirit around Halloween, which is important, as the holiday is one that tends to be shared with those around you, through trick-or-treating, parties, and the like. By spreading the spooky spirit, you can turn Halloween into a seasonal highlight for more than just your family.
Halloween is one of the best holidays of the year for celebrating as a family, and every year is worth taking advantage of as your kids grow up. Setting a few traditions now can make it a great night for family bonding, even as their tastes change.