Spooky season has arrived, and we are excited to do some festive activities. The Halloween legend states that the veil between our world and the underworld is at its thinnest. Thus, the tradition of dressing up as witches, skeletons, and other spooky costumes to confuse the evil spirits so they do not capture and bring you back with them. Jack-o-lanterns are carved with an eerie grin to ward off the evil. Aside from carving pumpkins and trick-or-treats, let’s delve into some bewitching and majestic activities this month with family, friends or yourself.
Of course, the first thing on everyone’s mind at this time of year is pumpkins and pumpkin spice lattes! Pumpkins are the star of the season. Visit a pumpkin patch with friends or family to pick the perfect one. In addition to carving jack-o-lantern faces for protection from evil spirits, get a little more creative and paint some pumpkins. If you want to save your creation for years to come, purchase some fake pumpkins to paint from Michaels or Walmart. Save the pumpkin seeds and roast them with sea salt or savory seasonings like pumpkin spice. Cook up some delicious recipes with pumpkin, such as pumpkin bread or pumpkin soup. If you wish to be a bit boozy, try some pumpkin spice vodka or rum and make a pumpkin martini. If pumpkins are not your thing, apples are another showstopper of the season. Visit an apple orchard and enjoy some spiced apple cider. Many apple orchards will conveniently have a pumpkin patch as well. Some might even include a hayride for the kids! Apples are excellent for recipes such as pies, muffins or even a crisp apple salad. Pomegranates are another seasonal fruit to enjoy and are known as the fruit of the underworld. In Greek mythology, the goddess Persephone was tempted by pomegranates from Hades and ate six seeds, then was tied to him for six months out of the year. She would return to him on the first day of Fall and return to earth in the spring. So, make some apple cider sangria garnished with six pomegranate seeds for a delightful drink at your next Halloween party.
Fall is like a second spring, so admire the outdoors as much as possible. Budget-friendly activities outside are cost-effective. Collect some fall leaves, acorns and pinecones and add them to your fireplace mantel for decorations. Marigolds are known in the Mexican tradition, Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos, to honor those who have passed. They light the way for them to return home for the night. Make marigold wreaths or garlands with some fall leaves and honor those who have passed with their pictures at the dinner table. Take some photos of the gorgeous colors that fill the trees. Wear your favorite boots and sweater, go for a long walk and enjoy what nature offers. Have a picnic at the graveyard of a loved one who has passed and leave some offerings for them. Be respectful, of course, while in the cemetery and never litter or tap on gravestones. Haunted houses or haunted corn mazes are always a big hit in October. Many cities and towns will offer haunted ghost tours, a magical way to get to know the area better and get into the season’s spirit.
Don’t forget the pets on Halloween! Though this is not much of a dog-friendly holiday, they like to go for long walks. Petsmart and other places have so many costumes to choose from. Dress them up in their spooky costume and have a photo shoot. If the budget doesn’t allow for a fancy costume, cut up an old white sheet to make a ghost. Look online to see if any local pet-friendly costume contests are going on. Pumpkin, again, is a wonderful ingredient for dogs, so make some pumpkin peanut butter ghost cookies. Mix up some pumpkin, no-sugar-added apple cider topped with whipped cream, and your furry friend will have their PSL to enjoy alongside you. Cats are known to have that sixth sense, so be sure to include them when summoning any spirits with the Ouija board. They will be there to protect you from the other side.
Lastly, host a Halloween party to enjoy the season with friends and family. Play the Monster Mash, have a pizza party and paint or carve some pumpkins with friends. Fill some blood bags with a spooky red punch for an added thriller. Light some candles and tell ghost stories for a Halloween séance. Watch all the Halloween movies and shows of vampires, zombies, ghosts and witches. And remember, ResidentShield renter’s insurance will be there in case those cauldrons bubble over or the black flame candle sparks a bit too much Hocus Pocus!
