Simplify Your Halloween—Savor Every Spooky Moment!

Halloween becomes more commercialized every year. But a classic approach to Halloween will keep your budget intact and a grin on your face throughout the spookiest time of year. If you want to restore the playful spirit of Halloween and spend more quality time with your family, let these reminders help you center your celebration on old-fashioned frightening fun. Make memories this Halloween, rather than too many trips to the store.

Pump Up Your Pumpkin Power

What’s Halloween without those bright orange globes of autumn spirit? I’m referring to pumpkins, of course. Set a date for that trip to the pumpkin patch where family members can each select a choice carving pumpkin. Then set aside a few hours one week before Halloween for jack-o’-lantern carving. Here are some classic pumpkin designs to inspire you:

Go Green When Choosing Costumes

When it comes time to brainstorm costume ideas, challenge your kids to pull costumes together from scratch rather than purchasing pre-made. Try to inspire more creative self-expression from them and less of you making it all happen for them. You’ll find ample tutorials on the Internet and lots of costume accessories to choose from at your local resale shop. Here is a list of costume types to get the ideas popping:

Use Down-to-Earth Décor

Don’t go over the top with Halloween décor. Often a few natural-looking items added to a front porch are all you need. Or search online for easy craft tutorials related to the following images. Build up a repertoire of decorations that you expand gradually over the years rather than going over the top with Halloween decor:

Compile a Halloween Playlist

Spooky songs are to Halloween what Christmas carols are to Christmas. Recruit your kids’ help and make a Halloween playlist. Here are some blasts-from-the-past many parents will recognize. Turn them on to turn chore time into a dance party.

Create Annual Movie-watching Traditions

Sharing family films is a terrific way to chillax during a busy time of year. So gather the crew and get in the Halloween mood with movies that startle without scaring the pants off anyone.

For the Whole Family to Watch Together

For Older Kids: Family Movies to Watch with Teens

Transform Candy into Decor

Halloween candy isn’t merely for eating. Display some classic candy choices in glass jars from the dollar store to inspire seasonal fun. Or use classic candy to decorate a wreath form to hang on your front door during trick-or-treating. Search for photos online and choose the wreath style that matches your level of ambition. Here are some candies that can add visual sweetness minus the calories and cavities:

Brainstorm Imaginative Party Themes

Hosting a Halloween party? Keep it simple with classic Halloween party themes. Here are some ideas to get you brainstorming. Search online for easy homemade décor ideas.

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Serve Satisfying Potluck Meals

If you plan to bring a meal to a potluck or just want to fill bellies with savory sustenance, serve something simple. Trick-or-treaters need substantial meals to counterbalance all the sugar typically consumed on Halloween. Try your hand at the following favorites: