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Halloween
 

Time to get spooky!​​ ​This holiday has been celebrated for centuries and is rooted in spirituality. All Hallows' Day (November 1st) is the Christian day for remembering the dead, including saints, or in other words, hallows; which brings us to channeling our belief in the supernatural the night before on "Hallows' Eve". Overtime, through different countries and traditions, we celebrate Halloween today by carving pumpkins, wearing costumes, trick or treating, watching horror films and many more paranormal themed activities. 

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Needless to say, traditions have been altered through the years but do have some ties to the origin of this day. Jack-o'-lanterns were once carved from turnips or other root vegetables either representing spirits to frighten people or used to ward off evil spirits. In North America, carving pumpkins was already associated with the harvest season and naturally flowed into Halloween as it became a popular celebration.  Wearing costumes and preforming door to door in exchange for food traces back to Scotland and Ireland with some threat of mischief if not welcomed - but did you know that the first record of today's world famous quote "trick or treat" actually came from Ontario in 1917?! Costumes which were once way more scary and way less extravagant, actually reflected the theme of the dead but have transfigured into really any theme you want. While some embrace the original spooky theme, others find inspiration in anything from their favourite cartoon character to their wildest fantasy, or whatever their choice mixed with blood and gore. And realistically, if you grew up in Canada, you likely have memory of wearing a winter coat over or under your costume, ruining the whole look.

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However you want to dress or celebrate, Halloween gives the excuse to let your freak flag fly without judgement. So, loosen up, eat all the candy and revel in the darkness the day has to bring.

Traditional Ways of Celebrating & What Inspires Us:

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THEME​

  • Spirits and paranormal activity

  • Colours: orange, black, green, purple

  • Popular association: jack-o-lanterns, witches, ghosts, monsters, skeletons,

  • Animals: black cats, bats, spiders, 

  • Gothic

  • Blood, gore and body parts

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BEAUTY & FASHION

  • Orange, black, green, purple, red, themed graphics

  • Costumes: Of course you can choose anything you want but some classics include jack-o-lantern, witch, ghost, Addam's Family, Frankenstein & Bride of Frankenstein, devil/angel, skeleton, cat, mummy

  • Temporary hair colour or wig, whatever style matches your costume

  • Themed makeup or facepaint

  • Themed jewelry, temporary tattoos, hats, sunglasses, whatever goes with your costume​​​​​​

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DÉCOR​

  • What do you have in storage?

  • Do you need anything new to compliment your theme?

  • If hosting, create a space to take photos

  • Remember to turn on your lights to invite trick-or-treaters

  • Jack-o-lanterns - remember to not carve too early to avoid the risk of rotting

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ENTERTAINMENT​

  • Watch your favourite Halloween or horror movies and TV specials

  • Listne to your favourite Halloween playlist

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FLOWERS

  • Red, orange, yellow, green, purple, black

  • Roses, chrysanthemums

  • Add some spooky decorations or top with spiderweb material

  • Get creative with your vase (skull, potion bottle, cauldron, etc.)

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FOOD & DRINK​

  • If you have kids, you're busy enough getting costumes together so make it a quick easy supper. Either your favourite crockpot recipe, simple frozen foods like chicken tenders, fries, pizza, or better yet - order in. Let's be real, Halloween is not the day to fuss over nutrition.

  • Sip on grape juice, cranberry juice, red wine or your favourite "potion"

  • Themed appetizers like: deviled eggs, pumpkin shaped cheese ball, mummies in a blanket 

  • Remember to stock up on treats for all the little guisers who may visit - chocolates, candies, chips, pop​​​​

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FUN

  • Host a costume party

  • Have a bonfire

  • Visit a haunted house or corn maze

  • Take the kids trick-or-treating

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GIFTS & GREETINGS

  • Host gifts: flowers, their favourite beverage, baking or favourite treats​​​​​​​​

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PARTY TIME

  • Attending?

    • Get yourself ready (hair, nails, makeup, outfit)

    • Host gift (see gifts & greetings)

    • Pack your own beverage

    • Potluck? Prepare and pack your contribution

    • Take photos

  • Hosting?

    • Guest list & invites

    • Clean house

    • Yard maintenance

    • Theme décor

    • Get yourself ready (hair, nails, makeup, outfit)

    • Prepare menu

    • Entertainment (music, games…)

    • Display previous years’ photos and take more to add

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PHOTOS

  • Take photos of yourself and those you are celebrating with

  • Look back on past years with an organized slideshow or photo album

  • Depending on your chosen theme you could use props like hats, glasses, wigs, spiders, bats, tombstones, ghosts, skeletons

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QUOTES

  • "Happy Halloween!"​​

  • "Trick or Treat!"

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TRADITIONS

  • Bonfire

  • Trick or Treating

  • Pumpkin carving

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KIDS & CLASSROOM FUN

  • Jack-0-lanterns, themed artwork

  • Read books and listen to music about Halloween

  • Costume contest​​​​​ or parade​​​​

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WORKPLACE

  • Decorate

  • Bring in sweet treats for all

  • Costume contest for a local gift certificate or free lunch

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