Happy Halloween!
I hope everyone has a safe and fun day!
Take care!
Rebecca

Happy Halloween!
I hope everyone has a safe and fun day!
Take care!
Rebecca
Who remembers dressing up for Halloween as a kid? Together with your cousins, siblings, and neighborhood friends, running from house to house to get the most candy was a major part of Halloween. Annually on October 31st, millions of people celebrate Halloween. The history surrounding this spooky holiday is fascinating.
1. Halloween’s Roots
Halloween has roots dating back to the ancient Celtic Festival. In Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, the celebration, known as Samhain, marked the end of the year. The pagan new year began on November 1, the start of the winter season. Bonfires, feasts, and animal sacrifices were a major component of the two-day celebration.
2. Halloween Costumes
The tradition of dressing up in Halloween attire also stems from the Samhain festival. People would dress up to scare away ghosts. Unlike the material found in today’s costumes, the festival goers would wear animal heads and skins.
3. Trick-or-Treating Tradition
Modern-day trick-or-treating is a concept from an activity known as “souling.” As part of the Samhain festival, poor children would go from door to door to beg for food or money. In exchange for the small tokens, the children would pray for any recently departed loved ones connected to the home.
4. Jack O’Lantern
The long-standing tradition of carving a pumpkin originates from the Irish folktale of Stingy Jack. After tricking the Devil repeatedly, Stingy Jack was left to walk the Earth throughout eternity. The Devil could not claim his soul. And God would not let such an unsavory person into heaven. The story continues with Stingy Jack walking the Earth with just a piece of burning coal to light his way which he placed inside a carved turnip. The Irish called the sight of Stingy Jack’s ghostly figure, “Jack of the Lantern.”
5. Orange and Black
Halloween décor has a principal color theme, orange and black. The colors date back to the time of the Celts. The orange represents fall colors and the flames of bonfires during the celebrations. Whereas the color black represented the darkness of the upcoming winter season and death.
6. Bobbing for Apples
The childhood party game had a different meaning in the 18th century. The ritual was meant to find a woman the suitor. Each apple was assigned to a specific gentleman. When a woman bobbed for an apple to take a bite, the outcome would be a date.
7. Candy Corn or Chicken Feed
The original name for the tri-colored Candy Corn was chicken feed. George Renninger, an employee from the Wunderlee Candy Company was the first to sell the candy in 1880. Every year Americans purchase over twenty million pounds of Candy Corn.
Halloween is an interesting holiday with many traditions and lore. What is your favorite part of Halloween?
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The old saying, “they grow up so fast” is true. Capturing childhood moments is essential for lasting memories. Halloween is one of those holidays, many children outgrow quickly. Do not let the opportunity go, take the time to photograph your children at Halloween.
How to Get the Best Halloween Photos
1. Pre-Halloween Photo Shoot
Before Halloween, let your children try on their costumes. Use this opportunity to plan a photo session.
2. Be Patient
The big night is here, time for all the Halloween fun. Remember as you begin to take photos, be patient. Children are going to be excited about trick-or-treating or other Halloween events.
3. Document the Process from the Start
Do not wait until your children are dressed to take photos. Start snapping photos as soon as you begin to get ready for trick-or-treating. Often, the best photos come during the process of getting ready.
4. Feature Props
Your photos need to include every part of your Halloween celebration.
5. Group Photo
Along with individual photos, get a group photo before trick-or-treating begins. Make sure to include yourself in one of the photos. Pose together before the sun goes down. Remember to use natural light to get the best photo. When you can, skip the flash.
6. Trick-or-Treating Photos
The main event is here.
7. Last Photo of the Night
When returning home, get one last photo. Ask your children to show off their candy collection. Of course, some younger children may be asleep by the time you return home. Do not forget to get a photo. This is a perfect picture opportunity for the end of the night.
8. Get Creative with Editing
When editing photos, use special effects.
Happy Halloween! When out trick-or-treating, remember to have fun.
Are you going to pass on trick-or-treating this year? Do not worry, you are not alone. Many families forego trick-or-treating for numerous reasons. Chilly weather, scheduling conflicts, health and safety concerns, or the time of trick-or-treating are often big factors. Even without trick-or-treating, your Halloween can still be lots of fun.
Trick-or-Treating Alternatives
Yes, trick-or-treating is a fun part of childhood. When the weather or other issues get in the way, finding the best alternative to trick-or-treating is a fantastic way to celebrate Halloween
Are you looking for a fun interactive game to celebrate Halloween? Charades is a classic, easy-to-play game. Start by sorting your guests into two teams of equal amounts. Pick a timekeeper. Generally, a person has 2 to 3 minutes to act out the phrase. But if you have younger children, you may need extra time.
Halloween Charade Ideas
A Halloween-themed game of charades is easy to plan. Simply write out book titles, movies, phrases, or words on pieces of paper in a bowl. If you need some inspiration, check out the following list of Halloween charade ideas.
Charades require a little acting but gain a lot of laughs.
Are you looking for something to watch for Halloween? Go old school. Classic monster or alien movies are a fun way to enjoy a cozy night in. Pop some popcorn, cuddle under a blanket, and enjoy one of these old-time favorites.
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Do you have a favorite that is not on the list?
The weather is cooler, the days are growing short, and Halloween is just around the corner. Do you want to surprise your kids with Halloween books? Or do you need a list for your next trip to the library? Check out the following list of fun Halloween books for kids.
With all the books available, you’re certain to get into the Halloween spirit. Older children may like the Harry Potter series too. Have fun! Keep reading! And Happy Halloween!
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Trick-or-treating is a major part of Halloween. The rush of going from house to house to get a bag full candy is a childhood dream come true. As adults, keeping your children safe is your number one priority. Be cautious is necessary for a safe and happy Halloween.
Plan
Before Halloween, get a rough idea of where you will be trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
Appropriate Fitting Costumes
Whether you are buying or making your child’s costume, safety is essential.
Halloween Night
When out trick-or-treating, keep these safety rules in mind.
Inspect All Candy
The temptation to sneak a candy for the pail is natural for children during trick-or-treating. Emphasize the importance of inspecting all candy before eating.
Most of all enjoy Halloween! Children will not always want to go trick-or-treating.
Fall is a busy time of year. Apple picking, visiting pumpkin patches, viewing colorful foliage, Halloween, and Thanksgiving are all a part of the fall season. Each day provides numerous opportunities for family pictures. Are you capturing the best photos for lasting memories? If you need a little inspiration, check out the following list of ideas for fall family photos to capture this season.
Fall Family Photo Ideas
Halloween is almost here! Are you ready for your trick-or-treaters? Are you thinking about handing out something other than candy this year? Perhaps you only get a handful of trick-or-treaters? Or you know some of your neighbor children cannot have candy. Due to allergies or other restrictions, many children are on strict diets.
Alternatives to Halloween Cany
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