Happy Halloween!
I hope everyone has a safe and fun day!
Take care!
Rebecca
Happy Halloween
Category: Halloween
7 Halloween Facts
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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Halloween Photography Tips for Lasting Memories
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.
- Go to different places in your community to pose.
- Use your child’s costume as a building block for finding the perfect place to pose. For example, Spiderman can easily pose on playground equipment.
- Allow your child to get into character. Encourage impressions.
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.
- If your child’s costume has props or special features, focus on them in a photo or two. The details always make the costumes.
- Include decorations in your photos, your carved pumpkins or other yard decorations.
- Take Halloween photos with your pets.
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.
- Take numerous action photos of your children going from house to house. Avoid using flash.
- Use streetlights or porch lights to add a glow effect.
- Find a bright light to create silhouettes of your children in costume.
- Get photos from different angles.
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.
- Use fog effect.
- Convert to black and white photos.
- Make certain colors stand out. Orange is a Halloween color. Turn photos of pumpkins black and white but keep the bright orange colors.
- Use the soft-focus option to center on your children.
Happy Halloween! When out trick-or-treating, remember to have fun.
8 Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating
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
- Halloween Party: Throw your own Halloween party. Halloween costumes, treats, themed music, and games are a perfect combination for a night of fun.
- Bonfire Night: With or without costumes a bonfire night is a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy. Just be careful around the fire and don’t forget the S’mores.
- Movie Night: On a cold, rainy Halloween, cuddling under blankets, sipping hot cocoa, and watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a perfect evening.
- Candy Scavenger Hunt: Hide the candy. No, seriously hide the candy for a scavenger hunt. Kids love to search for “hidden treasures.” A candy scavenger hunt is a superb way to celebrate Halloween.
- Craft Day: Spend the day doing Halloween themed crafts. Even your local dollar store has Halloween themed craft products. Make masks, draw haunted scenes, or paint fake pumpkins for a day of Halloween fun.
- Community Event: If you are concerned about safety, attend a community sponsored event. Trunk-or-treat, pumpkin walk, or Halloween at the zoo are great sponsored events for Halloween.
- Halloween-Themed Baking: Bake Halloween treats together. Deliver treats to neighbors. Or use the Halloween-themed goodies as part of your movie night.
- Halloween Pail: A Halloween bucket is like an Easter basket. Grab a Halloween themed bucket and fill it with your kids’ favorite treats. Controlling the amount of candy is the best part. Add books, magazines, small toys, or other themed goodies to fill the bucket.
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
A Game of Halloween Charades
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.
- Hocus Pocus
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Witch’s Cauldron
- Ghost
- Black Cat
- Graveyard
- Werewolf howling at the moon
- Skeleton
- Scarecrow
- Carving a Pumpkin
- The Monster Mash
- Mad Scientist
- Thriller
- Stirring a cauldron
- Vampire
- Frankenstein
- Bats flying at noon
- Full moon
- Visiting a haunted house
- Zombie walk
- Halloween candy
- Caramel apples
- Bobbing for apples
- Monster
- Mummy
- Mask
- Fangs
- Night of the Living Deas
- Pumpkin patch
- Trick-or-treating
Charades require a little acting but gain a lot of laughs.
32 Classic Movies to Watch for Halloween
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.
(Please note: As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases).
- Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)
- Abbot and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
- Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955)
- Dracula (1931)
- Frankenstein (1931)
- The Mummy (1932)
- Son of Dracula (1943)
- Werewolf of London (1935)
- Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943)
- The Mummy’s Ghost (1944)
- The House of Frankenstein (1944)
- The Wolf Man (1941)
- The Mummy’s Tomb (1942)
- House of Dracula (1945)
- The Mummy’s Curse (1944)
- The Phantom of the Opera (1943)
- The Indivisible Man (1933)
- The Indivisible Man Returns (1940)
- The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
- Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
- Them! (1954)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
- Island of the Lost Souls (1932)
- The Thing from Another World (1951)
- The House on Haunted Hill (1959)
- The House of Dracula (1958)
- Nosteratu (1922)
- The Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
- The House of Usher (1960)
- The Birds (1963)
- It Came from Beneath the Sea (1955)
- 20 Millions Miles to Earth (1957)
Do you have a favorite that is not on the list?
25 Halloween Books for Kids
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.
- “Creepy Carrots!” – Aaron Reynolds
- “Big Pumpkin” – Erica Silverman
- “Too Many Pumpkins” – Lina White
- “Ten Timid Ghosts” – Jennifer O’Connell
- “Pumpkin Countdown” – Joan Holub and Jan Smith
- “Little Witch” – Anna Elizabeth Bennett
- “The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt” – Riel Nason
- “Room on the Broom” – Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
- “Splat the Cat and the Pumpkin-Picking Plan” – Catherine Hapka and Loryn Brantz
- “Stumpkin” – Lucy Ruth Cummins
- “The Halloween Moon” – Joseph Fink
- “Rosco the Rascal Visits the Pumpkin Patch” – Shana Gorian, Ros Webb, and Josh Addessi
- “The Little Kitten” – Nicola Killen
- “The Scariest Book Ever” – Bob Shea
- “The Little Blue Truck’s Halloween” – Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry
- “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” – Linda D. Williams and Megan Lloyd
- “Gilbert the Ghost” – Guido Van Genechten
- “Goodnight Goon” – Michael Rex
- “Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete” – James Dean
- “A Halloween Carol”- Sean M. Hogan
- “How to Make Friends with a Ghost” – Rebecca Green
- “The Halloween Moon” – Joseph Find
- “The Witches” – Ronald Dahl
- “The Halloween Tree” – Susan Montanari
- “Snowmen at Halloween” – Caralyn M. Buehner
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!
Please note: “As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn income on qualifying purchases.”
Tips to Keep Your Trick-or-Treaters Safe on Halloween
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.
- Know the times of trick-or-treating in your community.
- Draw map of your planned trick-or-treating path.
- Stick to well-lit areas in your neighborhood.
- Locate a safe place to meet up if anyone is separated from the group.
Appropriate Fitting Costumes
Whether you are buying or making your child’s costume, safety is essential.
- Appropriate fitting costumes are necessary to avoid trips and falls.
- Avoid complicated costumes.
- Consider skipping masks and use face paint. A mask may hinder your child’s ability to see properly.
- Use reflective tape on your child’s costume.
- The material should be flame retardant.
Halloween Night
When out trick-or-treating, keep these safety rules in mind.
- Stay with your group. Remind your children the importance of staying together on Halloween night.
- Young children should be accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Stay outdoors. Never go into a stranger’s house.
- Only go to houses with porch lights on.
- Stay on the sidewalk. Avoid taking any types of short cuts. The area may not be safe.
- Carry flashlights or glow sticks for extra light.
- Watch out for other trick-or-treaters especially when driving around a neighborhood. Children who are excited to get to the next house may not look both ways before crossing the street.
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 Family Photos to Capture this Season
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
- Walking down a hiking trail. (If you can do it, get your children to hold hands).
- Searching for the perfect pumpkin.
- Sitting in the pumpkin patch.
- Going apple picking.
- Baking a apple or pumpkin pie together.
- Doing leaf crafts.
- Attending a football game.
- Tailgating before the game. (Food is always a major part of game day photos).
- Playing catch football.
- Around a bonfire.
- Standing in front of trees with vibrant fall colors.
- Holding leaves out front of you. (For added fun, write names or wishes on the leaves)
- Raking and jumping in the leaves.
- Vising a local farmer’s market.
- At a community event.
- Making Halloween decoration together.
- Dancing to Halloween music.
- Carving pumpkins.
- Roasting pumpkin seeds.
- Volunteering.
- Drinking homemade hot cocoa in a new mug. (Do not forget the marshmallows.)
- Dressing up in Halloween costumes.
- A Halloween photo shoot in the back yard.
- Trick or treating.
- Decorating for Thanksgiving.
- Photo with extended family at Thanksgiving.
- Photo of everyone sitting at the Thanksgiving table.
- Kids choice. (Often children create the best photo shoot for your family.)
40 Halloween Candy Alternatives
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
- Halloween Pencils/Erasers
- Temporary Tattoos
- Halloween Stickers
- Vampire Teeth
- Bouncy Balls
- Spider Rings
- Stampers
- Bubbles
- Lego Figures
- Mini Art Kits
- Halloween Activity Pads
- Halloween Color Books
- Halloween LED Rings
- Halloween Glasses
- Foam Putty
- Glow Sticks
- Slime
- Stretchy Skeletons
- Slap Bracelets
- Play Doh
- Rubber Duckies
- Slinkies
- Punch Balloons
- Halloween Wind-Up Toys
- Yo-Yos
- Whistles
- Kazoos
- Mini Paratroopers
- Finger Puppets
- Bookmarks
- Books
- Plushies
- Mini Flashlights
- Mini Fidget Spinners
- Halloween Crayons
- Spin Tops
- Hot Wheel or Matchbox Cars
- Halloween Jewelry
- Mini Nail Polishes
- Punch Balloons
Please note: “As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn income from qualifying purchases.”
Rebecca's Country Notes 