Tag: Halloween

Halloween Crafts: Pumpkin Suncatcher

Halloween is not canceled. The holiday is just a little different this year. For those staying close to home, finding other family-friendly activities is a great way to celebrate. With adult supervision, create pumpkin suncatchers to display outdoors or hang in your windows.

List of Materials

  • Pony Beads
  • Cake Pie (The round cake pans from dollar store ones work well. You do not have to worry about ruining your favorite cake pan.)
  • Nut (Use a nut to hang your suncatcher. Drilling a hole in your suncatcher is another option. But you always run the risk of cracking your finished project.)

Instructions

  • Place your pony beads in your desired design into the cake pan. Arranging your beads is the longest part. If you are having trouble placing your beads, use a toothpick to gently move them into position.
  • When you are ready, preheat your oven to 400˚F. Keep in mind, pony beads are plastic. As the beads melt, they give off a strong odor. Opening a window for proper ventilation is highly recommended.
  • Melt your beads for about 35 minutes.
  • When your beads are completely melted, remove from the oven.
  • Allow cooling.
  • Gently tap your pumpkin suncatcher out of the pan. Be careful; the bottom of the pan may still be warm to the touch.
  • Display proudly.

Halloween Crafts: Pumpkin Magnets

Are you staying close to home for Halloween? How about doing some Halloween-themed crafts. Pumpkin magnets are an open-ended craft project. There is no right or wrong way to do the pumpkin magnets. The possibilities are endless.

List of Materials

  • Wooden Circles

    Purchased these at Wal-Mart.
  • Glue
  • Orange, Green, and Black Paint (or any other colors you want to use)
  • Paint Brushes
  • Googly Eyes
  • Pipe Cleaners
  • Pom Poms
  • Glitter
  • Magnets

    Purchased these from Amazon. Please note: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Instructions for Pumpkin Magnets

  1. Cover work area with newspaper.
  2. Paint circles your desired color.
  3. Allow your circle to completely dry.
  4. Add embellishments or paint your pumpkin’s face.
  5. Allow your pumpkin to completely dry.
  6.  Flip your pumpkin over to glue on the magnet.
  7. Allow your pumpkin to completely dry again.
  8. Display your final pumpkin craft.

Photo Prompts for October

October brings cool crisp days, pumpkin picking, and Halloween. The time is perfect to grab your camera and snap your favorite scene. Do you need some inspiration? Check out the following photo prompts.

31 Photo Prompts for October

  1. Selfie
  2. Up close
  3.  Down low
  4. 8 am
  5. Warm beverage
  6. Up high
  7. Far away
  8. Black and white
  9. Landscape
  10. Sunrise/sunset
  11. Signs
  12. Animal
  13. Circles
  14. Water
  15. Friendship
  16. Street
  17. Still
  18. Beverage
  19. Food
  20. 3 pm
  21. Peace
  22. Treat
  23. Plenty
  24. Shadows
  25. Paths
  26. Halloween candy
  27. Dusk (low-light)
  28. Orange and black
  29. Halloween decor
  30. Pumpkins
  31. Happy Halloween! Your choice.

 

Journal Writing Prompts for October

Whether you are just beginning or been keeping a journal for years, writing your thoughts and feelings down on paper is good for your well-being. Do you need some writing inspiration? Check out the following journal writing prompts for October.

  1. How did September go for you, your family, your loved ones, and your co-workers? Write about your best and worst moments from September in detail.
  2. What are you looking forward to the most in October?
  3. What do you hope to accomplish in the last 3 months of 2020?
  4. What are your thoughts on the pandemic? Are you still under restrictions for your area?
  5. Make a list of 10 things to get done by the end of the month. Put a star by the most important one.
  6. Write about that made you smile today.
  7. If you could have lunch with any writer, actor, or actress, who would you pick? Why?
  8. Are you decorating for Halloween? Why or Why not?
  9. Write about what you were doing at 10 am, 3 pm, and 7pm.
  10. Write a restaurant review.
  11. October is Family History Month. Write about your family’s beginnings.
  12. Write about your grandparents or other older family members. Describe their appearance, personality, and different mannerisms that make them stand out.
  13. Write about your name. How did you get your first and middle names? What does your surname mean? Are you named after anyone in your family?
  14. Write about your favorite memory with your grandparents or other older family members.
  15. Wo in your family inspires you? Why?
  16. Write about your current family status. (Yes, your dog counts as a family member).
  17. What does the word family mean to you?
  18. What is the one thing you would to do before 2020 is over? Why is this important to you?
  19. Write about your entire day from the perspective of your pet. (Yes, a stuffed animal counts).
  20. Free write for 15 minutes.
  21. Describe your current weather condition. Does the weather affect your mood?
  22. Write a book review.
  23. What are you currently reading or watching? What is the attraction?
  24. Whare are your thoughts on Halloween this year?
  25. What is your favorite spooky movie? Why?
  26. Did you have Halloween parties at school? What do you remember the most about the celebration?
  27. Did you celebrate Halloween as a child? Did you go trick-or-treating? What is your best Halloween memory?
  28. What are your Halloween plans?
  29. How does this Halloween differ from last year?
  30. Do you believe in ghosts? Why or Why not?
  31. Happy Halloween! How did your day go?

Self-Care Ideas for October

October brings colder weather, longer nights, and Halloween. Focusing on yourself is essential for your health and well-being. Do you need some self-care ideas for October? Check out the following for inspiration.

  1. Get plenty of sleep, take a nap or sleep in when possible.
  2. Drink lots of fluids-water, tea, and maybe even a tall glass of apple cider.
  3. Buy yourself something new. (Yes, a dollar store Halloween figurine counts.)
  4. Take an extra-long hot shower or soak in a warm, bubble bath.
  5. Call a friend.
  6. Order take out from your favorite restaurant.
  7. Go for a walk to view the Halloween decorations in your community.
  8. Work out to a beginner’s video on YouTube.
  9. Unplug from social media for an hour, six hours, or an entire day.
  10. Grab your favorite fuzzy blanket and spend your Saturday reading a book.
  11. Write letters or send out Halloween cards with notes inside.
  12. Binge-watch Halloween shows.
  13. Go hiking
  14. Cook your favorite meal.
  15. Do Halloween themed crafts.
  16. Sip a warm beverage while stargazing.
  17. Use relaxing music to meditate or pray.
  18. Visit your local pumpkin patch. Carve and display your pumpkin.
  19. Give yourself a spa day-soak your feet, paint your nails, and apply a facial.
  20. Make a Halloween-themed playlist.
  21. Try a new food.
  22. Take a virtual tour.
  23. Keep a journal or diary.
  24. Go for a long drive and play the music loud.
  25. Take an online course. (There are numerous free courses or seminars available.)
  26. Eat your favorite soup on a cold autumn day.
  27. Take your dog for an extra-long walk. If you don’t have a dog, volunteer to be a dog walker at your local shelter or rescue.
  28. Paint or draw a Halloween scene.
  29. Declutter a room, closet, or a junk drawer.
  30. Try pumpkin-related food or beverage.
  31. Happy Halloween! Give yourself a treat.

No, Halloween is Not Canceled

Let’s repeat, Halloween is not canceled. Due to the pandemic, Halloween celebrations are different this year. Many areas are experiencing wide-spread cancellations of community events, including trick-or-treating. But, Halloween, a recognized holiday by millions, is not canceled.

Staying close to home provides the perfect opportunity to engage in other activities for your entire family to enjoy. Instead of celebrating Halloween on one night, spread out the activities during the whole month for extra fun.

Ideas for Halloween Fun

Do you need some inspiration to help celebrate Halloween? Check out the following list.

  • Decorate: Spend time decorating your yard, house, or room. Even small figures or handmade decorations provide a Halloween feel.
  • Halloween Crafts: Check out Pinterest for numerous family-friendly crafts for the whole family to enjoy.
  • Visit a Pumpkin Patch: Before heading out to your local pumpkin patch, check out the times and guidelines.
  • Pumpkin Carving:  Whether you went to a pumpkin patch or local supermarket, spend an afternoon carving your pumpkins.
  • Roast Pumpkin Seeds: Save and roast your pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack.
  • Look at Halloween Decorations: Walk (or drive) around your neighborhood to look at Halloween decorations.
  • Halloween-Themed Dinner: Make a spooky-themed dinner for your family or friends. Mummy hot dogs, ghost pancakes, blood-red juice, or pumpkin pie are just a few examples for a Halloween breakfast or dinner.
  • Movie Night: Host a family movie night with Halloween themed movies. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is always a traditional favorite.
  • Halloween Books: Read a Halloween story or make up a scary one of your own.
  • Halloween Playlist: Make a playlist of your favorite Halloween songs to play. Dancing and singing along to fun Halloween songs are a great way to enjoy the holiday.
  • Photo Session: Set up a backdrop (a plain old sheet works well). Get dressed up in your Halloween costumes, use props, and take lots of photos.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide Halloween candy or small toys. Place the items around your yard or home for a fun scavenger hunt.

Yes, repeat again. Halloween is not canceled; the holiday is just a little different this year. Pick one or numerous activities to enjoy Halloween over the whole month.

Throwing a Last Minute Halloween Party

Is the perspective Halloween forecast limiting your trick-or-treating options? Keep your children inside, throw a Halloween party. Planning an impromptu Halloween is the perfect way to celebrate on a cold, windy night. 

Tips for Last-Minute Halloween Party Planning 

The key to throwing a last-minute Halloween party is organization. Grab a tablet and begin to make plans. Do you need some help? Consider the following tips to make your party planning go smooth.

Guest List

The guest list is essential. Start by writing out a potential guest list. Begin calling, texting, or emailing the people on your list. If you are on Facebook, consider making a private group or invite page for the Halloween party. The group allows you to keep track of the number of people coming. Parents will be able to ask questions about the party. Most parents will ask what can they do to help. Do not be afraid to accept their help.  

Menu

When you get an estimate on the number of people attending, you can start food shopping. Finger food is always a party favorite. Mini sandwiches, snacks, and punch are simple treats for quick party planning. Or if your budget allows order pizzas. 

Craft Area

Set up a corner with different crafts for children to enjoy. The crafting material does not need to be elaborate or costly. 

  • Paint 
  • Paintbrushes 
  • Glue 
  • Glitter 
  • Pompons 
  • Markers 
  • Yarn
  • Googly eyes

Use small gourd-shaped pumpkins for painting. Or go to your local store to find some Halloween themed wooden cutouts. Even a posterboard can be a template for a spooky theme. Allow children to create and decorate. The party-goers will love the fact they get to take their creation home with them.

Games & Activities

Kids love to participate in fun, easy games. 

  • Long-Standing Tradition: Bobbing for apples is a Halloween tradition.
  • Ghost Toss: Make ghosts from white lunch bags.  Stuff the inside with newspaper or other lightweight material. Set up baskets to toss the ghosts in. 
  • Pumpkin Smile: Instead of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, play pin the smile on the pumpkin. Use large orange poster board to make a pumpkin cut out. Draw in the eyes and nose. Use yellow or black poster board to cut out mouths.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide Halloween themed items throughout the house. Make out clues that will lead your partygoers from one place to another. 
  • Ghost Hunt: Use tissue paper to wrap suckers in the shape of ghosts. Hide the ghosts throughout the house for your Halloween guests to find. 
  • Photo Booth or Display: Use a black sheet or other cloth to set up a photo area. Set out Halloween themed props. Designate someone at your party to be the official photographer.
  • Fear-Factor Inspired: Putting your hand in a box without knowing what is inside can be scary. Cold spaghetti noodles can pass for worms. Peeled grapes can be eyeballs. Just use your imagination. Or have some edible insects on hand for those who are brave enough to try. 

Take-Home Treat Bags 

Fill treat bags with goodies. The Halloween take-home bags do not necessarily have to be filled with just candy. Balls, fangs, spider rings, skeletons, puzzle pads, and other Halloween themed items are available. The size of the treat bags is entirely up to you. If you use the ghost toss game, the extra white bags are perfect for take-home treats. 

 

Rebecca’s Top 20: Halloween Movies for Family Night

Changing leaves, cooler weather, football, and Halloween are all a significant part of October. For added fun, incorporate Halloween themed movies into your family night.

Rebecca’s Top 20

  1. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (An all-time Halloween favorite)
  2. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (the collection has The Legend of Sleepy Hollow)
  3. Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie
  4. Curious George: A Halloween Boofest
  5. Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Treat
  6. Casper’s Halloween Special
  7. Sesame Street: Trick or Treat on Sesame Street
  8. Paw Patrol: Halloween Heroes
  9. Toy Story of Terror
  10. Spongebob Squarepants-Halloween
  11. Scared Shrekless
  12. The Halloweentown series including  Halloweentown, Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge, Halloweentown High, and Return to Halloweentown
  13. Any of the Scooby-Doo movies
  14. The Addam’s Family
  15. Hocus Pocus
  16. Ghostbusters
  17. The Harry Potter series including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2. 
  18. Beetlejuice
  19. Little Vampire
  20. Any of the Goosebumps movies

What is your favorite family-friendly Halloween movie?

 

Please note: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Halloween Bucket List

Halloween is just around the corner. Are you looking for something fun to do to put you in a witchy mood? Start by making a Halloween bucket list. Gather your family or friends to come up with the perfect list to make this Halloween memorable.

20 Halloween Bucket List Ideas

  1. Decorate or carve Pumpkins
  2. Eat toasted pumpkin seeds
  3. Go to a Haunted House
  4. Host a Family Movie Night (It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is always a favorite).
  5. Make pumpkin bread
  6. Make ghosts out of cheesecloth
  7. Create a monster from paper mache
  8. Watch a horror movie in the dark
  9. Attend a Halloween party
  10. Host a Halloween party
  11. Go on a ghost tour
  12. Go on a haunted hayride
  13. Go through a corn maze
  14. Dance to Halloween themed music
  15. Participate or attend a Halloween costume parade
  16. Attend a Halloween themed community event
  17. Make paper bat garland to hang in the house
  18. Decorate your entryway to entice trick-or-treaters
  19. Participate in or attend a trunk or treat
  20. Either hand out candy or go trick or treating

Halloween is about having fun. Connect with your inner child. Participate in Halloween activities.

Please note: “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”

31 Days of Halloween Fun

Cooler nights, changing leaves, pumpkins, October is the perfect time to enjoy Halloween fun. Whether you participate in activities with friends or family, try out these ideas for 31 Days of Halloween Fun. 

31 Halloween Themed Activities 

  1. Visit a pumpkin patch. Bring home a pumpkin or several 
  2. Decorate for Halloween.
  3. Go to the library or bookstore to find Halloween themed books. 
  4. Make homemade Halloween cards. 
  5. Make monster cookies.
  6. Plan and make a homemade Halloween costume.
  7. Make two loaves of pumpkin bread. One to keep and one to give away to a friend. 
  8. Create a Halloween diorama. 
  9.  Watch classic monster movies. 
  10. Paint zombie, monster, or pumpkin-themed rocks to hide around the neighborhood. 
  11. Make a Halloween themed meal.
  12. Make orange tye-dyed t-shirts.
  13. Go on a haunted hayride.
  14. Walk or drive around to see the different pumpkin and Halloween decorations. 
  15. Tell or write a spooky tale. 
  16. Host a Halloween cartoon movie night. 
  17. Drink freshly pressed cider or warm apple spice cider. 
  18. Create a Halloween playlist. 
  19. Carve pumpkins.
  20. Roast pumpkin seeds.
  21. Visit a haunted house.
  22. Host a Halloween themed craft day. 
  23. Attend a pumpkin weighing contest.
  24. Go through a corn maze. 
  25. Attend a trunk or treat event. 
  26. Go on a haunted tour or ghost walk. 
  27. Host a bonfire night. 
  28. Have a Halloween themed photoshoot for you, your friends, your family, or your dogs. 
  29. Attend a Halloween parade or other community event. 
  30. Host a Halloween party. 
  31. Trick-or-treat. Happy Halloween!