New Halloween Traditions

Every celebration or holiday has its tried-and-true traditions that participants follow every year. However, every year or so, a new tradition enters the cultural zeitgeist. And Halloween is no exception. The nights of teepeed homes, store-bought costumes, and mini-candies from neighbors have given way to new takes on Halloween customs and new scary outlets. Here are some new Spooky Season traditions.

Horror Movie Marathon

Ever want to watch your favorite scary movies with your friends or loved ones or have a solo fright night? A horror movie marathon might be your answer. You (and your loved ones) can select your horror faves before Halloween. Your selection should be varied — slasher, psychological, thriller, comedy (or satire), mysticism — to make your movie night worthwhile. Grab some popcorn and your favorite Halloween treats (there will be no candy corn slander!). Grab your favorite blanket, get comfy on your bed or couch, and settle in for a night of sheer terror.

Kids Candy Hunt

Of course, candy and sweet treats are the main goals for a successful Halloween for any kid. However, the times have made many parents cautious about sending their children to strangers’ or neighbors’ homes. You, your family, and your friends can plan a candy hunt (like an Easter egg hunt) where you can hide sweet treats and allow the kids to find them. It’s a great alternative to trick-or-treat or trunk-or-treat.

Pumpkin Drop

Dropping pumpkins isn’t new, but creating an activity with chaos can be a fun and unique experience. Organizing a pumpkin-dropping activity is time-consuming but worthwhile. You and your friends can figure out a time and location to drop your pumpkins in a safe environment. Instead of carving the fall squash, you can drop them from reasonable heights. Everyone must bring their best and squishiest pumpkin to this smashing opportunity.

Halloween Gift Exchange

Of course, everyone loves a good gift exchange, especially during the holiday season. While most gift-givers think of Christmas, Valentine’s Day, etc., Halloween can be a fun and spooky time for exchanging gifts. You and your associates can select names from a hat and get your receiver a Halloween-themed gift. Everyone gathers together and exchanges their gifts on Halloween. This idea is perfect for friends or co-workers looking to show their appreciation in the Halloween spirit.

Escape Room/Haunted House Experience

Haunted houses are the norm for any Halloween night or week. However, recent times have upgraded the haunted concept for a scary (almost terrorizing) experience for all who participate. There are multiple options like escape rooms and haunted experiences. An escape room is filled with mystery and intrigue as the participants try to solve a puzzle. The haunted house has evolved from a scary home to a terrorizing maze or area filled with zombies, ghosts, dead bodies, and dungeons. Either scenario would work well for anyone looking for the spookiest night.

Cosplay Costume Contest

It’s hard to imagine Halloween without costumes. However, you can take things up a notch by diving into cosplay. Doing so will turn an ordinary costume contest into a pageant or parade of well-executed and well-made costumes by dedicated fans. You can make it even more fun with a theme or style for the fun experience. This contest will allow everyone to show off their best and battle it out for the supreme Halloween costume.

Gag Gifts in a Hat

Gag gifts might appear immature to some Halloween participants. However, there’s no better time (besides April Fools) than giving funny trinkets on the spookiest day of the year. They lean into the silliness of the day. Holding a random raffle of gag gifts is the perfect fun moment for any Halloween gathering or party. Just put the gift in a hat and let the craziness begin.

Halloween — Day of the Dead Party

Many Hallow’s Eve lovers might not know that the Mexican holiday, Day of the Dead (or Dias de Muertos), happens the day after the October holiday. The spiritual holiday allows people to connect with and celebrate their deceased loved ones. You can get spooky while acknowledging the dead and the loved ones they left on Earth. Setting up a memorial sanctuary for the dead and mixing traditional dress with modern interpretation and the Halloween spirit can make the holiday touching.

Originally published at http://adreonpatterson.net on October 24, 2024.