Halloween, the one night where wholesome inspiration and scary horrors collide, where you brave the tricks for the reward of treats. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year.

I think we can all agree that 2020 has provided us with enough tricks and not enough treats, which is why my theme for this year’s Halloween is: Treat yourself, treat your family, and treat your neighbor. 

Treat Yourself

There’s a certain excitement that revolves around Halloween for me. Years ago, my baby shower fell the week of Halloween with the theme “Mummy-to-be,” and I LOVED IT! I felt so honored and celebrated. This year, I’m giving you permission to treat yourself because you’ve earned it.

• Halloween Treats: One of my dear friends has committed to trying all things pumpkin and providing live feedback on her Instagram stories. Her journey so far has shown not all pumpkin concoctions are created equal, and she is far braver than I will ever be when it comes to trying new foods. Nonetheless, in honor of treating yourself, sink your teeth into an edible something that captures the essence of the season, whether it comes from your kitchen, the grocery store, or your favorite local eatery.  
• Halloween-Themed Nails: If we can learn how to cut hair at home, we can learn how to paint our dominant hand without it looking like a scene from a horror movie. If painting isn’t your thing or a trip to the nail salon isn’t in the cards for you just yet, try nail decals and stickers to get into the mood. 
• Feel-Good Item: Whether it’s a cozy sweater, the sweet aroma of a candle, or new plants for your front yard, indulge in one thing that brings you joy this October because if not now, then when?!

Treat Your Family

As a mom to a young toddler, I am looking forward to introducing him to the timeless festivities, ignoring some of my not so favorite activities (pandemic or not, bobbing for apples has never been appealing to me . . . gross) and creating our own traditions. I know we’ve been spending a lot of time at home with each other, but this Halloween. Treat your family by being intentional and committed to carving out BOO-tiful memories. 

• Hello Pumpkin: Enjoy the fresh air while you pick out a pumpkin from the local pumpkin patch or watch the many faces as your child feels the squishy pumpkin insides before you start carving. Perhaps you’ll find one of the magical pumpkins like the ones I found as a child, where a quarter had grown at the bottom of the pumpkin to symbolize prosperity and good fortune. 
• Movie Night: Go all out for a Halloween-themed movie night! Get creative by pairing snacks to the movie. From mummy bars to zombie boogers (green popcorn), there’s a way to bring the motion picture to real life. 
• Family Costumes: It was not a secret when my husband and I started dating that I enjoyed dressing up for Halloween. And now when it comes to family costumes, I can barely contain my excitement. It’s the next level of thrill for me! So don’t skip out on the costumes this year! Even if you don’t leave your house, dress up, play the character, take all the pictures, and have your own “Monster Mash.”

Treat Your Neighbors 

Time and time again, we have seen the rippling effects that follow an act of kindness. Kick off the giving season early and treat your neighbors this Halloween. 

• You’ve Been Boo’d: This festive gesture has moved into the spotlight this year since uncertainties still lurk in the shadows. All you need is a basket full of fun goodies, a neighbor, and quick reflexes so the motion sensing doorbell doesn’t pick up on your drop off. Get your kids involved by having them help pick out the goodies to give. 
• You’ve Been Boozed: This is the same concept as above but for your more “spirited” neighbors. Choose your potion: pumpkin flavored, frightful labels, or something from the local brew. (Hint, if you’re coming to my house, we have a whiskey/bourbon spirit about us, TIA.) You can dress up the bottle with spiderwebs or other Halloween decor. Leave a note with your treat and a clever saying like, “You’ve been Boozed. Drink up Witches.” 
• Socially Engage While Being Socially Distant: I have been amazed at the creative ways people are preparing to make the trick-or-treating tradition appropriate this year. Everything from ghosts on a fishing reel that fly down the yard with candy attached or a decorated pipe so candy can slide down into a bucket, people are adapting to making this season full of treats. 

From the beliefs that the boundaries between the living and those who had past became blurred, to the hopes of finding love by trick or treating among houses, this fall festival merges cultural traditions hinged around relationships with others. Even the most expert tricksters would probably say this year has taken them by surprise, so join me this Halloween season to treat yourself, treat your family, and treat your neighbor. 

Be Kind. Be Safe. Be You.