Hallowe'en has always been one of my favorite times of year - second only to Christmas, but it seems that I'm in the minority as most people I know just aren't fans.
I've read so many posts lately detailing all the reasons why people aren't keen on it, and while I totally accept their point of view (And I've already written posts in years gone by detailing why I disagree with most of them!) - I thought I'd share a little insight into my brain, and share all of the reasons why I LOVE Hallowe'en!
1) The chance to celebrate!
I am a big fan of anything that can even remotely be considered a special occasion, and Hallowe'en is perfect - the perfect excuse for a party, the perfect excuse for dressing up in a way you never usually would, and the perfect chance to do something out of the ordinary!
My opinion is that without special occasions, life is just a repeat of the same week over and over - I love the chance to do something a bit different!
2) Hallowe'en has the BEST movies!
Don't get me wrong, I love a cheesy Christmas flick probably more than your average person but Hallowe'en movies are in a totally different league! From the genius of Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas to the timeless CLASSIC Hocus Pocus - there's just no beating a good Hallowe'en family movie!
3) It's great for creativity!
Hallowe'en offers up a fab opportunity for lots of creative craft activities for kids and adults alike - whether it's hand making your costumes, carving a pumpkin or creating your own bats and ghosts to hang in the window - the opportunities are endless!
4) It Encourages Community Spirit
Halloween gets a lot of flack from people who don't agree with the concept of trick or treating, and believe that it encourages children to talk to strangers - but I take a different perspective.
In all honesty, I think that Hallowe'en is probably the only time of year that my kids ever see or speak to the neighbours! We don't live in a street where people really socialise with each other much, but on Hallowe'en night we have the neighbours knocking at the door with their children and we knock on theirs too - the children get the chance to chat to them, and it's a nice experience! (We always go with them for safety reasons and we only knock on houses that are decorated).
I remember so fondly going around our neighbours houses when I was a kid and chatting to them as we trick or treated (and quietly moaning about the ones who would never answer the door ;)) and I think it's nice in this day and age, where community spirit and neighbor relationships exist less and less, to have that opportunity.
5) The Treats!
As a child, I remember how excited I used to get about the sweets we'd get from trick or treating and so I love reliving that feeling through the eyes of my children. But as well as the candy, there's also the chance for more delicious treats!
We throw a Hallowe'en party every year and I love the chance to try out spooky cupcake decorating ideas, as well as our traditional Witches Stew - give me a chance to make themed food and I'm all over it!
6) It doesn't have to be expensive
There's no need for gifts, and all you really need is a pumpkin and some black paper! Of course you can buy decorations if you want to, but there's not really any other occasion that you can home-make
decorations for as easily as you can for Hallowe'en
7) I'm gonna call it - Halloween music is better than Christmas music!
You've got The Monster Mash, Thriller, Ghostbusters Theme, Season Of The Witch, I Put A Spell On You, The Time Warp - what's not to love?!
I've also asked my kids to fill me in on what they love about Halloween....here's what they had to say:
Tyne (age 6): "It's a chance to dress up as whatever you want and you don't need to worry about what anybody else thinks of your choice, its just about being whatever YOU like" - I love this answer! It's a chance to celebrate your individuality and let your imagination run wild - YES!!
Noah (Age 4): "Coz people are kind and give you sweets!" - So it's a chance to demonstrate to children that people can be kind, something I don't think they always see enough of these days. (It's also an opportunity to discuss when it is and isn't appropriate to talk to strangers, and take sweets from people).
Sailor (Age 3): "Coz I'm gonna wear a Dracula costume!" - well there you go! When else can you wear a Dracula costume and get away with it hey?!
So there you have it! 10 perfectly valid reasons to love Hallowe'en!
Bring on the spooky season - it's always welcome in my house!
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