All traditions got their start somewhere, and you might find the origins of Halloween traditions entertaining! It’s quite a combination of spooky, sweet and somewhere in between. What are traditions that make Halloween special for you? When I was going to college in Hawai’i, instead of pumpkins we would carve pineapples! A little unorthodox I know, but it was a fun way to celebrate Halloween that resurfaces now and again. That’s the best part about traditions is that you can create your own and then make Halloween special time and time again. Figure out what Halloween activities you love and turn them into traditions to look forward to!
A history of Halloween
What is Halloween? The origin of the word “Halloween” comes from All Hallows Day (or All Saints Day). All Hallows Day was a day of observation, to honor saints and others who had passed on from this life. The actual date of All Hallows Day has moved around quite a bit, but now officially lands on November 1st. That makes October 31st, “Hallows Eve”, or the night before All Hallows Day – Halloween!
Other European customs that took place around the end of October are also believed to have heavily influenced Halloween traditions. Many of these festivities were linked to celebrating the end of harvest season and the beginning of winter. This is where games like bobbing for apples came from, or the idea of “false face” disguises as masks or jack-o-lanterns to scare bad spirits away. Popularity of trick-or-treating in the 1950’s encouraged brands to produce individually wrapped candies, which set the stage for today’s iconic Halloween candy craze!
What you can do to create Traditions for Halloween
Start with the basics! What is your favorite way to celebrate Halloween? How do you and your family or friends have fun getting in the Halloween spirit? There are no rules! Don’t get hung up on making it perfect, the most important part is: Are you having fun?! Here are some ideas on what you can do to create your own Halloween traditions:
1. How to get in the Halloween spirit this year
Think about what things get you excited for Halloween. The candy? The costumes? The decorations? If you’re wondering How to get in the Halloween spirit this year, this guide might help you sort out the yays and nays of celebrating. Start here to get those Halloween gears turning!
2. How to Throw a Beautiful AND Spooky Halloween Party
Are you a social butterfly? Or perhaps a bat this time of year? If getting the group together is your superpower, you’ll definitely want to look into How to Throw a Beautiful AND Spooky Halloween Party. Hint: I’m convinced tortured artists and Halloween were made for each other. Aspiring tortured poets, painters and musicians, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
3. 6 Ways to Celebrate Halloween while Social Distancing
Not a social butterfly? Maybe you prefer a quiet, lowkey Halloween! Inspired by the pandemic, these 6 Ways to Celebrate Halloween while Social Distancing may feel a bit reclusive, but definitely still count for participation points! Great idea to keep Halloween traditions close to home or with a small group of loved ones.
4. Spooky Halloween decor ideas
For the interior designers at heart, we have Spooky Halloween decor ideas! Blacks, oranges and purples seem to hold the very essence of Halloween tradition. So you know the drill – inside, outside, put that stuff everywhere! Nothing says Halloween like a spooky house on the block!
5. Squad goals: Group Costume ideas for Halloween
I went trick-or-treating as long as I could as a grown adult. I wanted to be able to show up with my squad all dressed up and having Halloween fun! So if you’re an adult on a mission to get free candy…you know where to find me. Just think, no one would be able to say no to these Squad goals: Group Costume ideas for Halloween!
Halloween Traditions with kids
Need Halloween tradition ideas for kids? No problem! Halloween is certainly a kid-friendly holiday, with so many ways for youngsters to play with their imagination and have fun! Check out these ideas on Halloween traditions with kids:
1. How to pick the right costume for your child while they still have no choice
Well, for any Lars toddlers around here, a mandatory Halloween costume was inevitable at some point. I’m pretty sure my first costume was a ladybug…or maybe a pumpkin. How to pick the right costume for your child while they still have no choice is a true and tried system. I promise you there is a method to our madness here!
2. Moon Phase Lights
I remember learning about the phases of the moon when I was a kid, and always having glow in the dark stars and moons on the ceiling. Something about the moon always makes it feel like Halloween, especially a full moon! These fun Moon Phase Lights can be a great science project to learn about moon phases – and a pretty Halloween tradition for any planet lovers.
3. Rainbow Paper Pumpkin Tablescape
My favorite Halloween craft in elementary school was making paper jack-o-lanterns, more or less in the shape of a pumpkin. I’m not sure why, but I was so proud hanging it up every year around the house! This Rainbow Paper Pumpkin Tablescape is very similar, and swaps black and orange for a colorful Halloween display. So simple and fun to make for any age group!
4. Halloween costume ideas for families
The whole family wants in on Halloween traditions? Hoorah! Coming up with Halloween costume ideas for families can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’ve got to plan for 3 or more humans at a time! Knock out several at a time with these crafty DIY costumes and rest easy knowing you’re set for Halloween this year.
5. 3 Ways to Use Printable Halloween Cards
Sometimes, keeping it minimal for Halloween just feels best. Maybe you already have plans this year or are bent on staying in and passing out candy! Here are 3 Ways to Use Printable Halloween Cards and keep the crafting manageable for you and the kids this year. They can follow along for any of these projects, or turn it into inspiration for making their own Halloween cards!
Picking Halloween traditions can be tough; to know what’s manageable but also fun. It will probably depend a lot on your family’s needs and interests, or whoever you spend Halloween with. Halloween is a great time to be creative and play around with ideas. You got it! Tag us at #larshalloween so we can see what traditions you enjoy this Halloween!