Halloween is fast approaching, but let’s be honest, there are a few of us (raises hand) who choose not to partake in the holiday. With all the commercials and advertising that we see around us, it seems almost impossible to escape.
Halloween is coming! So one question remains… what can you do when you don’t celebrate Halloween?
Well, I’m here to shed some light on the matter and to let you know that, for whatever reason you’ve chosen to forego the celebration of Halloween, you are not alone. So don’t fret, there’s actually plenty that you can do.
Read through my list of the 10 things that you can do when you don’t celebrate Halloween and pick what resonates with you.
1. Have a Party
Can you say paaaartaaaay?!
Who says that you have to celebrate Halloween in order to have a party? No one. So when was the last time you threw a party?
With all the changes that Corona has caused, from social distancing and mask-wearing to closures and shutdowns, I’m sure a party is the furthest thing on your mind. I mean, between deciding if a party would be ideal this go around, one thing that you might be thinking about is if it’s even affordable or even practical for right now.
There is no book written that says a party has to be this grandiose event, and if there is, I haven’t read it. A party can be anything that you make it out to be. It can be a gathering of 5, less, or more. You can make it a celebration of life, good health, and family.
So if the last party that you had occurred ten years ago for Johnnie’s 16th birthday party, then maybe throwing a party this go-around may just be the thing that your family needs to regain a sense of normalcy. A feeling of togetherness that aids in relieving some, if not all the stress that resulted from this pandemic can be priceless.
If you want to dress up and do Wakanda forever, Mary Poppins it out of here or Avengers the day away, go for it. Whatever you do, have fun doing it together.
In any event, giving yourself a reason to get dressed up is always fun.
2. Celebrate Autumn. Celebrate Change.
Many of us are still getting used to the changes Corona has brought, and as a result, it’s only human to wonder if this may be our “new normal”.
While I don’t have the inside scoop to that, I do know that the seasons change. And with summer becoming a distant memory, Fall is here to remind us that change is inevitable and it’s what’s to be, expected during this time of the year. So go out and enjoy it.
How? You may ask...
Put Up Decorations…
For Thanksgiving, that is. Get a head start on things and start mapping out your plans for the upcoming holiday. Hang a fall-inspired wreath or two, buy some fall-inspired scented candles, like pumpkin, cinnamon, and or apple spice and place them around your home. The scents alone will be enough to awaken your senses and get your creative juices flowing.
Bake Some Pies
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to bake a pie, now is definitely the time to use it and get carried away. Apple pies, pumpkin pies, pecan pies, strawberry pies, mud pies, any and all kinds of pies are fair game.
Give yourself permission to go pie crazy. It may take time to make, but the reward of sitting down and eating a nice warm slice with a cool drink or a hot one (if that’s your preference) would have been worth the effort and the wait. Am I right?
Drink A Warm Cup of Apple Cider
Nothing says Fall like a cup of warm apple cider. If you haven’t indulged in this body-warming, mind-calming, make you wanna curl up on a couch with a blanket watching your favorite show or reading a good book, gurl, you are missing out. I know I am because I’ve never tried it, but I will now and, you should too.
So get yourself some apple cider and let the tickling of your fancies begin as the flavors dance around on your tongue.
3. Watch A Movie
Are you a romance kinda gal? Maybe you’re more of the romantic comedy type. What about Horror? Or maybe, you’re all of that with a side of action, sci-fi, and drama. Whatever you choose, make it a movie night.
If you would like, you can share this moment with friends, go on a solo journey, spend it with your significant other, or spend it with your family. However you go about it, don’t forget the popcorn, some tissue, and a nice glass of wine or cranberry juice.
While everyone else is out celebrating Halloween, you’ll be in the comforts of your home getting lost in someone else’s story.
4. Have An Impromptu Game Night
Call the family together, invite some friends, and have an impromptu game night. Surrounding yourself with loved ones, and having a good laugh, will take your mind off what’s going on outside your door. It will help keep the focus on what’s happening right in front of you.
5. Have Some Me Time
Are you under a lot of stress?
Simply put, allow yourself the freedom to recharge and reconnect with yourself. Get your mind right. For example, start exercising, read that book you’ve been putting off to the side, do some shopping (within reason, of course), get a massage, treat yourself to a mani and pedi. Whatever you choose, really allow yourself to be the center of attention.
Take each day to learn about what you need to flourish and grow into the woman I know you can become. Just allow her to come through. You’ll love her!
6. Take A Stroll
Taking a stroll or even a drive to watch the leaves change color and experiencing the change occurring all around you naturally, may just be what the doctor didn’t order but is exactly what you need.
Change is inevitable and having a clear mind is key to achieving the change you want to see. And who knows, getting out and breathing in some fresh air might inspire you to start some new fall traditions.
7. Jump In A Pile of Leaves
When was the last time you’ve jumped into a pile of leaves? It can feel both liberating and exhilarating.
Sometimes you have to permit yourself to relive some of your childhood practices to gain a new perspective on life. And if you’ve never done it, now is as good a time as any to start.
8. Make A Thankful List
Write down all the things you’re thankful for this year. One of them is that you’re here reading this post because you are alive. Life is fragile and the most precious gift ever given, so give yourself permission to live and enjoy it.
9. Do Some DIY Projects
With children, you can sometimes feel compelled, pressured even to let them participate, at least, in the “trick or treat” aspect of it. Can you say free candy, anyone? But don’t fall into that trap. If you’re not into candy indulgence, don’t buy it, but if you are, go for it. There’s no sense in tempting your children or yourself, for that matter.
Assuming you need some ideas, do some DIY projects and make your own healthy sweets, bake some pie, eat some cake, and or even try that recipe you’ve been eyeing for some time.
If for nothing else, this moment can allow you to do something together as a family or even help you to discover some alternatives to those sweet addictions.
10. Go To Sleep Mama
Last but certainly not least, get some rest, Mama.
With the children awake, it may be a bit difficult, so plan ahead to ensure that they have some downtime so you can have some much needed me time.
When you wake up, Halloween will be over, and your body should feel well-rested to take on the new day, all charged up and ready to go, than it did the night before.
Furthermore, there’s more to the month of October than celebrating Halloween. Live life on your terms. Listen to how you feel and censor the thoughts that come into your mind.
Walking with Christ on a daily basis isn’t always easy, and having the influences of the world thrown at you at every turn can feel exhausting and make it easier for you to give in.
Above all, once we realize that our purpose is so much more than what we allow ourselves to do, your ability to experience one of life’s greatest treasures, freedom, will come naturally.
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
Let’s chat! What are some of the things you do during the month of October?
