A Not-So-Scary Halloween

Hey Beebe’s Bargains, 

October is here and that means Halloween lovers can rejoice, while others put up their subtle Fall decorations and quietly wait for November 1st to arrive! It’s a holiday, or time of year, where I think we can all agree, you either love or you hate it! And to each their own! For those that spend as much time decorating and preparing for Halloween as many others do for the holidays in the upcoming months, “I tip my [witches] hat” to you!  

For the rest of you (like me!), who are wondering, is it okay to not take our kids trick-or-treating, hand out candy to unrecognizable neighbors, or celebrate in a different way? Yes! Don’t click away just yet, my Halloween fanatics. Hang on until the end of the blog and you’ll see some fun added for you!

Have a Halloween date night! As a child, my parents chose to celebrate Halloween differently with my sisters and me, and they thought of something else we could do together as a family. We’d all pack up and head out for dinner & a movie. It was our yearly Halloween tradition! And if movies aren’t your thing, there’s plenty of other options to pass the time…your local family fun zone (think arcade, indoor jump zone & activity center, etc.), walking, biking or hiking a well known path or trail in your area, or even volunteering at a nearby soup kitchen. The possibilities are endless! Don’t leave your friends and neighbors in the dark though. While you’re out and about, plenty of others will still be trick-or-treating so be sure to set out some treats for those who pass by! 

If you’re not up for going out, there’s plenty to do in the comfort of your own home (and still put that candy dish out 😉). I’ve included a bunch of options below to make it a fun night in. 

• Order take-out from your favorite restaurant and set up a “picnic” on your family room floor (my family does this often!). Watch a movie or play some games while enjoying a meal together. 
• Bake together! Put on those aprons and whip up some yummy Fall inspired desserts. A few of my favorite recipes to make at this time of year are below. Don’t be afraid to make a mess! 

          Pumpkin Bars with Chocolate Chips

          Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake

          Chocolate Chip Cookies
          Fun tip: Add in some M&M’s.
          even Halloween colors (if you dare!) 

• Get crafty! Visit your local craft store and start stocking up on some wooden figurines, paint, paintbrushes, bead kits, or anything else that can keep everyone busy for a few hours! If you don’t know what to make, I’ve included a few links to help get you started. 

          Thanksgiving beads

          Fall Bookmarks

          Pumpkin Diamond Art Kit

          Fall Rock Painting Kit

• If you still carve, paint or decorate pumpkins, why not wait until Halloween night to do it? A little out of the box, I know, but it could start a great tradition that everyone looks forward to! Decorate the pumpkins in ways that celebrate Fall and Thanksgiving. Depending on how well they keep, they can even serve as decorations on your Thanksgiving table. Either way, it allows you to keep your pumpkins displayed well into the Fall season! 

Regardless of your preference on Halloween, I hope you find a way to enjoy it and be safe! If you are venturing out on the dark streets of your neighborhood, do what you can to keep yourself and everyone in your party visible (without ruining a costume!). Consider investing in glow sticks, LED Halloween bracelets, or a Halloween Light Up Bucket. If you’re traveling by car on trick-or-treat night, be sure to drive a few miles under the speed limit in neighborhoods and be mindful of the kids darting from street to street as they hurry to each house.

Whether the countdown is on until October 31st or you’re already thinking about some date night options, be sure to have fun. You do you, BOO!  

Until next time! 

Your friend,  

Kait (Beebe’s Blogger)