The spoooooky season is upon us once more and it’s time to start preparing for my personal favourite holiday, Halloween. Time to fill up the shopping bags with lollies or get ready to be tricked, with the possibility of everyone from Elvis to Lady Gaga knocking at your door on the 31st! While it’s only started to take hold in Australia in recent years, more and more people are getting swept up in the fun of the holiday and it is a perfect opportunity to have some fun and get in the community spirit (pun intended) of things!
Stock Up
I once had to give the most adorable little boy in the world a bar of soap and five dollars because I was unprepared when he came over to my house trick-or-treating one Halloween. It was embarrassing for me and his mother (I’m pretty sure he was happy with the cash, though) and I vowed never to be caught unprepared again! You might be too old for trick-or-treating but you can still join in the fun by handing out spooky-themed lollies and treats. The shops will start stocking a surplus of ghost-lollies and pumpkin-shaped chocolates, but if you’re really adventurous, you can look online for special Halloween-themed baked goods. My favourite? Small cakes iced to look like severed fingers…
Be Safe
While most people are generally fairly good natured about trick-or-treating, you can never be too careful, which is why you should always accompany your kids if they decide it’s something they want to do–especially if you don;t know your neighbours well. It’s not a nice thing to think about, but sending your children to a stranger’s house alone–even on Halloween–is a big no-no.
Carve it Up!
This is an activity that grown-ups can really embrace and one of the things I love most about Halloween. Grab yourself a big pumpkin (they’re ridiculously cheap actually!) and set aside an afternoon to see what weird and wonderful designs you can create! Afterwards, put a tea light candle inside and watch how it brightens up your doorstep!
Work it to Your Advantage
If you own a business, you’ll know that holidays can be great marketing tools. Halloween’s a great one for those of you in the hospitality industry especially, with the opportunity for themed nights, spooky set menus and dress-up parties to bring in business. Other non-hospitality-related business can join in the fun, running simultaneous promotions or even supplying branded promotional bags for kids to carry home their loot in!