It’s that time of year -- the leaves are dripping from tree branches, scorching the dirt with vibrant hues of burnt sunsets and auburn sparkles. Fall time is among us and with it follows a classic holiday, Halloween. As the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, rises to the occasion, everyone is aware of the “boo’s” that are about to ensue. The Nightmare before Christmas definitely captures the essence of Halloween and all of the fanatics that indulge in this one night to explore the darkness.

Every year, it seems that we encounter a chilling terror that truly sets the scene for Halloween – primarily referencing the Creepy Clown epidemic of last year. Yet, this scare is what convinces us to participate in Halloween. There is something about October 31st that although people are terrified, it doesn’t deter them from taking a little risk.

Whether it is something as scary as a haunted house or as adorable as a pudgy baby dressed as a Tootsie roll, there a few things to look forward to every Halloween. Halloween is obviously every 31 of October, but it seemed only appropriate to suggest 13 reasons to fully invest in Halloween festivities -- the 13 is to coincide with the spookiness of Friday the 13^th. That being said, these are the following reasons to appreciate the ghouls, Frankenstein, and of course the witches with their brewing cauldrons:

1. The spooky decorations

Taking a stroll through the neighborhood at night, you name it, I’ve seen the Halloween decoration -- full blown cemeteries with fake crows, Pennywise the Clown making a special appearance, and the classic witch on a broomstick running into your front door. Orange and purple lights illuminate the cobwebs tangled in scratching tree branches while there is a sinister laugh echoing from a collection of skeletons in the distance. It is interesting to see such creativity unfold from these ghoulish decorations.

2. Classic Disney’s Halloween movies marathon

Of course, we cannot forget about Disney’s yearly movie marathon of their classic Halloween movies they’ve made over the years. I will never be too old to watch any and all of these entertaining childhood movies. Can we take a moment to appreciate Twitches, Hocus Pocus, and The Halloween Town series? These are just a few favorites.

3. Those delicious, premade sugar cookies with the pumpkins and ghosts

If you’ve eaten these cookies, then you know the mouth explosion of sugary, warm gooiness that I am talking about. Nuff said!

4. The bombardment of Horror movie releases

Each Halloween, it is a prime opportunity for the film industry to release their latest horror films. It is a win-win relationship for everyone. We have been lucky to see horror films truly step up their game. Lately, Halloween horror films have actually been terrifying rather than plagued with these false scares. Pop some popcorn and enjoy.

5. The chilly weather on Halloween night

There is something about Halloween night. The breeze is calm and chilling, but chilly in an eerie sense. Decaying branches are swaying, it seems a lot colder than it actually is, and there is this quietness to the night despite children running amuck.

6. Grocery store shelves are stocked with an endless supply of chocolate

It’s chocolate sold in BULK packaging at a low price, available to the public at any time. Is this paradise? Twix, Reese’s Cups, Snickers oh my!!

7. Typical pumpkin carving

Break out your raggy t-shirt and carve some pumpkins. Sure they don’t last long, but the experience is worth every minute. Make a funky pumpkin face and get in a food fight with all of the leftover pumpkin guts.

8. The aesthetic Instagram photos from a Pumpkin Patch

With Halloween and the Fall season. Pumpkin patches are in full bloom. On pretty much any girl’s Instagram account, you can find a wonderful array of artistic photos capturing a candid gallivanting through the patch at sunset. Take advantage of this photo opt ladies!

9. Then, watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

Now that we’ve outgrown trick-or-treating, we are now those adults having to pass out the candy. Hey, who says you can’t get together with your neighbors to pass out candy and have a Halloween potluck?

11. You’re the Halloween costume judge

One of the perks to passing out candy: you can judge the Halloween costumes. Little princesses and valiant superheroes, you have to give every adorable little kid a compliment.

12. The haunted houses

Every year around your neighborhood, there are a few haunted houses competing for the scariest that’ll knock your socks off. Take advantage of this!

13. The mystery

Although Scooby and Shaggy didn’t like the mysterious fog seeping through the cemetery, doesn’t mean we all should be scared. One of the most intriguing parts of Halloween is the curiosity it brings to the holiday. There is something spooky about October 31, always.

Be safe and indulge in your inner vampire this Halloween, or witch, or zombie . . .