It's that time of year again! October means a combination of fall scents, brisk weather and, of course, Halloween. Although Halloween isn't exactly the best holiday that exists, I'll admit that it has a lot of great parts about it.
From orange to black and everything in between, October is one big buildup to a pretty spooky day. I have compiled some of the best parts of this frightening holiday and, hopefully, you can start to get excited for the coming 31st of October:
1. Classic Halloween movies
This has to be my absolute favorite. I’m definitely not a fan of scary movies, but a classic Halloween movie that you can curl up in a blanket and watch is one of the best parts of the season. "Hocus Pocus," anyone? "Twitches?"
2. Pumpkins, everywhere
Pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin coffee–it’s safe to say, these orange fruits, (yes, you read that right) they dominate October. The taste, smell and tell-tale appearance spotted from a mile away; pumpkins definitely hold a special place in my heart.
3. Those amazing, tiny, printed sugar cookies
THESE ARE A GIFT FROM ABOVE. I have no idea why the little, printed image of a pumpkin or a ghost makes these mini sugar cookies so unreal, but it does, to the point where you can never just have one... or two... or a few. Can they please make these for every single holiday if they don’t already?
4. Going to the costume store
Ah, the Halloween costume store. There’s nothing quite like it: Walking into aisles and aisles of costumes, seeing rows of scary masks and funky wigs and accidentally venturing into the sexy costume aisle. I can’t think of a more seasonal outing than a trip to the costume store, even if it’s just to walk through it.
5. Actually choosing and sporting your masterpiece costume
This honestly gives me anxiety months in advance. What do I dress up as? I don’t want to be too embarrassing. Do I gather friends for a group costume? Do I wow everyone and go solo? Honestly, it’s a hit or miss, but finding the perfect costume truly makes one’s Halloween night.
6. Candy!!!
I genuinely wish I could go back to the trick-or-treating days. However, that doesn’t stop me from granting myself the right to eat unjustified amounts of chocolate, gummies, whatever I can get my hands on. Sometimes, I even grab the jumbo candy bars, just to feel like I hit a really generous house trick-or-treating.
7. Candy corn, specifically (controversial)
I might get some hate for this, but I love candy corn. Of course, in large amounts, it gets sickening but, in small doses, I find them addicting. Even if you don’t like them, it’s mandatory to put a little decorative bowl of them out, just for effect.
8. Spooky decorations
Traveling through the neighborhoods and seeing massive spiders, scary skeletons, ghosts and cobwebs everywhere you go? They're not great at night because I personally get spooked easily but, during the day, decorations are the best.
9. Bonfires in the chilly air
Although this might be more of a general fall activity, you can’t find a more perfect bonfire time than late October. The temperature and weather are just right, and it makes it extra special surrounded by the spooky decorations (see above).
10. Haunted houses/hayrides
Who doesn’t remember walking through these or taking a haunted hayride, hoping secretly that the boy or girl you like will grab your hand when there’s a scary part. Not to say I’m still not terrified to go through these or to take a haunted hayride now, as a college student...
11. Apple. Cider.
Honestly, enough said. There’s nothing better than a crisp glass of apple cider, don’t try and argue.
12. Your entire house smelling like Bed, Bath, & Beyond candles
Truly nothing compares to walking into a room, and the distinct scent of fall candles hits you. It’s both comforting, warming and kind of overwhelming.
13. An excuse to wear black and other dark colors, often
As black and orange are the official colors of Halloween and fall marks the official shift to dark colors, it only makes sense that black becomes the symbolic wardrobe color of October. Outfit picking is made easy!
14. Devils’ Night
Not trying to condone any violence, vandalism or destruction of property, but a harmless teepee or fun prank is never a bad idea, if used on the right person. October 30th, go TP a friend’s room!
15. The sweet feeling of Christmas right around the corner
As soon as November 1st hits, it’s officially pre-Christmas season (or Hanukkah or any other holiday you may celebrate). Nothing gets me more pumped than that shift, because as much as I love Halloween, Christmas season will always have my heart.
