#Halloweekend has become the go-to name for 2016’s weekend leading up to Halloween Monday. In fact, it seems as though Halloweekend has almost replaced Halloween this year. Seeing as though my school has some sports teams beginning playoffs the day after, it makes sense, but everyone else don’t let the joys of Halloween disappear on the hallowed day itself! Even though it falls on the dreaded day of the week, here are some tips to keep your Halloween spooky and fun-filled as the day fades into the night!

1.) Let loose!

Don’t be afraid to get a little out of your comfort zone when it comes to choosing a costume this year! Whether it’s dressing up as one of your biggest fears (I’m looking at you, anti-clown people), experimenting with some crazy makeup (iRobot?), or wearing some clothes you might not have given second look to on normal days, Halloween is anything but normal. Go for it!

2.) Be creative!

Store-bought costumes looking too cheap and just not doing it for you? Never fear, the creative spirits are here! You can make absolutely ANYTHING into a costume with a needle, some thread, some paint, and maybe a chainsaw… Anyway, I mean anything. Want to be a referee? Have an old black and white striped shirt lying around? Grab some shorts and high socks, throw ins some sneakers, cut off the bottom of your shirt (crop top!) and stitch up the ends, and paint the leftover fabric square yellow and voila! Flag on the play! (P.S. Don’t forget about Amazon and Pinterest!)

3.) Squad up!

We all know everything is more fun when you do it with your friends, and Halloween is no different. Thing 1 and Thing 2? The Pretty Little Liars girls? The Scooby-Doo gang? The Chicago Cubs (that’s one for you, guys)? Group costumes have no limits when it comes to ideas. Plus, making costumes together is one of the best parts! Grab your crew and suit up to hit the town on Halloween night.

4.) Throw your diet out the window!

Halloween is one the holiday where it is one hundred percent acceptable to stuff your face with a chocolate bar, some Skittles, and a popcorn ball all at once. Free candy? What’s better than that? Binge-eating on your loot after a hard night walking around is nothing to be ashamed. You walked miles upon miles, maybe even in the snow. You earned it! You won’t be the only one off your diet, I can promise you that.

5.) Be safe!

Above all else, be smart and stay safe. Trick-or-treating wise, stay together. Remember the buddy system. If you see any suspicious behavior, back away. If you have weird feeling, remember that your instinct is right two hundred times out of ten. Get out of there. If you’re out with younger children, please watch them like a hawk and never let them fully out of your sight. With rumors of this so-called Clown Purge, you can never be too careful. Party-wise, again stay with your group. Don’t leave anyone behind. Be careful with your drinks, and go somewhere with people that you trust. If you feel uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to say so. Don’t be afraid to say no, and don’t be afraid to up and leave. You’re well-being comes first.

So there you have it. Hopefully these tips can help you keep Halloweekend 2016 going for one more day/night of ghosts, goblins, mysteries, scares, spooks, and fun. Enjoy it, because there is another 265 days until “darkness falls across the land and the midnight hour is close at hand.” Did I mention Halloween is never complete without listening to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller?”

Happy Halloween!