Spooky Season Survival Guide: How to Have a Wickedly Fun Halloween!

Diane Ferber 👻🐈‍⬛🎃

Ah, Halloween—when the air turns crisp, the moon glows brighter, and the line between the spooky and the silly gets deliciously blurred. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of all things haunted or you just want an excuse to eat your weight in candy corn, this guide is your ticket to a frightfully good time. So grab your witch hat, dust off those cobwebs (or keep them, they’re festive!), and let’s dive in!

🎃 1. Decorate Like You Mean It

Forget subtle—Halloween is all about going overboard. Giant inflatable ghosts, cobwebs on every corner, plastic skeletons chilling on your porch like they live there rent-free. The goal is to make your place the one that makes kids think twice before ringing the doorbell. Bonus points if your decorations actually come to life when they walk up.

👻 2. Costume? Yes, Please!

Costume season is the one time of year we all get to play dress-up without anyone judging. So go ahead, embrace your inner vampire, witch, or inflatable T-Rex. Pro tip: Group costumes are a great way to get everyone involved—nothing says Halloween like showing up with your squad as the cast of Stranger Things or a mismatched set of zombies and superheroes.

🍬 3. Candy Strategy 101

Let’s be real: Halloween candy is an art. If you’re giving it out, make sure you’re not the one handing out raisins or toothbrushes (come on, really?). Opt for a mix of classics—Reese’s, Snickers, and maybe a few ghost-shaped gummies. And if you’re out trick-or-treating, bring a big bag. Scratch that, two big bags. No one likes running out of room when there’s still candy to be snagged.

🎃 4. Carve Those Pumpkins (and Your Stress Away)

Pumpkin carving is therapeutic. There’s something oddly satisfying about scooping out all that gooey stuff and turning it into a glowing masterpiece. Whether you’re into the classic jack-o’-lantern face or want to go all-out with intricate designs, this is your chance to let your creativity shine (literally).

🧙‍♀️ 5. Watch a Movie (or Five)

There are two types of Halloween movie lovers: those who love to be scared out of their wits and those who’d rather watch something light and fun. We’re here for both. Some go-to options:

• Scary: The Conjuring, Hereditary, The Exorcist
• Not-So-Scary: Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family Grab a blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and settle in for a movie marathon.

🎃 6. Host a Halloween Bash (or Crash One)

Nothing beats a good Halloween party. Whether you’re hosting a monster mash or just planning to pop by a friend’s spooky soirée, make sure there are themed cocktails (think: “Witch’s Brew” or “Vampire’s Kiss”), a dance floor filled with costumed guests, and maybe a bowl of mystery snacks. Who doesn’t love a little “is it gummy worms or something worse?” surprise?

🧙‍♂️ 7. Try a Spooky Snack Recipe

From pumpkin-shaped cheese balls to ghostly cupcakes, there’s no shortage of Halloween treats to whip up. Get a little messy in the kitchen and create something deliciously eerie. Need ideas? How about:

• Witch Finger Cookies (complete with almond “nails”)
• Mummy Hot Dogs (because pigs-in-a-blanket are always a hit)
• Poison Apples (glossy and glam, but, y’know, not actually poisonous)

🎃 8. Take a Ghost Tour

If you’re feeling extra brave, why not explore the paranormal side of things? Plenty of places offer ghost tours where you can learn about local legends and maybe even encounter a spirit or two. Jacksonville has its own share of haunted history, so find a tour and let the ghost stories begin.

🧛‍♂️ 9. Don’t Forget to Laugh

Halloween might be all about the spooky vibes, but it’s also a time to have fun, be a little ridiculous, and enjoy some good laughs. Whether it’s a friend’s costume that’s hilariously bad or a jump scare that leaves you snorting into your drink, don’t forget that the best part of Halloween is letting loose and enjoying the moment.

🎃 10. Be Safe, Be Spooky, Have Fun!

Lastly, don’t forget to look out for each other. Make sure your costumes are safe for walking around (no tripping hazards!), stay with friends if you’re out late, and double-check your candy haul. Oh, and maybe have a plan to manage that sugar rush after the 20th mini chocolate bar. You’ve got this.

So there you have it, your ultimate Halloween survival guide. Now go out there, scare a few people (in the fun way), eat some candy, and have a fang-tastic time!