Halloween is ideal for creating traditions that can be passed down through generations. Check out these bewitching ways to make the holiday more memorable.
1. Take an Annual Photo
Break out your camera and the costumes! Halloween provides the perfect opportunity to snap an out-of-the-ordinary family photo to send to friends or hang in your home gallery. A few weeks before Halloween, gather your gang (pets, too) and get them into their costumes; you can each have your own unique look or have a theme, such as zoo animals or cartoon characters. Experiment with scary and silly faces, and have each family member stand or sit in the same position each year — you’ll enjoy seeing the changes as your kids grow.
2. Play with Pumpkins
Mini-pumpkins are the perfect size for little hands, and are excellent for crafts or games. Host an annual “pumpkin pick”, which involves your backyard or living space and a dozen or more miniature pumpkins. Hide the pumpkins, and have your child search for them — make sure to snap photos to capture their delight as they find each pumpkin. Or, create your own Halloween friend by attaching paper or homemade clothing, stick arms and legs and a small hat to a mini-pumpkin. Give him a name and hide him each night. Have the kids hunt for their pumpkin pal every morning.
3. Cook Halloween-Inspired Treats
Halloween provides the perfect opportunity to try out festive recipes that call for playful ingredients, such as black beans (for bugs), stuffed olives (for eyeballs), or crushed cookie crumbs (for dirt). Host an annual, ghoulicious dinner party, and serve unusual dishes that are sure to create a stir. Invite your guests to whip up some of their own creepy concoctions, and hold a contest for the best dish. After the party, create and send an online photo album to all of your guests, including pictures of all the dishes with their recipes attached. Or create a Share site where you and your guests can share pictures and videos. Create a site
4. Create a Haunted Space
Each year, plan to transform your garage, patio or living room into a spooktacular haunted space. A few weeks before Halloween, assign each family member a decorating task, such as “Spider Master” or “Ghost Gatherer.” Visit craft stores and search online for easy, low-cost ways to decorate. Choose an afternoon, play creepy music and let the transformation begin! Make sure to document the Halloween makeover, and create a scrapbook or photo book to have as a family keepsake for years to come. Each year, encourage your kids and family members to out-do last year’s performance.
5. Organize a Neighborhood Party
Halloween is all about togetherness, so enlist your neighbors to help host a street party on Halloween night. Start with a costume parade, and then visit each house for a different treat. Have participants set up tables with a variety of seasonal games, such as bobbing for apples, a mummy wrap or a costume contest. Take pictures or video of the big event and share files online with your neighbors.
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