Fall Things 2020: Preparing for “Spooky Season” in 2020

Anyone who knows me knows that fall is my absolute favorite time of year, and Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. That said, things might look a little different this fall and Halloween-season (thanks, 2020), as Andrew and I are transitioning away from our home in Philadelphia for the time being and spending more time “quaran-teaming” at my family’s home in wild, wonderful West Virginia. I’ve been ideating on a ton of fun things my family (and yours!) can do this spooky season to still celebrate the holiday to the fullest despite the circumstances, and I wanted to share them with you all. Let’s dive in—

Halloween Movies! From ‘Hocus Pocus’ to ‘Beetlejuice’ and Beyond

So, this isn’t all that original, but my family and I always watch Halloween/horror/spooky movies beginning in early September basically through the end of October. Some of our favorites include the classics, like ‘Beetlejuice’ and ‘Hocus Pocus’ (which you can catch on Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween all October long!), as well as some pretty gnarly horror films (because we’re into that sort of thing— totally not for everyone!) My husband and I started the yearly tradition of watching the original ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ from start to finish on Halloween night (no matter how late we get in from our Halloween shenanigans) and it’s always such a fun, spooky time. We reserve that movie for literally one night a year so it always feels special, fun, and fresh. We also make Halloween cookies or other treats to indulge in, and usually set up some spooky mood-lighting (like red LED lights from IKEA— super cheap and really good at creating an atmospheric effect!)

A still from Roman Polanski’s ‘Rosemary’s Baby' — 1968, Paramount Pictures

TL;DR? We LOVE Halloween/horror movies and setting aside special movies to only watch around Halloween-time makes the occasion feel more special, and like a fun, spooky little family tradition.

Dress up, even with nowhere to go!

I am adamant about wearing a costume on Halloween. My husband is not one for dressing up, and I just don’t get it— even on Halloween evenings where we’ve had nowhere to go, my family and I have always dressed up (even our pets— yes, we’re those people) because it’s so much fun. I mean, for one night a year you can go all out and dress as wild and wacky as you please. Why would you pass that up?

Even if you plan to just sit at home and watch movies, dressing up with family and friends in your household (and maybe even having a small at-home costume contest) is a great way to celebrate spooky season, even in a year like this.

One of my fave costumes in recent years! Myself as a psychedelic-sixties go-go girl, Halloween 2019.

Create some drive-thru (or drive-in) fun

Last but not least, I’ve been thinking a good bit lately about how to create some outdoor drive-thru or drive-in fun for Halloween here in the community. Typically, the city of Beckley, WV does tailgate Halloween for local kids— and I think that could still be done in some way, right? Or, a drive-thru haunted attraction, which I think many haunted attractions will pivot to this year. Trick-or-treat tailgates, haunted attractions, and more could make just a few adjustments to make their events COVID-19 safe, and I’m excited to see what they all come up with this season. I don’t have any definitive ideas yet of what my friends and family could do in our neighborhood, but I’m still brainstorming and would love to hear everyone’s ideas.

All of these things and so much more (even more treat-making, pumpkin carving, all that good stuff) awaits us this spooky season, despite 2020 being what it is. How do you plan to still make this Halloween a special, fun, and spooky time for family and friends? Let’s discuss.

Xoxo, MM.