For many kids, Halloween is a much-anticipated holiday. They dress up in their favorite costumes, go trick-or-treating, and eat lots of candy. But for some kids, Halloween can be a bit scary. If your child falls into the latter category, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to have a Not-So-Scary Halloween. Here are five ideas to get you started.
Not-So-Scary Halloween
- Celebrate the Harvest. Many farmsteads have special events leading up to Halloween, such as petting zoos and tractor/wagon rides. Picking out pumpkins or squash is also an excellent way for your child to get into the season’s spirit without getting scared. You can decorate your home with pumpkins, corn husks, and other fall harvest decorations. Crows are a fun option for non-scary Halloween decor, as are black cats and brooms. Scarecrows come in less-than-scary varieties as well. You can also opt to make homemade pumpkin pies, roasted pumpkin seeds, and other fall treats that are less about Halloween and more about the time of year.
- Spend time getting to know the bugs and critters that enjoy nighttime. Many children are scared of things that go bump in the night, but if they understand more about nocturnal animals, they may be less afraid. Many books, articles, websites, and television shows focus on nighttime creatures. You can also take a trip to a local park or nature preserve to see these animals in their natural habitats. An excellent place to start is with Jess Keating’s book, “What Makes a Monster?”
- Find alternative solutions for late-night activities, whether that means trick-or-treating in the afternoon, finding a local trunk-or-treat, or dressing up for the mall. You can also have a Halloween party at your house where kids can come in their costumes and enjoy Halloween-themed games and activities.
- Put a light-hearted spin on Halloween by focusing on kid-friendly activities, books, and movies. Check out my Halloween activity collection to start. You may also enjoy this list of new picture books for the Halloween holiday.
- Have a DIY holiday. Instead of shopping for costumes in-store or online, make them. This way, your child is involved in the creative process and sees what goes behind every detail. Make your own Halloween treats as well. Craft your holiday decorations and let your child put them up around the house.
Conclusion
Halloween doesn’t have to be scary! There are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday without worrying about ghosts, goblins, and witches. By following some of these tips, you can help make this Halloween fun and enjoyable for everyone in the family. Happy Halloween!
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This post was proofread by Grammarly