When I was a kid, Halloween was pure magic. Each year, my mother would ask what I wanted to be, and without fail, I would choose to be a witch. There was something about the pointed hat, the broomstick, and the mysterious aura that captured my imagination. Maybe it was that as a witch, I could cast imaginary spells to make the world better. As the crisp autumn air settled in, my mood would lift, bringing with it the excitement of dressing up, trick-or-treating, and enjoying the spooky decorations that transformed our neighborhood. I loved seeing all the front doors covered in fake spider webs, skeletons on lawns, and inflatable decorations.
Autumn has always been one of my favorite seasons. The shift from the light and refreshing foods of summer to the savory and sweet treats of fall felt like a warm hug. Apples, in particular, were my favorite—there always seemed to be an abundance of them, and I couldn’t get enough. School trips to corn mazes, and pumpkin patches, and making our own fall decor were highlights of my childhood. There’s a special kind of joy in the fall season—a time when giving and community start to come to life, and even a good scare in a controlled environment like a haunted house can be oddly comforting. I’ve found that these controlled frights have even helped me manage day-to-day anxiety; after all, if I can handle haunted prisons and unfriendly ghosts, real-life challenges seem a little less daunting!
Boo Baskets
As I got older, my love for Halloween grew into a tradition of making Halloween baskets, now affectionately known as “Boo Baskets.” I started this in my 20s as a way to bring the fun of trick-or-treating to my cousins during the height of COVID-19, when going door-to-door wasn’t ideal. Now, it’s a tradition I look forward to each year.
Creating Boo Baskets is something I pour my heart into. Instead of paper filler, I use candy as the base, making the baskets feel full and fun. In August, I start asking families about allergies and dietary restrictions to make sure everyone can safely enjoy the treats. I keep a list of households and how many kids under 15 are there, set my budget, and then the fun begins!
In September, I hunt for non-food items like coloring books, crayons from the back-to-school sales, small toys, costume jewelry, and other little surprises. I love browsing Michaels Crafts, Target, Walmart, Dollar Tree, and any discount stores in my area. If I have anything left over from the previous year, I’ll reuse those items too. Sometimes, I print out activity workbooks using my Epson Ecotank printer—a purchase I highly recommend because the ink truly lasts forever! I buy candy about a week before handing out the baskets, and I pick out the baskets or bags in early October. It’s all about the small details that bring joy.
Celebrating Halloween on Any Budget
One of the best things about Halloween and the fall season is that you don’t need to spend a lot—or any—money to enjoy it. So much of the magic is in the creativity and the little touches. You can DIY your way to a memorable Halloween! For decorations, I like to use warm and neutral tones with pops of rich purple, bright green, and bright orange to add interest. A lot of decor can be made from items you already have at home or picked up from nature, like leaves, pinecones, and branches.
Halloween is more than just a holiday for me—it’s a time of year that brings out the best in everyone. There’s a sense of community, a spirit of generosity, and an opportunity to embrace creativity. The costumes, decorations, and even the movies all carry a cozy, nostalgic feel that makes this season truly special. Whether you’re making Boo Baskets or just enjoying the changing leaves, Halloween is a reminder to find joy in the little things and to share that joy with others.
So, this Halloween, whether you go all out with costumes and decor or keep it simple with a cozy movie night, remember that the best part is the feeling of togetherness and the chance to spread a little magic.
Resources:
- Create your movie calendar! (Opens in a new tab)
- My October Watches List on Letterboxd