Tips On How to Have a Cozy Halloween Night

Covid has really changed everything about our world. This year, I was spent my first Easter away from my family in lockdown. By summer I was gathering with family for outdoor birthdays and celebrated my wedding with strict restrictions in place. Did anyone think back in March that we’d still be thinking about Covid at Halloween? And yet, here we are with some cities and regions suggesting you think twice about trick or treating with the kiddies this year.

To be honest, when I celebrated my first Halloween in my condo, I was crushed to find out that the kids don’t come knocking door to door but instead head down to the lobby for their candy. Boring. So I’m quite accustomed to spending Halloween alone, and I have figured out some ways to really enjoy the spooky night without trick or treat. So, since. you might not be heading out with the kiddos, or heading to a party or even a bar, here are some ways to have a spooky and cozy Halloween night.

Watch a Scary Movie

Halloween is definitely the night to break out some scary movies. There are ton to chose from, but I personally love Sleepy Hollow, The Conjuring and The Others. I prefer ghost and haunted house types movies as opposed to slasher movies. But you could watch those too! Or, alternatively you keep it family friendly with movies like Hocus Pocus and The Addams Family.

Bake some Halloween Treats

If you have kids who are disappointed in not heading out this Halloween dressed up as little goblins or superheroes, one way to cheer them up might be to do some baking. Classic favourites like chocolate chip cookies cut out to look like pumpkins and witches hats and topped off with icing will likely be more popular with your child than a bagful of candies. And if you don’t have kids, then might try something more like this Spider’s Web Cake from A Spoonful of Vanilla. This one is really making me wish I wasn’t gluten free.

Snuggle Up with a Scary Book

Like a quiet night in? Then perhaps this is the perfect night to snuggle up with a scary book. You could try some thrillers like Merciless by Mary Burton with crazed murderers, or more classic reads like Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I personally love The Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens, and found it just the right level of spooky. An absolutely perfect read for lovers of ghost stories. I would also recommend He Will Be My Ruin for a mystery story by an amazingly talented author, K.A Tucker. It’s also the perfect night to read some stories and poems by Edgar Allan Poe.

Frightful Halloween Cocktails

Kick it up a notch! Get together with your boyfriend, husband, lover and have some cocktails. You can totally do this with your roommate or bestie too. I’ve found forty eight cocktails from Good Housekeeping that are sure to thrill you this Halloween. Be sure to throw on some costumes for added spirit and fun. Honestly, I can’t wait to try the Corpse Reviver cocktail. Sounds like it packs quite a punch!

Campfire Ghost Stories

Let’s get real old school here and tell stories around a fire. Possibly in your yard’s fire pit. Or in your living room with flashlights because let’s face it…how many people have fire-it’s? You can do this with family, or with your friends either in person or via Zoom or Skype. Have a spooky tale ready to tell, and be sure to tell with flare to get good and scared.

Scared yet?

There are totally ways to make these ideas more kid friendly, or more adult friendly depending on your family structure. All are things you can do at home easily, and you can enjoy the night while staying in and being safe. Halloween is a holiday all about being scared, and having fun so why not get creative and have a cozy night in while still enjoying the things that go bump in the night.

How will you be celebrating Halloween this year? Share in the comments below.