All Hallows

It can be challenging to capture the essence of this time of year, there’s something intangible and exciting about the autumn. I always look forward to the shortening days and the way the shadows lengthen in the evenings. There’s something in the air in October that feels otherworldly, and possibility for enchantment hangs in the air and makes us all feel a bit more of the witching spirit. The cold in the evenings and the falling leaves all make me feel nostalgic and I think the world is, for a moment, more open to the possibility of magic.

We celebrated Halloween this year in a rush of falling leaves. To celebrate we carved pumpkins on Halloween afternoon, and then left our cozy house to wander into the cold to see trick or treaters out and about. The evening was spent handing out candy and eating delicious home cooked chili. We try to prepare our dinner for Halloween the day before, so Halloween night can be filled completely with fun and trick or treating. It was perfectly crisp and chilly this year, which made Halloween seem all the more spooky and delightful.

Some ideas for celebrating Halloween:

• Carve pumpkins – I like to do this close to, or on, Halloween so they don’t get too wrinkled or chewed on by squirrels.
• Decorate with simple things – paper chains, postcards, pumpkins and candles.
• Listen to spooky music! (The Monster Mash, Thriller, Werewolves of London, Love Potion Number Nine, Monster Surfing Time, The Shankill Butchers, Danse Macabre, Night on Bald Mountain etc.)
• Make a cozy and delicious dinner like chili or pasta marinara.
• Decorate your table with fallen leaves and acorns from walks.
• Light lots of candles on Halloween night.
• Read a scary story aloud – Kevin’s been reading Dracula, which has spurred many Vampire-themed conversations.
• Dress up in your witchy best!

I’m looking forward to posting more about November and self care in this darkening time of year. We are looking forward to Martinmas this weekend, though I will be at work that evening, Kevin and I are trying to think of a way to have a make-up celebration on Monday.

Stay warm, and enjoy the slowness this time of year invites.