Today is the day! The ghouls and goblins have populated the fronts of houses, the children are excited about “what to be,” and the parents are dreading the sugar crash while sneaking a few king-sized bars. Some of my friends and colleagues bemoan the hype, commercialism, and calories. I personally LOVE Halloween (I’m a theatre person, remember, with an active inner child), but this blog is dedicated to those who don’t. You can make this holiday about something more meaningful. Here are my recommendations for doing something for All Hallows that doesn’t have anything to do with haunted houses or orange squash.
Bat Detective
It’s a bird, no it’s a plane, no it’s definitely a bird. Find animals in wildlife photos to flag for scientists in the spirit of the season. Your family’s can help with conservation and migration research. It’s free, easy for anyone to do (including children), and the tutorial is quick and very helpful.
This project (and others) are on a fantastic citizen-science website called “Zooniverse.” Check it out — if animals aren’t your thing, look at clouds on Mars, study Civil War ship logs, or pull fun names from medieval records.
Branding Lessons from the Undead
Can’t get away from work, but want to get in the spirit? No bones about it, there are a number of business blogs that are rocking the Halloween vibe, to do business as unusual, so to speak. My husband alerted me to these two terrific articles that mix business with pleasure, “Branding Lessons for the Undead,” and “Putting the Horror into Horror Writing.” I thought the article about branding was particularly brilliant.
Record your history
What an excellent opportunity to celebrate personal and local history! Folklore isn’t just about the lore, it is also about the folk, and EVERYONE has stories. Whether your great-grandfather fell off the thresher, or your dad swears a ghost lived in the attic, this time of year provides lots of fodder for bringing back delicious memories.
If you have a gathering planned, take a seat by the fire (or the fireplace background on Zoom) and record the tall tales. Serve s’mores and hot cider, and ask questions about corn and barns and cats. Notice aloud the themes that crop up, and maybe read from collections of local tall tales.
Kids can make a picture book too of a story from an older family member or friend!
Watch a classic horror film
Instead of doing the most commercial thing, reach back in time and listen to, watch, or broadcast some oldies but goodies.
My movie recommendations: “Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy” and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” which are good for anybody, any age, any background — even people who hate Halloween. Make popcorn and get ready for the oldest cheesiest gags in the book in these delightful homages to the horror greats. Orson Welles’ “War of the Worlds” is a terrific listen as well — and there are lots of short adaptations if you want to do it yourself!
Haunted History Tours
Every town has history, and not all of it is pretty. Luckily the gruesome and gross are often very interesting! Go on a haunted tour or make your own map of murders in your town. Learn about the places your city’s local criminals lived. Don’t pick anything too recent — I recommend sticking with outlaws who lived more than 50 years ago. Otherwise, social and emotional wounds may still be too fresh.
In a nutshell, find a way to embrace the season even if you need to push away certain aspects of it. There’s always ways to have fun, do good work, connect to history and community, and get it done!
