As Halloween approaches, it can feel like the whole world is gearing up for costumes, cobwebs, and all-things spooky. And over the years, the lengths people go to, and the types of costumes available, seem to have become more extreme, with masks from horror films, horned devils, vampires, and bloodied zombies.
It’s no longer a case of cutting a hole in a sheet and pretending to be a ghost. Halloween is now big business with retailers competing for our hard-earned cash.
According to Statisca.com, estimated UK consumer spending for Halloween products has quadrupled in the last ten years with over £775 million predicted to be spent in 2024.
There are now clown costumes inspired by the movie IT, ‘murderous twin’ costumes, sophisicated face paint palettes, and plastic blood-stained knives. Even Disney is in on the act with its own Halloween collection.
There are ghoulish figures to hang outside, inflatable pumpkin and ghost decorations, skulls to put on your steps, signs to display by your front door, and even Halloween wreaths. And then there are the Chucky dolls.
There are even costumes and accessories for dogs.
There is also a range of items for the home from spider webbing, hanging dolls and black garlands, to Halloween mugs, skeleton-shaped soap and ‘brain bath bombs’.
Pumpkin carvings, too, have become more sinister with their spiked teeth and intricate designs featuring spiders, bats and witches.
When Halloween doesn’t appeal
There is plenty to immerse yourself in if Halloween is your thing, but not everyone is a fan of the eerie atmosphere and endless festivities. For some, the over-the-top decorations, constant talk of horror movies, and pressure to dress up can be overwhelming or just plain unappealing.
If you’re someone, like me, who doesn’t find joy in the ghoulish celebrations, there are plenty of ways to survive (and even enjoy) the spooky season without diving into the Halloween hype.
Sidestep the spookiness
One of the best ways to sidestep the spookiness of Halloween is to focus on the broader aspects of the season. Autumn is filled with its own charm – crisp air, colourful leaves, hot cocoa and cosy sweaters.
There are so many non-Halloween aspects of the season to enjoy, like visiting a pumpkin patch, going on a scenic hike, or making a warm pot of homemade soup.
You can even decorate your space with autumnal touches like (non-carved) pumpkins, autumn foliage, scented candles, cosy throw blankets, and fairy lights without leaning into the ghosts and skeletons theme.
Plan Non-Halloween-Themed Gatherings
If you enjoy socialising but don’t love the spooky themes, consider hosting a gathering that has nothing to do with Halloween.
Invite friends over for a movie night featuring feel-good films like Mamma Mia!, The Greatest Showman, and Little Miss Sunshine instead of horror films.
Or organise a seasonal dinner with comfort foods like butternut squash soup, macaroni cheese, roasted root vegetables, warm apple pie, bread pudding, and cinnamon rolls.
Take a Break from Social Media
Social media can be a major source of Halloween overload, with endless posts of costumes, haunted attractions, spooky decor, and theme park fright nights.
If it starts to feel like too much, don’t hesitate to take a break from scrolling. Give yourself permission to unplug from social media for a while or mute Halloween-related hashtags to keep your feed more aligned with your interests.
This simple step can help you avoid feeling like you’re missing out or being overwhelmed by all the seasonal content.
Create a Cosy Space at Home
As Halloween approaches, turning your home into a cosy retreat can be a great way to shield yourself from the eerie atmosphere outside.
Create a warm, inviting hygge space with soft lighting, a welcoming fireplace, soft rugs and cushions, where you can relax and unwind.
Use the time to dive into a good book, binge-watch a series you love, or start a new hobby like photography or journaling. A cosy space can become your sanctuary from all the spookiness, making you feel comfortable and at ease.
Find Alternatives to Trick-or-Treaters
If the thought of handing out candy to trick-or-treaters doesn’t appeal to you, it’s okay to opt out. You can turn off your porch light and put up a friendly sign letting people know you’re not participating this year.
Instead, treat yourself to a quiet evening indoors. Have a movie marathon, cook yourself a special dinner, or take a relaxing bath. There’s no rule that says you have to be part of the Halloween fun if it is not for you.
Use the Time for Self-Care
The spooky season can be a great time to focus on self-care. If Halloween isn’t your thing, why not use October as a time to recharge and focus on what makes you feel good?
Practise mindfulness, try some new skincare products, use it as a time for reflection, or spend time doing the activities you genuinely enjoy.
With all the talk of ghosts and ghouls, it can be a nice reminder that prioritising your own well-being is more important than participating in celebrations that don’t resonate with you.
It’s Just a Day
It’s easy to feel like Halloween dominates the entire month of October, but in reality, it’s just one day. If you’re not into it, keep in mind that the spooky season will pass quickly, and soon enough, the focus will shift to other holidays and celebrations.
The retailers will shift their attention towards bonfire night and then Christmas. The Liberty Christmas shop has been open since August (yes, really). Selfridges opened theirs in September, and we’ll likely hear a lot more about them in the coming months.
Knowing that the spooky season is temporary can make it easier to endure the influx of spooky decorations and eerie ads. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the perks that follow, like discounted sweets on November 1.
Enjoying Autumn Your Own Way
Not everyone loves Halloween, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The key to surviving the spooky season is to embrace the parts of autumn that you do enjoy and create a space where you feel comfortable.
Whether that means spending time outdoors, planning cosy nights in, or avoiding Halloween-themed content, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this time of year without feeling pressured to join in the ghostly fun.
Focus on what makes you happy and remember that it’s your choice how you want to experience the season.
