Did you know that our celebration of Halloween actually dates back to Roman and Celtic traditions? The ancient Celts believed that on the day that separates the lighter half of the year from the darker half, spirits could pass through to the living world. To ward off unfriendly spirits, people dressed up in costumes and masks to disguise themselves as one. Nowadays, we don’t worry about protecting ourselves from evil spirits, but there are still many things to keep in mind in order to have a safe and fun Halloween.

Costumes:

• Avoid all-black costumes or fasten reflective tape to dark costumes to increase visibility.
• Use face paint instead of masks that can obscure vision. However, test the makeup for allergic reactions by dabbing some on the arm a day or two before Halloween. Make sure to remove all face paint before going to bed to prevent irritation.
• Keep costume accessories, such as swords or knifes, soft and flexible.
• Layer extra clothing underneath thin costumes to keep warm.
• Wear flame-resistant costumes and avoid wearing anything that drags on the ground.
• Check here for some cute and easy DIY costume ideas from Real Simple.

Trick-or-Treating:

• Always trick-or-treat in groups, carry flashlights and only go to well-lit houses.
• Remind kids to look both ways when they cross the street and to never go in to a stranger’s house or car. If older kids are trick-or-treating without an adult, remind them not to take shortcuts through backyards, alleys or playing fields.
• Wait to eat anything until it’s been inspected at home for signs of tampering. Only eat commercially packaged treats. Eating dinner before trick-or-treating can help kids avoid the temptation of eating candy before it’s been inspected.
• Use crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible, or walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Walk – don’t run – from house to house.

Pumpkin Carving:

• Let young kids design their own jack-o-lantern and help scoop out the gunk, but leave the carving to an adult.
• Use a sharp knife or mini saw and cut away from you.
• Keep lit jack-o-lanterns away from flammable objects and out of the path of trick-or-treaters.

For Halloween fun that keeps kids under supervision, throw a neighborhood Halloween party. Serve finger food like our Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed French Bread cut into thin slices or Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken sliced into “chicken fingers” before coating and baking. Spoonful has plenty of ideas for fun Halloween crafts, decorations, and games.