My Love Affair With October and All Things Halloween

I absolutely love Halloween. At the risk of becoming public enemy number one, let me say I may even love it more than Christmas. The decorations are so much fun. Seeing all of the kids in their costumes is adorable, and who doesn’t love candy?

October is simply the best month of the year

My love for Halloween probably starts with my love affair with the month of October itself. After the brutal south Louisiana summer, October usually starts to bring cooler temperatures with still the longer daylight hours. The days are usually sunny before the gloom of November skies sets in.

Pumpkin everything please

I also go all in on all things pumpkin. Weekends in our house during this time frequently include the making of pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin cookies and pumpkin muffins. During October, pumpkin is just a staple item on my weekly grocery list.

Halloween decorations are the best kind of decorations

Today while my children were out of the house, I took down all of my beloved Halloween decor and then I got to watch their faces light up when they came home and explored all of the festive finds in each room. They spent the afternoon dancing away to our singing candy corn and running around being chased by the ghost on wheels. I have to exercise huge self control in the Halloween section of Target, Hobby Lobby, Home Goods, World Market, or basically anywhere that sells Halloween decor because I seriously want ALL THE THINGS.

We love when all of our neighbors start putting up their outdoor Halloween decor. We go on walks and drives and check out who has the best display. We are fortunate to live in a Halloween loving neighborhood. Our hood goes all out for Halloween … our favorite house has giant inflatables filling their entire yard, and they pass out full size candy bars and have a cotton candy machine.

Halloween traditions I want my kids to remember

My dad will usually come over and carve pumpkins with my kids while I roast the seeds, and we have fun homemade decor and a tasty snack.

We try and hit up as many Halloween themed activities and parties as we can. The Krewe of Boo Halloween parade helps with our Mardi Gras withdrawal. We love going to Boo Carre’ in Dutch Alley. Plus we always try and include a visit to a pumpkin patch or two. Our Halloween costumes get their fair share of uses for sure. On the 31st after we finished our trick or treating, we come home and feast on our candy loot. My children rarely have candy, so it’s a huge treat to see that mountain of candy they worked so hard to collect and dive in.

Do you love Halloween? What are some of your family’s favorite fall traditions?

Tara
Tara grew up all over south Louisiana and currently lives in Metairie with her husband Josh, and their 3 kids Dax, Dane and Delta. Tara is a buyer for a local food-service distribution company and Community Director for New Orleans Mom. During the week she can be found replying to emails, carpooling kids all around, giving out hugs and kisses, and looking forward to bedtime. Weekends are for family adventures, naps and cheering for LSU and the Saints. She loves trying new foods, travel, and she and her family love all things New Orleans, but especially Mardi Gras.

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