As the weather starts to get cooler and the leaves turn colors, Halloween will be here before you know it. This spooky holiday only comes once a year on October 31, so it is a good idea to start planning everything early.
Whether you plan on carving a few pumpkins or going trick or treating, you’ll want to start getting your costume ready right away. Halloween is the perfect time to express yourself no matter what your age is. Buy anything you need to build the perfect costume and have fun disguising yourself.
If you are struggling to find Halloween ideas, try thinking about the history and traditions of the holiday. Use this guide to learn more about the holiday and why we get into the Halloween spirit year after year.
Halloween 2022 is Monday October 31
While most children go trick or treating on weekends, Halloween falls on the same day every year: October 31st. If you have little ones or weekday work obligations, you will need to find spooky activities to celebrate the holiday on Saturday or Sunday this year. Don’t worry – many people are in the same boat, and you’ll likely find several things to do over the weekend, including trick or treating.
The History of Halloween
The tradition of Halloween started with the ancient Celts, who believed October 31 was the day the lines between the world of the dead and that of the living became the blurriest, allowing ghosts to roam the earth. The Celts celebrated the festival of Samhain each year; they wore costumes to confuse the ghosts and lit bonfires to ward off any unholy spirits.
Samhain evolved over time. In the 8th century, November 1st was named All Saints Day by Pope Gregory III. All Saints Day was intended to celebrate earthly deities. October 31st was then named All Hallows Eve. Eventually, these holidays became more blended with the Celtic tradition of Samhain until it became the Halloween we know and love today.
In the United States, Halloween evolved even more as immigrants from all over Europe traveled to America. Irish and American Indian traditions got blended into older practices, creating a holiday that was a bit more unique. Halloween began to incorporate new ghost stories, trick-or-treating, and the fall harvests.
While Halloween was traditionally a more religious holiday, it became more community-based in the 1920s and 30s. Modern Halloween celebrations tend to be more commercialized, promoting candy, costume, and decoration sales. For many Americans, Halloween 2022 will be a great night to go out and celebrate.
How to Celebrate Halloween 2022
There are several ways to get in the fall spirit and celebrate Halloween this year. First, you will need to put together the perfect costume. If you have already browsed the local costume store and didn’t find what you are looking for, consider a traditional costume, such as a pumpkin, ghost, or zombie. Then, find a way to make it your own.
Next, find Halloween events and activities in your community. Several shopping malls, office buildings, churches, and community organizations have fun and safe activities planned, such as trunk or treating or fall festivals.
If you are looking for something a bit more relaxed, try going on a hayride, a ghost tour, or apple picking over the weekend. You could also celebrate by having a horror movie night at home. Don’t be afraid to create your own Halloween traditions this year.
