Mumbling Mommy

Halloween: the time of year when the veil between the ordinary and the extraordinary becomes thin, and you have to start thinking about what you can do to give your kids a fan, and magical time because Halloween is all about making memories, right? Well, I can’t help you with the thinning veil thing, but I can certainly help you with making Halloween more magical for your kids…

1. Costume Craziness

Halloween without costumes is a bit like a horror movie without the suspense – it’s pointless, dull and more than a bit disappointing. So, this year, unless you have tons of time and mad skills, you will probably want to skip the homemade costumes and let your kids pick from one of these store-bought Halloween costumes 2024. They’ll love that they really do look like a vampire or a ghost or a creepy zombie, and you’ll have more time on your hands too. Win-win!

2. Decorate to Dazzle

Turn your home into the ultimate Halloween haven. You can go traditional with jack-o’-lanterns and cobwebs or think outside the box—maybe a UFO crash site with a little green alien stuck in the birdbath? Involving the kids in the decorating process not only fuels their creativity but also lets them stake out the best spots to scare the candy out of unsuspecting trick-or-treaters.

3. Magical Movie Marathon

Nothing says Halloween like a good old-fashioned spooky movie night. Curate a playlist of family-friendly frights and don’t forget the creepy ambiance—think blankets fort with fairy lights. Pop some popcorn, grab those Halloween-themed snacks, and huddle up for a night of magical movies. Just make sure the films are suitable for their age to avoid middle-of-the-night “I heard something under my bed!” visits.

4. Ghoulish Games

Organize some Halloween-themed games. How about a “Wrap the Mummy” race using toilet paper, a “Witch Hat Ring Toss,” or even a “Monster Freeze Dance”? These games are not only perfect for burning off some of that candy-induced energy but also great for laughter and making memories.

5. Potion Cooking Class

Bring out the inner warlock or witch in your kids by brewing some kitchen potions. You can make slime with them or create edible wizardry like “Witches’ Brew” (a fun punch) or “Monster Sludge” (gooey, delicious dessert dip). You could even make a real pumpkin pie if you’re feeling it. Donning a chef’s hat and maybe a robe for this could add to the fun!

6. Trick-or-Treating Strategy

Strategizing the trick-or-treat route can be a tactical delight akin to planning a tiny, sugar-coated military operation. Map out which houses to hit based on the best candy intel, and maybe figure out where the full-sized bars are hiding. Prepare a little light-hearted “trick” that your kids can perform to earn their treats—nothing bonds a family like a shared mission for candy!

7. Candy Swap Shop

After the haul, have a candy swap shop at home. This lets kids trade unwanted candy (yes, apparently that’s a thing) for something they love or for non-food tokens like books or small toys. It’s a great way to moderate sugar intake while still indulging in the fun.

8. Craft a Storytime

End the night with a spooky story session. Either read from a book or make up your own eerie tales. Better yet, have each family member contribute a line to create a unique family ghost story. It’s a cozy way to wind down an exciting night.

Here’s to a Halloween you’ll all remember!

Category: Halloween

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