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Let’s Get Spooky: A Guide to Get You Into the Halloween Spirit

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

If I’m being honest, I spend about 11 months of the year waiting for October to roll around again. With the spooky season finally upon us, here are some of my favorite things to do to get into the Halloween spirit — hopefully they can help you creep your way into a festive mood too!

1. Decorate Your Room

Decorating your room is a surefire way to get into the spooky spirit. Go for easy but fun pieces like a mug full of candy corn, window decals, and a pumpkin or cute witch to work as the focal point. When you’re surrounded by Halloween decorations, you’ll automatically feel the spirit of (arguably) the best time of year.   

2. Bake Halloween Treats

Put your baking skills to the test by whipping up some festive cupcakes or cookies. With so many cool recipes out there, you’ll have plenty of creepy treats to choose from. The best part? Once you’re done putting in all the manual labor, you get to eat your spooky creations. Pressed for time? There’s always Pillsbury’s pre-cut holiday cookies. They’re delicious and will give you all the childhood nostalgia vibes. Really pressed for time? They might taste even better in dough-form.

3. Watch Scary Movies

Nothing will scare you quite like a Halloween-appropriate movie! Some of my favorites for this time of year are The Shining, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream. They’re an easy way to give yourself a good fright, from the comfort of your own room. Make a night out of it by inviting some friends, popping some popcorn and having a movie marathon. Horror movies not your thing? You can never go wrong with Halloweentown or The Addams Family. They’re the real classics.

4. Go to a Haunted House or Hayride

If you’re on the braver side, a haunted house is the perfect Halloween activity for you. Demented FX in Holyoke is known for being super scary. With people coming from all over New England to see it, you know it must be good. Or, if you’re looking for something a little closer and easier, try the Monster Mash Haunted Hayride in South Hadley. Sit back and let someone drive you around a nice local farm — while some evil zombies chase you. Sounds relaxing, right?

5. Eat all the Pumpkin Flavored Things

Pumpkin spice is my favorite flavor, so when it finally comes back in the fall, I can’t get enough. Whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin ice cream, or even pumpkin cream cheese (surprisingly good!), I’m constantly looking for the newest pumpkin spice trend. To me, it’s the taste of Halloween. If pumpkin spice isn’t your favorite, try a hot apple cider. It’ll keep you warm on chilly October days, and it’s basically high-class apple juice.  

6. Make your Costume

Down to get creative? Making your Halloween costume is a great way to unleash your inner artist. Grab a hot glue gun, fabric paint, scissors, or just open up your closet and get to work. Once you’re done making it, you’ll be that much more excited for Halloween to roll around, so that you can actually wear it.

7. Carve Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving is an ultimate classic Halloween tradition that everyone can get behind. Whether you’re going for a truly terrifying monster, or a cute jack-o-lantern pal, grab your tools and get crafting. When you finish, you’ll have some fun room decor for the days leading up to Halloween. It’ll be impossible not to feel festive!

With Halloween so fast approaching, it’s time to get into the spirit of things sooner rather than later. Grab your costume and candy of choice and get spooky!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Maria Arvanitis

U Mass Amherst '19

Maria is a senior studying psychology and English at UMass Amherst. She has a passion for traveling, animals, and 80s movies, and her hair color is always changing. Find her on Instagram: @m.ria
Contributors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst