While many are planning their Halloween parties for this upcoming weekend, there are a number of people who won’t be participating in the seasonally-themed festivities. For many anxious introverts, parties can be their worst nightmare; crowds of people, mostly strangers, often intoxicated, crammed together in an uncomfortably hot and noisy house. Don’t get me wrong, I have attended these parties in the past, and they’ve been loads of fun. If I were able to attend one this year, I most likely would. However, because these get-togethers usually consist of socializing with strangers, infinite worries about one’s surroundings, and numerous awkward moments, I’m deciding to take it easy this year, and I’m assuming I’m not the only one. Many have either outgrown their partying phase, are unable to mentally or physically take part in the festivities, or simply prefer a quieter, more comfortable environment to celebrate the holiday. But just because you won’t be partying doesn’t mean you have to sit at home, scrolling through Instagram, feeling bad for yourself, as you watch your peers have fun from a distance. Everyone deserves to celebrate Halloween in a way that makes them feel most comfortable. So, here’s a list of fun, introvert-friendly, Halloween-y things to consider!
- Take your younger siblings/cousins/nieces/nephews Trick-or-Treating!
Volunteering to take your younger siblings, cousins, nieces, or nephews’ trick or treating is a great way to reminisce your own childhood memories and help form new memories for the younger generation. If you don’t have family to take out, ask someone you’re comfortable with if you can join them. This will be a bonding experience for you and younger members of your family and will have lasting effects on both your relationship and their childhood. This activity will benefit everyone and comes with the sweet reward of lots of free candy! - Halloween- themed Girl’s Night!
Get together with one or a few friends and spend the night doing Halloween-themed activities!
You can watch scary (or family-friendly, depending on your preference) movies, make spooky pizzas and caramel apples, and eat lots of candy. This can also be done while handing out candy to trick-or- treaters and will be a wicked fun way to celebrate the holiday with the girls!
- Go on a fall drive!
Grab a hot chocolate or pumpkin spice coffee and go on a long, autumn drive, where you can admire the beautiful fall foliage and find the scariest Halloween decorations. This is a great way to appreciate our local New England fall landscape and get to know your area better, you might even find a cute farmers market along the way!
- Pick and carve pumpkins!
Nothing says Halloween like a Jack-o-lantern! Go to a local farm and pick a pumpkin (or buy one from a grocery store) and carve a fun or spooky image onto it! You can even make pumpkin seeds after. - Visit a haunted house/ go on a ghost tour!
Though any introverted Massachusetts resident would know to avoid Salem in October, there are tons of haunted attractions throughout the state that offer less populated haunted house and ghost tours. Although it might require a bit more research. Save your trips to places like Salem and the Lizzie Borden House for the summer and instead try to find something local where you can reserve a spot to avoid the crowds.
- Host a campfire!
Celebrate Halloween this year with a campfire with a friend or two! You can experience the chill of a late October night with the comfort of a warm fire and some friends. Scare each other with spooky campfire tales and maybe even some s’mores!
- Have a quiet night in!
Finally, have a night to yourself! Buy some Halloween candy and curl up with a scary book (I’ll personally be reading some Agatha Christie!) or a movie. With most people out doing stuff for the holiday, you might feel compelled to join in. However, Halloween night is the perfect opportunity to have a self-care night, especially since Oct. 31st is on a Tuesday and most people have obligations the next day. Whether it’s with a Halloween themed bath-bomb or some take- out and Hocus Pocus, there are plenty of options available to those who prefer to stay in while making the most of the holiday!
No matter how you spend your Halloween, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy. It is so important that we respect your boundaries while ensuring that it’s spent in the most fun, festive way possible. Parties are not for everyone and that is valid, but it doesn’t mean you should miss out on the holiday. No matter how you choose to spend your Halloween, remember to be safe and have fun, because that’s really all that matters! Happy Halloween!