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Mary's Moments Blog Post

Halloween Magic

Once October hits, the Halloween countdown begins! The air turns crisp, trees show off their stunning red and gold leaves, and the evenings get darker just a little faster, creating the perfect spooky vibe.



But what is it about Halloween that grabs our attention and won’t let go? From the thrilling chills to the mountains of candy, there's something in this holiday for everyone—whether you’re the type who loves a haunted house or someone who prefers to carve pumpkins with the kids.

 

Halloween is a fun holiday where you can be someone else for a night without judgment.


Whether it’s dressing up as your favorite superhero, a wicked witch, or even a cute cat, Halloween lets you escape reality for a while. For adults, it's an opportunity to embrace your playful side, and for kids, it's a dream come true—a night full of treats, costumes, and magic.

 

Halloween is a holiday that stands out because it lets creativity run wild. Whether you're decorating your house or designing a killer costume, there's no limit to how you can express yourself. People look forward to it all year—not just for the candy, but for the fun of bringing their creative ideas to life!

 

But beyond the costumes and candy, there’s a deeper history to Halloween that not everyone may know about.

 

The Origins of Halloween

 

Halloween’s roots go back thousands of years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). It was a celebration marking the end of the harvest season and the start of winter—a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be thin, allowing spirits to walk the earth. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Over time, the festival merged with other traditions, such as All Saints’ Day, eventually evolving into the Halloween we know today.

 

It wasn't until the mid-19th century that Halloween made its way to North America, brought by Irish and Scottish immigrants. While it started as a much more somber affair, it slowly transformed into the family-friendly (and somewhat spooky) celebration it is now. The costumes got lighter, the treats got sweeter, and the holiday became one big party for all ages.

 

Fun Fact: The First Jack-O'-Lanterns Were Made from Turnips

 

Believe it or not, the tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns didn’t always involve pumpkins. The original jack-o’-lanterns were carved from turnips! The Irish legend of “Stingy Jack,” a trickster who tried to cheat the devil, inspired people to carve scary faces into vegetables to scare off evil spirits. When immigrants came to America, they found that pumpkins—being larger and easier to carve—were a better alternative to the smaller, tougher turnips.

 

Halloween Candy: A Love Story


Halloween wouldn’t be the same without candy. But trick-or-treating wasn’t always about getting sweets? In medieval times, people would go “souling,” where they’d knock on doors and offer prayers for the dead in exchange for food. Fast forward to modern-day Halloween, and candy has become the staple.

 

In fact, Canadians spend around $1 billion on Halloween candy each year. That’s a whole lot of chocolate bars and gummy bears! And while kids are the primary focus, let's be honest—adults dip into the candy stash, too. There's just something about mini chocolate bars that makes them irresistible.

 

Costumes: From Scary to Silly

 

One of the best parts of Halloween is dressing up in costumes. Originally, people wore costumes to scare away evil spirits, but nowadays, costumes can be anything you want them to be—scary, funny, or cute. Every year, we see a new round of costume trends inspired by TV shows, movies, or memes. But classics like witches, vampires, and ghosts never go out of style.

 

For many, choosing the right Halloween costume is an art form. It’s a chance to showcase creativity, humor, and personality. Whether you’re going full-out with makeup and accessories or simply throwing on a mask, it’s all about having fun.

 

Pet Costumes Are a Big Business

 

Yes, even our pets are getting in on the Halloween fun! Believe it or not, $100 million has been spent in Canada on costumes for their pets every year. From dogs dressed as superheroes to cats sporting tiny pumpkin hats, it seems like no member of the family is left out of the spooky celebration. I’m hopeful that owners make sure their furry friends are comfortable, though. After all, the pets might not appreciate that adorable hot dog costume as much as they do!

 

Haunted Houses

 

For those who crave a bit more excitement during Halloween, haunted houses are the way to go. These

spooky attractions are designed to scare the daylights out of you, with everything from fake blood and eerie sound effects to actors dressed as ghouls. Some haunted houses are so popular that people will wait in line for hours just to get a taste of the thrill.


Interestingly, haunted houses have become big business in Canada. Each year, hundreds of them pop up, offering everything from mild scares to full-on, heart-pounding terror. Whether you're someone who loves the adrenaline rush or prefers to hang back and watch others get scared, haunted houses are an undeniable part of the Halloween tradition.

 

The World's Largest Haunted House Is in Japan

 

If you think the haunted houses near you are scary, you haven't seen anything! The world's largest haunted house is located in Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park in Japan. It’s called the "Super Scary Labyrinth of Fear," and it takes about 50 minutes to walk through. Apparently, it’s a spine-chilling experience!

 

Halloween Movies

 

Another favorite Halloween tradition is the endless stream of horror movies. Whether you’re into classic slasher films or prefer something more family-friendly like “Hocus Pocus,” there’s no shortage of films to set the Halloween mood. Some of us love the jump-scares, while others prefer a good ghost story or a bit of zombie action.




But not all Halloween movies have to be scary. There’s a whole genre of family-friendly films that capture the fun without the terror. Films like "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" or "The Nightmare Before Christmas" have become staples for those who prefer a lighter side of Halloween.  I personally fall into this category.  The others would give me nightmares for months.

 

Trick or Treating: Not Just for Kids

 

Halloween is often seen as a children's holiday, but trick-or-treating can be just as much fun for adults. Whether you're the one handing out candy or joining in on the costume fun, Halloween is for everyone. Many neighborhoods transform into spooky wonderlands, with houses decked out in eerie decorations and friendly competitions for the best-dressed family or scariest lawn.

 

For those who love Halloween but feel "too old" for trick-or-treating, don't worry! Many communities host adult-friendly events, from costume parties to themed nights at local bars or restaurants. It’s a night where everyone, regardless of age, gets to let loose and enjoy a little bit of spooky magic.

 

The Most Popular Halloween Candy

 

Curious about what the top Halloween candy is? Every year, surveys reveal the most popular treats, and while it can vary by region, some classics remain consistent. The top favorites? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups often take the crown, followed by Snickers and M&M’s. But no matter your favorite, one thing’s for sure: Halloween candy is serious business, and everyone has their top pick.

 

Perhaps the best part of Halloween is that it brings people together. From neighborhood trick-or-treating to community events, Halloween is a chance for families, friends, and even strangers to come together for a night of fun. There’s something magical about walking through the streets and seeing everyone’s creativity on display—from decked-out homes to people of all ages in costumes.

 

Whether you’re carving pumpkins, planning the perfect costume, or simply enjoying the cooler weather, it’s a time to connect with others, and indulge in a little spooky fun.


Halloween has something for everyone—it’s no wonder it's one of the most loved holidays!

 

This October 31st, dive into the Halloween spirit—whether you're a ghost, a goblin, or just up for a night of fun and magic - be safe - and ENJOY!




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