LIFE

It's officially time to embrace the *spookiest* month of the year. And because family traditions aren't just for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we've rounded up some of the best ways to enjoy time with your parents and sibs this fall and get in the haunted Halloween spirit.

1. Pumpkin picking and carving
You may all go as a family to get a Christmas tree in December, but let that fun begin in October. The whole family can go together and choose a few pumpkins to display on the front porch. Younger siblings can paint silly faces on their pumpkins while your parents help you carve an awesome design that can light up at night and look really creative and fun. Choose from patterns or do a DIY, it's all up to your fam's personal style. Don't forget to roast the pumpkin seeds in the oven for a great fall snack, too.

2. Halloween movie nights
Whether your fam prefers scary or silly, there are tons of fun, Halloween-themed flicks that are good for your whole family. Younger sibs? Try the Charlie Brown Halloween special, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown or a throwback like Halloweentown. The Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas are Halloween classics that your fam might love, too. And of course Hocus Pocus is a must-watch every October. Try setting up a weekly movie night with your fam to enjoy the best spooky movies, complete with buttery popcorn and your favorite Halloween candy.

3. DIY decorations
You may already have some favorite Halloween decorations, but there are always little things you can do to step up your fam's decor this October. Why not lead a group craft sesh that will turn your house into, well, a haunted house. Try these egg carton bats and leaf ghosts or decorate with this awesome front-door mummy. You can add to your collection each year.

4. Halloween bake-off
Christmas cookies? Yes. Pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving? Please. Why not add fright night to the list, too? Give some of your favorite recipes a Halloween twist by adding food coloring or leftover candy corn or look on Pinterest for some new ideas like these Frankenstein rice krispie treats, these spiced chocolate bat cookies or even these peanut butter acorns. Yum!

5. Candy swap
Perfect for the actual day of Halloween, initiate a candy swap with your sibs. Everyone has different tastes, so you can spend the night trading and bartering for your favorite candies. Your parents can even join in with the leftovers. Everyone will have fun trying to negotiate deals for a coveted candy bar (and getting rid of their least faves), plus, you'll end up with the candy you love at the end of the night.

What are your favorite Halloween traditions with your family? Let us know below!

by Linda Horn | 10/11/2017