By Niamh Kelly
The days are getting darker, the trees are becoming bare, and the changing weather now means scarves and jackets can be spotted on every second passerby, however October has always meant one thing to me – Halloween!
We always tend to associate the holiday either with children or highly intoxicated, foolishly dressed adults, but I believe a movie marathon surrounded by friends is the perfect way to reminisce over the childhood joy 31 October brought us – and I’ll give you my idea of the key things you’ll need for a Spooktacular night.
The Big Scream
Firstly, you have to pick what kind of movie you – and possibly your friends – would like to watch for your fright night. If you’re looking for a fun, light – hearted movie to remind you of all the excitement and enjoyment that comes with Halloween, movies such as Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Halloweentown should do the trick (pun intended).
Perhaps you would prefer a movie that aims to disturb, rather than startle? The Shining, A Quiet Place, and Rosemary’s Baby are perfect choices. Or maybe you’re looking for a movie that truly aims to terrify? A movie with all the classic jump scares and gore you can imagine? Movies such as The Conjuring, The Nun, and Insidious are worth watching.
Trick or Treat Yo’Self
As with any movie, snacks are essential. There is the classic movie snack of popcorn, as well as bites like nachos and dip for a group of friends, and for the more adventurous you could prepare Halloween themed grub like toffee apples, ghost shaped cookies, and pretty much anything pumpkin flavoured.
Of course, you could always give in to your younger self and fill bowls with the best selection of sweets you would receive as you scoured the surrounding houses as a child.
Grave Rave
One thing that livens up any night in with friends is a collection of tunes guaranteed to make you either dance or sing like lunatics. Songs from Little Shop of Horrors, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show are my first choices, but there are also non – movie related songs such as ‘Thriller’, ‘Monster Mash’, and ‘Spooky Scary Skeletons’.
All my Ghoulfriends
If there is one piece of advice I could bestow upon Halloween celebrators this October, remember Halloween is an event that is supposed to be shared with others. Whether you were pestering neighbours for treats as a youngster, painting your family members’ faces, or busting out ‘Thriller’ dance moves in school, there was always a sense of community surrounding Halloween.
So, dress up in silly costumes, decorate your bedroom, and have a blast indulging yourself in Halloween festivities with your friends. Don’t allow the togetherness of Halloween to disappear just because you’re in college and too ‘mature’ to have fun anymore. Savour your Halloween experiences, because we all know Christmas enthusiasts will take over as soon as 1 November hits!
Photo by Russell James Smith on Flickr