In my family, we never really celebrated Halloween.
We never really dressed up or watched a movie. We just had a normal evening, and shut the curtains. I think I went trick or treating once, growing up. I don’t remember it being very enjoyable.
I think I usually ended up reading some stories, or writing some, or just going to bed early. It wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t mind. I only went trick or treating to fit in really. I didn’t miss it.
These days, I have my own way of celebrating the season.
I usually try to read or listen to some Edgar Allan Poe. In my opinion, he is the master of horror stories, and the supernatural, and the language he uses is just beautiful. His stories always send a shiver up my spine, no matter how many times I read them. I have a collection on Audible, and will read them on Sunday. Even though this year Audible might freak out, as I have recently been reading Sense and Sensibility.
This year, I am doing something new for Halloween. There is this Storyteller on Zoom, and he’s brilliant. He has a way of making the story come alive, as if you’re there too, and tells each story with love and passion. He tells old stories, mainly folklore and myths. He’s done several wonderful sessions, reading Beowulf and the Eddas, and some dragon stories. He’s doing a Halloween version, some spooky stories from myths and folklore, and I’m really excited.
I usually end up writing something on Halloween, inspired by the season. I have done a few spooky stories recently, and looking forward to a flash fiction festival this weekend that is Halloween themed.
I recently started listening to some Halloween music. Theres this Spooky Swing playlist on YouTube and Spotify which I’m enjoying. It’s all jazz and swing, but all themed on Halloween. It’s upbeat and joyful, and makes me smile, despite being about death. I also found these Vintage Halloween playlists from the 1920s and 30s which I have enjoyed recently, as they are really fun and jazzy and hoped me focus whole working.
I will probably end up doing a music practice on Saturday, for wind band. In terms of Halloween music, there is always the Grieg. In the Hall of the Moutain King has its staccato notes making it sound spooky, plus its association with Alton Towers Halloween rides from a few years back. Its fun to do, as you go faster and faster and get filled with adrenaline by the end.
These are all ways I will be enjoying Halloween this year, even if they are a little unusual.
