October is a month full of autumn charm; the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and beauty of the leaves turning from green into vibrant amber and gold are favoured by many. Throughout October, we get to enjoy activities such as apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin everything, and of course celebrating Halloween! As a huge fan of Halloween, I wanted to share some ways to get into the spirit, a bit of history, and, most importantly, some tips for a safe and fun night of spooking on October 31.
It is believed that Halloween originated primarily as an annual Celtic celebration marking the division of the light and dark halves of the year, when the boundary between the living and nonliving was believed to be at its thinnest. Halloween customs, such as dressing in disguises to ward off ghosts and offering food to appease malevolent spirits, were brought to Canada in the mid-to-late 1800s by Irish and Scottish immigrants. North America's first recorded instance of dressing in disguise on Halloween was in Vancouver, B.C., in 1898, while the first recorded use of the term “trick or treat" took place in Lethbridge, AB, in 1927.
While Halloween is an exciting and creative time, ensuring a safe and fun experience for all is essential. Here are a few Halloween tips to help parents, children, and even pets stay safe while enjoying the spooky festivities.
Costume Safety
- Add reflective strips to costumes, bikes, skateboards, and brooms for better visibility at night.
- Check that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping.
- Avoid costumes that obstruct vision; consider face paint if possible.
- Steer clear of open flames and candles as costumes can be highly flammable.
Trick-or-Treating Tips
- Stick to the sidewalks.
- Plan a route ahead of time.
- Cross the street at intersections or crosswalks and look both ways for cars.
- Carry a flashlight to help see and be seen.
- Always accompany young children on their neighbourhood rounds.
- Older children should travel in groups and create a "buddy system" to get each other home safely.
Candy Safety
- Accept treats at the door only—never enter strangers' homes or cars.
- Avoid eating candy until it's inspected by an adult at home.
- Avoid consuming treats if the packaging is already opened.
- Remove choking hazards (such as hard candies, chewy/sticky candies, popcorn, nuts, and marshmallows) from candy hauls if you are trick-or-treating with young children, especially babies and toddlers. (Soft chocolate bars without nuts or hard fillings, and chocolate wafers are a great safer option for little ones).
- Always supervise young children while they're enjoying their Halloween goodies to ensure a safe and fun holiday!
Halloween Safety for Pets
- Consider keeping pets indoors or in a quiet, secure room to avoid the noise and stress of visitors.
- Have your pet on a leash if they will be joining the trick-or-treating adventure.
- Ensure your pet's costume is comfortable and safe with no small parts that could be swallowed.
Halloween isn't just about October 31; here are some ways for everyone to get into the spirit throughout the month:
- Host a pumpkin carving or decorating session for a hands-on family activity.
- Create DIY decorations using items you already have at home, such as "ghost jars" or colouring your own spooky decor.
- Have a Halloween movie night with spooky snacks or share Halloween-themed stories.
- Bake or cook spooky Halloween recipes like pumpkin-shaped cookies, apple doughnuts, or make a festive charcuterie board.
October is full of opportunities for creativity and activities with family and friends. Have fun getting into the spirit and most importantly, stay safe and have a fa-BOO-lous Halloween everyone!
“When black cats prowl and pumpkins gleam, may luck be yours on Halloween." -Unknown
References:
Rachelle Wood
School Trustee – Centre Ward
St James-Assiniboia School Division
For more information on Trustee Wood, visit her bio.
