How to Make a Day of the Dead Mask

Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday honoring lost loved ones that's celebrated around the same time as Halloween. Making a Day of the Dead mask is a great way to teach kids about the holiday while also passing a fun afternoon making crafts. The easiest solution, especially if you’re doing this with young children or as a classroom activity, is to print out skull templates and make paper masks. Just cut them out and decorate them however you’d like! If you're creating a costume, grab a plain white plastic mask from a craft store and decorate it with traditional Day of the Dead designs.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Creating a Simple Paper Mask

1. Search for a Day of the Dead skull shape template online. You can find a lot of cool Day of the Dead mask templates online. If you have small children or are planning this as a classroom activity, this is a great option. Run a search for “Day of the Dead mask template” or “calavera template” and browse through the available options.
   
   
   
   • If you’re having trouble finding templates, check out the 4 printable options here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B95QypGcCj4ZT2x5NnBNb2VUd00/edit
   • You can find another template option here: https://www.triedandtrueblog.com/triedandtrue/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/diadelosmuertos_printable_heart1.pdf
   • You can also check your local craft store for wooden skull masks or Day of the Dead skull coloring pages.^[1]
2. Print out the template on regular printer paper or cardstock. Regular white printer paper will work just fine for this, but if you want something sturdier, use construction paper or cardstock for your mask. You don’t need any colored ink for this—black ink works perfectly and creates an authentic look.^[2]
   
   • Don’t worry—you'll be decorating the mask later, so you can make it as colorful as you like at that point.
   • Many templates have designs on the skull already, which makes it super easy to create an authentic-looking mask. You can choose a blank skull template and draw in your own designs if you prefer, though.
3. Cut around the perimeter of the skull to create the base of the mask. Printable templates have easy-to-follow lines that you or your child can easily cut out. Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut out the skull template and toss the excess paper in the trash.^[3]
   
   
   • Cut out the eye holes if you want a mask you can see through. You don’t have to do this, but it can make the masks more fun and interactive.
4. Draw in traditional Day of the Dead designs with a Sharpie, if desired. The easiest templates already have authentic details and designs included on the skull face. If you printed out a blank skull template, use a permanent black marker to draw on flowers, hearts, animals, curlicue shapes, and other traditional Day of the Dead designs.^[4]
   
   
   • It can help to look at traditional designs online and mimic them if you aren’t sure what to draw on your skull.
5. Use markers or crayons to color in the designs any way you’d like. Day of the Dead skulls are traditionally quite colorful, so feel free to use any colors that you’d like to fill in the designs. Bright colors like orange, yellow, and aqua are common, but you can really go with any color palette you want. Encourage the kids to get creative!^[5]
   
   
6. Add fun accents like glitter, sequins, or stick-on rhinestones, if desired. Feel free to customize your mask any way you’d like. Glitter glue is an easy, no-mess way to add some sparkle. Stick-on rhinestones and other cool stickers are great options. Gluing felt designs onto the face or a plastic flower at the temple can also look really cool.^[6]
   
   
   • Use hot glue to attach felt, sequins, or plastic flowers securely to the mask. If you’re working with small children, you might want to handle this part yourself.
7. Glue the paper mask to the top of a wooden popsicle stick. Add a dab of hot glue to the end of a wooden popsicle stick or craft stick. Then, press the chin area of the mask carefully onto the glue to attach the wooden stick. Give the glue a few minutes to dry and hold up your Day of the Dead mask to your face.^[7]
   
   
   • School glue or super glue will also work.
8. Talk about the significance of the holiday as you work with the kids. Day of the Dead is a Mexican celebration that happens on the first 2 days of November. It's believed that the passageway between the real world and the spirit world is open during this time so deceased loved ones can visit their families. Families prepare by creating altars, decorating graves, and cooking traditional foods.^[8]
   
   
   
   • Festivities are joyful and often include flowers, music, candles, singing, and dancing.
   • Day of the Dead has been celebrated for centuries and it's roots stretch back to the time of the Aztecs.

[Edit]Making a Strap-On Costume Mask

1. Cover your work surface with cardboard or plastic to protect it. Crafting can get messy! Place a large piece of cardboard on your work surface or tape down a garbage bag so you don't damage the surface.^[9]
   
   
   
   • Be sure to work on a flat, stable surface with plenty of room to spread out your craft supplies.
2. Cut a plastic craft mask around the edges to create a skull shape. Plain white craft masks are usually rounded, but you can use scissors to alter the shape. Cut into the mask about at one of the skull's temples to create a slight indention. Then, cut around the top of the skull to the other temple and cut another indention. Do the same thing under the cheekbones on each side of the face to for an authentic skull shape.^[10]
   
   
   • You can find plain white craft masks made of plastic or cardboard at most craft stores. Be sure to get a mask that has an elastic strap so you can wear your mask once it’s done.
3. Sketch lines around the eyes, nose, and mouth to create a skull face. Use a pencil to lightly sketch in large teeth around the mouth area. Then, change the eyes to be perfectly round circles. Lightly draw an upside-down heart over the nose area so your mask will look like a skull with a skeleton face.^[11]
   
   
4. Draw your favorite Day of the Dead designs on other areas of the skull. Traditional designs include flowers, hearts, curlicues, paisley patterns, and so on. You can place your designs anywhere you'd like. Drawing flower petals around the eyes is a traditional look, but you can be as creative as you want.
   
   
   • If you need inspiration or want to see traditional designs, type “Day of the Dead” mask into your search engine and check out the image results that pop up.^[12]
5. Fill in the eye and nose shapes with black paint or permanent marker. If you’re using black craft paint, use a paintbrush to fill in the eye circles and upside-down heart nose completely. A black Sharpie will create the same effect, so use whatever tools you feel the most comfortable with or have handy.^[13]
   
   
   • If you'd like, draw or paint a black line between the upper and lower teeth and extend the line to the hollow areas under each cheekbone. Then, fill in the small hollow on each side to create a skeleton mouth.
6. Use colorful paint or permanent markers to fill in your sketched designs. Day of the Dead masks are traditionally very bright, so feel free to use any color palette that you like. Yellow, blue, red, orange, and green are all great options for your mask.^[14]
   
   
   • Give paint an hour or so to dry before moving on to the next step. If you used permanent marker, this should only take a few minutes.
7. Outline the designs with black 3D paint or a black Sharpie. Make sure paint is totally dry before you do this! Then, outline all of your designs in black for a traditional look. Using a black permanent marker is an easy option, but you can also create cool texture with squeeze tubes of 3D paint.^[15]
   
   
   • You can buy 3D paint in squeeze tubes from any craft store.
   • Try accenting the black outlines with gold or silver for an even cooler look!
8. Hot glue small craft gems to the skull, if desired. Adding small gems to some of the empty spaces on the skull can take your mask to the next level. Use hot glue to attach the gems or buy the stick-on variety and press them on wherever you like.^[16]
   
   
   
   • To make your design super durable, you may want to add hot glue to the stick-on variety, as well.
   • You can buy small craft gems at any craft store or order them online.
9. Let the mask dry overnight before you wear it. Put the mask somewhere out of the way and let the glue and paint set. At minimum, allow 5-6 hours for this. If possible, let everything set overnight so your mask will be extra durable.^[17]
   
   
   
   • When you're ready to wear your mask, hold it in front of your face and stretch the elastic band over your head to keep it in place.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Feel free to decorate your mask in any way that you’d like. This project is really customizable and fun.
• Cut out the eye holes if you want to be able to see through the mask.

[Edit]Warnings

• Be careful with hot glue! If you’re working with young children, it’s best to handle the hot glue yourself.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Creating a Simple Paper Mask

• Printer paper or construction paper
• Scissors
• Black Sharpie (optional)
• Markers or crayons
• Glitter glue (optional)
• Stick-on rhinestones (optional)
• Sequins (optional)
• Puffy paint (optional)
• 1 wooden popsicle stick per mask
• Hot glue or school glue

[Edit]Making a Strap-On Costume Mask

• Cardboard or plastic garbage bags
• Plain white craft mask (plastic or cardboard)
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Craft paint or permanent markers
• 3D paint (optional)
• Small craft gems (optional)
• Hot glue (optional)

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://growingupbilingual.com/day-of-the-dead-mask-craft/
2. ↑ https://www.createcraftlove.com/day-of-the-dead-mask-printable/
3. ↑ https://www.createcraftlove.com/day-of-the-dead-mask-printable/
4. ↑ https://dayofthedead.holiday/sugar-skull/
5. ↑ https://www.triedandtrueblog.com/dia-de-los-muertos-free-printable/
6. ↑ https://growingupbilingual.com/day-of-the-dead-mask-craft/
7. ↑ https://www.createcraftlove.com/day-of-the-dead-mask-printable/
8. ↑ https://dayofthedead.holiday/history/
9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=17
10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=42
11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=50
12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=35
13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=64
14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=72
15. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=76
16. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=95
17. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMb6j7KMEKE&feature=youtu.be&t=95

How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds

Instead of throwing out the pumpkin seeds after a pumpkin carving session, try roasting them as a delicious snack instead! Rinse the seeds under cold running water before drying them and baking them in the oven until they're golden brown. You can add any sort of seasonings you desire, turning your pumpkin seeds into a spicy, sweet, or simply flavorful treat.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Removing the Seeds from the Pumpkin

1. Remove the top of the pumpkin to access the seeds. If you haven’t already done so, use a sharp cutting knife to cut a circle around the pumpkin’s stem. Make sure the lid is wide enough for your hand to fit through comfortably. Remove the lid once you’re done cutting it.^[1]
   
2. Use a large spoon to scoop the seeds from the pumpkin. The bigger the spoon, the more seeds you’ll be able to remove at once. Scrape the sides of the pumpkin to loosen the seeds and pulp, taking time to scoop out as many seeds as possible.^[2]
   
   
   • You can also use your hands or an object from a pumpkin carving kit.
3. Place all of the seeds and pulp in a large bowl. As you’re scooping out the seeds, place the seeds and pulp in a bowl big enough to hold everything. Remove large pieces of pulp from the seeds as you’re placing them in the bowl, but don’t worry about separating every single string.^[3]
   
   
   • If you’re removing the seeds from a smaller pumpkin, you may not need as large of a bowl.

[Edit]Washing and Drying the Seeds

1. Set the seeds in a colander and rinse them under cold water. This will help loosen the pulp and strings from the seeds, making it easier to clean them. Hold the colander full of seeds under the running water, using your hands to move the seeds around gently.^[4]
   
   
2. Pull the seeds out of the colander and place them on a towel. Once the seeds are mostly clean, take them out of the colander and set them on a clean kitchen towel. If there are any big strings still attached to the seeds, pull these off if possible.^[5]
   
   
   • You can also place the seeds on paper towels, though they may stick.
3. Pat the seeds dry using the kitchen towel. Spread the seeds out on the towel and gently blot the seeds to ensure they’re as dry as possible. Place the seeds in a bowl once they’re dry.^[6]
   
   
   • Instead of blotting the seeds, you can also shake them in the colander to remove excess water.
   • If the seeds are still damp when they go in the oven, they won’t roast well due to the moisture.

[Edit]Adding Seasonings

1. Toss the seeds with oil or butter. Once the clean, dry seeds are in a bowl, pour cooking oil or melted butter into the bowl so that the seeds are lightly covered. Use a large spoon to mix the seeds around with the oil or butter so that each seed is covered evenly.^[7]
   
   
   • Use canola oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil.
   • How much oil or butter you use will depend on how many pumpkin seeds you’re roasting, but it’s best to start with a small amount—you can always add more.
2. Add your desired seasonings. These could be seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper—whichever seasonings are your favorite. Sprinkle the desired amount of seasoning into the bowl of pumpkin seeds.^[8]
   
   
   • Experiment with the type and amount of seasonings, sprinkling in small amounts before adding more.
   • For a simple yet tasty flavor, just add salt and pepper to your pumpkin seeds.
   • Consider adding seasonings like chili powder, Cajun seasoning, or crab seasoning for a stronger flavor.
   • Season with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a sweet snack.
3. Stir the pumpkin seed mixture thoroughly using a large spoon. Stir gently, making sure the pumpkin seeds are evenly coated with oil or butter and your desired seasonings. If you notice that many seeds don’t have seasoning on them, feel free to sprinkle a little bit more into the mixture.^[9]
   
   

[Edit]Baking the Seeds

1. Preheat the oven to and prepare a sheet pan. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper will prevent the seeds from sticking the best, though you can also use aluminum foil. Once the oven is preheated, you're ready to roast your seeds.^[10]
   
2. Spread the seeds out evenly on the baking sheet. Pour the seasoned pumpkin seeds onto the lined baking sheet, using a spoon to spread them out. Try to make sure they aren’t clumped together and are laying flat so they roast evenly.^[11]
   
   
   • If your pumpkin seeds end up layered on top of one another, try baking them in two smaller batches to promote even roasting.
3. Bake the seeds for 20-30 minutes, stirring them occasionally. Remove the baking sheet from the oven every 10 minutes and move the seeds around using a wooden spoon or other kitchen utensil—this will help ensure each seed roasts evenly. Once the seeds look browned, they’re done!^[12]
   
   
4. Eat the seeds warm or let them cool to room temperature. Once the seeds have been removed and the oven is turned off, use a spatula to scoop the seeds into a bowl or other serving dish. You can eat them while they’re still warm from the oven, or let them sit for a few minutes until they’re cool.^[13]
   
   
5. Store the seeds in an airtight container for roughly 1 week. If you want to save your roasted pumpkin seeds, put them in an airtight container such as a mason jar, plastic bag, or piece of tupperware. The seeds will stay fresh for a week or so at room temperature, or you can place them in the freezer for up to a month.^[14]
   
   
   • If placing the seeds in the freezer, they should be in an airtight container as well.
   • Write the date on the container so you remember when the seeds were roasted.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Cutting knife
• Large spoon
• Large bowl
• Colander
• Towel
• Oil or butter
• Seasonings
• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Airtight container (optional)

[Edit]Video

This video shows you a different way to roast pumpkin seeds.

[Edit]Tips

• Place newspaper over your table surfaces for easier cleanup.
• Try using a toaster oven for smaller amounts of pumpkin seeds.
• Add your seasonings after roasting the seeds, if desired.
• The pumpkin seeds can also be added to a salad or soup.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Dry Pumpkin Seeds
• Roast a Pumpkin
• Carve a Pumpkin
• Make Pumpkin Pie Straight from the Pumpkin
• Roast Chestnuts
• Eat Pumpkin Seeds
• Cook With a Convection Toaster Oven

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/roast-pumpkin-seeds/
2. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/roast-pumpkin-seeds/
3. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/roast-pumpkin-seeds/
4. ↑ https://www.jessicagavin.com/how-to-roast-pumpkin-seeds/
5. ↑ https://www.101cookbooks.com/toasted-pumpkin-seeds/
6. ↑ https://www.101cookbooks.com/toasted-pumpkin-seeds/
7. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/roast-pumpkin-seeds/
8. ↑ https://www.jessicagavin.com/how-to-roast-pumpkin-seeds/
9. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/roast-pumpkin-seeds/
10. ↑ https://www.jessicagavin.com/how-to-roast-pumpkin-seeds/
11. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/roast-pumpkin-seeds/
12. ↑ https://www.jessicagavin.com/how-to-roast-pumpkin-seeds/
13. ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/roast-pumpkin-seeds/
14. ↑ https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-roast-pumpkin-seeds/

How to Get Lots of Candy on Halloween

Tired of the usual measly haul of candy? If you'd like to boost your candy stash for the coming weeks, getting lots of candy at Halloween is a fun solution. It's also a cinch with these tried and true candy hogging techniques. Get started at step number one below to get lots of candy at Halloween.

[Edit]Steps

1. Think back to last Halloween in your neighborhood (if you still live in the same area) . Which houses had the best candy to give out, and which had the worst or "so-so" candies? The aim is to pass by houses that are only interested in giving out toothbrushes, apples, and granola bars, or houses where candy is handed out in tiny amounts. Of course you are not going to waste your time in getting the boring everyday candies. You want a lot of quality free candy from your unsuspecting neighbors. Think back and remember who gave you unique candy last year, and who gave a great amount. Plan out your route and take your time with it.
   
   • A neighborhood with small yards and sidewalks allows you to hit more houses in the allotted time. Apartment complexes with many doors can also cut down on walking time.
   • When assessing who gives out lots of candies, ask friends if they can also provide relevant information to allow you to compare notes and target the houses that give the biggest selections. If you're planning with friends, you can also trade later to help even out the candy selection you ultimately receive.
2. Prepare your costume. The quality and fanciness of your costume can affect how many candies you're given. The more interesting, cute, scary, etc., your costume is, the more likely that the candy giver will "reward" you for your effort by giving you more candy. Make sure your costume is recognizable. If you dress up as a traditional sailor that may get you more than a traditional ghost though. Be sure to act in character too, to help complete the effect and totally win over the candy givers. Prepare your costume and focus on trying to get something that is less expensive and easy to make but is totally unique and different from those of others. Get or make something that will get eyes set on you.
   
   • Try doing a pirate costume on a budget by rolling up your pants legs, putting on a belt, and wearing a white button-up shirt. Get an eyepatch and a hat to finish off your costume.^[1]
3. Choose a suitable bag. Use a backpack, a large bag with a drawstring, or a pillowcase to hold all of your trick or treat loot. The bag needs to be easy to carry, able to hold a lot comfortably and strong. In these cases a heavy bucket or heavy type of bag is not a smart choice since you want to get all the candy as possible, so choose a bag that you would find comfortable to carry even when it's stuffed with goodies.
   
   • If you're using a pillowcase and you're concerned it might break or you see it is frayed or even has a hole or two, double it up with another pillowcase.
   • If possible, also have a smaller basket or container. This will enable you to keep your larger treat bag stashed somewhere safe to return to and refill regularly. Or, if you're in your own street, run home and dump the loot and head out again. If you are going with your friend and you will explore farther than your own street, it is a good idea to have another storage bag within your original.
   • It's recommended that you add a light or reflective tape to your candy bag to help make you more visible after dark. You are not just going to return home before dark, that is when the real scares begin!
4. Prepare a map of your intended best candy-giving houses trail. It can be street specific or just a general idea of where to go and where to avoid. This map may help you to keep on track when the foot traffic and parties increase during the night, but it can also serve as a reminder of which houses usually have the best candies. Use the map as a reminder of where you went as well, so that you don't back track and waste time or look greedy!
   
   • If you trick or treat in another suburb known for its amazing candies on Halloween, a map and plan is an absolute must so that you don't get lost.
5. Choose a suitable time to start trick or treating. It's best to start early, when the treats are still in plentiful supply in the houses of your neighborhood. Some houses run out early because they're too generous to begin with; you might as well be the first to take advantage of this generosity!
   
   • The majority of parents take their young children out at the beginning of sunset, to let the kids have a sufficient time before dark. If you want to start this early, be aware you'll be turning up with the little ones. If you have younger siblings, this can be a good excuse to turn up too, or just offer to take the neighbor's kids with you.
   • Note that some cities or neighborhoods start to turn off their lights between 8 pm and 10 pm; don't be out trick or treating too late or you'll miss the treats or get the dregs.
   • Watch the houses that turn off their lights; this is the standard indication that Halloween is over for that household, or that they've run out of goodies.
6. Bring your manners. Grown-ups like manners, it's just the way they're built; accept that being polite will win you more candies than being evasive, gruff, or rude. Compliment the householder on their Halloween decorations. And always say "Trick or treat?" with a big smile. The evening is about having fun with others; be thoughtful enough to make it seem that each house is worth more than just being a loot filling station!
   
7. Avoid lingering at any Halloween parties, haunted houses, or special events. Even though they all look or sound cool, every minute counts while going from house to house in one night. Any obstacle will deter you from your candy goal. Unless you're certain that there is candy to be had at any of these places, consider not even venturing into them. You can always go back and check them out later (mark them on your map).
   
   • Don't eat your candies as you're going. The time spent eating them and the sugar high will slow you down!
8. Double back in a new costume. If you're really keen for more candies, change your costume or mask and return to the same houses for more. If you do this though, make sure you're not recognizable or the people might refuse to give you anything, or worse, demand that you give back the second lot of candy. Fool them into thinking you are another child, of course don't you want to show off once you are home!
   
   • Toss a bedsheet over your body and cut 2 holes for the eyes to quickly make a ghost costume. Just make sure that the sheet is so long that you trip over it.^[2]
   • Another tip is to empty your container as often as possible so that it looks as if you've just started trick or treating or as if other people have been stingy; this may encourage people to offer you more candies than if your bucket is full.
9. Form a candy gang. This way more of you can cover greater distances and then share your spoils together. Gather back together at a certain time and place to share or trade candies. Use a trading method on two small candies for a big one or qualities per candy. The trading method works when someone does not like something they got and would like another candy, or when they've hit the jackpot and have been given too many of one sort.
   
   • When you do go trick or treating as a group, keep the numbers small. It's less overwhelming for the householder to have just a few kids on the doorstep, and easier to give out the candies. It's also less likely to result in trading arguments at the end.
10. Find a map of your city online or at your local library and highlight the places you're allowed to go to. Write down the directions on a piece of notebook paper and keep the map and the directions together while you're trick-or-treating. Go over them with your parents to make sure you're allowed to go there.
    

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Small children often give out more candy than adults so be sure to visit houses where you see kids giving out the candy.
• Wear something flexible so you can go to more houses without being uncomfortable. Try to wear something that reflects in car headlights for safety.
• You'll need a backpack to store extra costumes, back-up candy bags, and anything else you want to bring with you.
• If the person lets you take the candy out of the bucket yourself, put on a sweet voice and ask, "How many can I get?".
• If you have a bike and a bike basket, use them. It is quick and easy transportation.
• Some people may say you're too old, so have an excuse. A good, believable one would be "I'm just taking my younger brother/sister/cousin."
• If you have a family member or friend who drives, ask them to pick you up and drop you off in another neighborhood for different results.
• If you have a sibling or cousin, this is a must. You both go your separate ways for a while but make sure you are both supervised, then when you come back take her on your street so they can give your sibling/cousin candy-and you.
• If you are really desperate for more candies, take along another basket and say it's for your sick friend or sibling. The karma of such a lie rests with you.
• If you live very close to a long street with many houses they may all have candy! You can get tons and some may even set bowls of candy outside to take for yourself (if you want to maximize your candy, take the whole bowl – knowing that you're pretty much a meanie doing so).
• Try to cover more in big communities in less time. It also helps to get more endurance.
• If it's toward the end of the night, ask homeowners if they think they're going to have leftover candy that will just get thrown out. If they say yes, ask if you can have an extra piece or two. They might even give you three or four. If they overestimated how much they should buy, or it's a rainy night (and there weren't a lot of trick or treaters), they might even give you more! Just remember to be polite when you ask.
• While it may be fun to focus on getting loads of candy, stay safe while crossing the street or darting in the middle of roads.
• Bring water. You will get thirsty while trick or treating so it helps if you have water on hand.
• If you are a young child, you can bring along a stuffed animal and ask if it can have some candy, too.
• If you have a costume that requires batteries bring a backpack with extra batteries just in case. You can bring some for your friend if they need them too.
• Some big shopping malls may save a few hours on Halloween where they might give out candy for free to those trick-or-treaters. Contact the stores in the mall that you suspect might have this similar policy to find out if yours is sponsoring one.
• If you have broken a limb, go with the cast showing for sympathy candy. This works best with younger kids or cuter and less scary costumes. Try not to make it look like part of your costume.
• Most streets have houses on both sides. Visit all the houses on one side until it's time to turn back, then hit all the houses on the other.
• Bring two bags for your candy, and make sure you have your friends for this. Go up one at a time and let them hold your extra bag. Empty your candy into the bonus bag, but leave about five small pieces in your main bag. They might feel bad for you and give you even more than they otherwise would.

[Edit]Warnings

• Don't scare small children to get candy. It's mean and is likely to get you into trouble.
• Do not go to houses with lights off. The people living there may be sleeping or fed up with trick or treating.
• If you see that the front lights are off at a house, do not ring the doorbell. It means that they're not participating and they might be annoyed by you doing so.
• Even though it's Halloween, don't eat too much candy in one night. It's best that you save some for other nights and, eating too much can get you sick. Keep a stash to enjoy over the upcoming weeks.
• Try to stick together. Bring a friend or two with you for safety.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Bag or basket for carrying candies and loot bag
• Backpack for carrying costumes, etc.
• Costume(s)
• Transport
• Warm, safe clothing, preferably something reflective
• Map of where you're headed

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Celebrate Halloween as a Teenager
• Trick or Treat
• Avoid Having Anything to Do with Halloween
• Stop Being Selfish

[Edit]References

1. ↑ [v162256_b01]. 17 November 2022.
2. ↑ [v162256_b01]. 17 November 2022.

How to Make Ghosts in a Dirt Graveyard

Once you create this dessert treat, it will look more realistic than just food. The following recipe will serve 15 to 18 hungry little "goblins".

[Edit]Ingredients

• 16 ounce (450g) package of Oreo sandwich cookies
• 3 1/2 cups of cold milk
• 12 ounce tub of Cool Whip (thawed)
• 2 packages (4-serving size each) of Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding and Pie Filling
• Assorted cookies, candies, candy corn, candy pumpkins, etc.
• Decorative icing

[Edit]Steps

1. Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush the cookies into fine grains or simple crumbs in a plastic bag.
   
2. Make the pudding by mixing the cold milk with the pudding powders. Whisk everything together for about 2 minutes.
   
3. Mix about 3 cups of the Cool Whip and half of the cookie crumbs into the pudding. Stir thoroughly.
   
4. Pour the cookie pudding mixture into the baking pan and spread it out evenly.
   
5. Layer the top with the rest of the cookie crumbs.
   
6. Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until ready to decorate.
   
7. Take the pan out of the refrigerator. Stick different kinds of cookies halfway into the pan to create the tombstones. Use decorative icing to create inscriptions on each cookie tombstone.
   
8. To make the ghosts, spoon wispy heaps of Cool Whip, layering each scoop smaller and smaller (as if you're making a snowman). Stick on a pair of small candies for the their eyes.
   
9. Sprinkle and insert different candies and candy pumpkins to make other effects of your graveyard. Once you're satisfied with the end result, it's ready to serve at your Halloween party!
   

[Edit]Tips

• You can also read How to Make Ghosts in the Graveyard, a recipe which consists of using peanut butter as the ground and marshmallows for the ghosts.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Rolling pin or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• 13 x 9 inch (22.5cm x 33cm) baking pan
• Spoon
• Display plate or stand

[Edit]References

• Adapted from, "Ghosts in the Graveyard", Kraft Halloween, 2002:16.

How to Celebrate Halloween

Halloween (also known as All Hallow’s Eve, All Saint’s Eve, and Samhain in some parts of the world) falls on the 31st of October every year. For many people who celebrate it, the holiday is a chance to get together with friends and family and have some spooky fun. There are all sorts of exciting ways to get in on the festivities of Halloween, from costume parties and macabre decorations to special seasonal activities like trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and hair-raising ghost tours.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Planning a Halloween Party

1. Ask your guests to wear costumes. No matter how old you are, dressing up is one of the funnest parts of Halloween. If you decide to host a party, encourage your invited guests to show up in costume. You might select a particular theme, such as vampires or Star Wars characters, or you could simply let everyone show off their creativity in a costume of their choosing.^[1]
   
   • For larger parties, you might even hold a contest and have the other partygoers vote on their favorite costumes. Offer prizes for different categories, such as “overall best,” "scariest," "funniest," and “most clever idea.”^[2]
   • Keep in mind that not everyone likes playing dress up, and that’s okay. If you have guests who would prefer not to wear costumes, don’t try to force them to.
2. Put together a playlist of spooky tunes. Holiday-appropriate hits like Boris Pickett’s “Monster Mash” and “Riboflavin-Flavored, Non-Carbonated, Polyunsaturated Blood” by Don Hinson and the Rigamorticians have been giving partygoers goosebumps for decades. For a more contemporary twist, you can also queue up some pop favorites like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” The Cranberries’ “Zombie,” and “Howlin’ for You” by The Black Keys.^[3]
   
   • Other popular additions to hip Halloween playlists include “Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon, “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads, “Disturbia” by Rihanna, and “Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones.
   • Pad your playlist with the theme songs from iconic horror movie franchises like “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th.”^[4]
3. Mix up some putrid Halloween punch. Start with a blend of fizzy soda pop and tangy fruit juices—you’ll find lots of simple and tasty recipes online. Once you’ve got your punch tasting the way you want, add a few drops of food coloring to make it resemble blood, yucky green slime, or bubbling purple witches’ brew.^[5]
   
   • To make a simple yet satisfying Halloween punch, combine of ginger ale with of pineapple juice, of fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a few scoops of lime sherbet. Serve your punch in a plastic cauldron on top of a block of dry ice for added "witchiness"!^[6]
   • For a more gruesome touch, create edible "eyeballs" by stuffing blueberries into larger lychee berries and plop them into your punch so they stare back at your guests from the surface.^[7]
   • If you're planning on serving alcohol at your party, consider whipping up a second bowl of punch that you can spike with your favorite liquor. Label your punches to indicate which is which, and keep your alcoholic concoctions off-limits to underage guests.
4. Offer an assortment of scrumptious Halloween-themed treats. Set out trays piled high with tantalizing sweets like cookies, cupcakes, and chocolates, or keep it simple with a few baskets of candy. If you have a knack for food decoration, this can be a great opportunity to conduct mad science experiments on your own Halloween-themed confections, such as candy apple skulls, vampire fang cookies, and layered candy corn parfaits.^[8]
   
   • Don’t forget to also provide a few nutritious snacks, like a veggie tray or some homemade granola bars, for your more health-conscious guests.
   • Label the various items you put out and list their major ingredients (like the kind of nuts you used to make your brownies) in case any of your guests have food allergies or sensitivities.
5. Bob for apples. Bobbing for apples is a beloved Halloween tradition, and a never-ending source of entertainment. Fill a large bucket or wash tub with water, dump in a few apples, and challenge your guests to try to pluck them out using only their mouths. Win or lose, you can bet that there will be no shortage of laughs.^[9]
   
   • If apples aren’t your thing, you can bob for other items, too, such as pears, marshmallows, or plastic-wrapped candies. Just about any small food or beverage item will work, so long as it floats and won't disintegrate in water.^[10]
   • Bobbing for apples is good, clean fun, making it a perfect activity for parties with kids and younger guests in attendance.
6. Screen a selection of scary movies. Turn your home into a theater of terror with a private showing of some hair-raising fright flicks. Stick with timeless classics like Halloween, Night of the Living Dead, The Exorcist, or House on Haunted Hill, or scare the living daylights out of your guests with chilling new offerings like IT, Get Out, The Nun, or the Pet Sematary remake.^[11]
   
   • Only show movies that are appropriate for the average age of your guests. The last thing you want to do is give some poor child nightmares! If you're looking for some kid-friendly titles, try Beetlejuice, The Adams Family, Hocus Pocus, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Frankenweenie, or Hotel Transylvania.
   • If there’s going to be alcohol at your party, start a drinking game for of-age guests who want to play along with the movies you’re watching. For instance, you might take a drink anytime someone screams or a doomed character splits off from the group.^[12]
   • Horror movies can make excellent background noise for a Halloween party, even if no one is watching.^[13]
7. Hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. If you live in a residential area, chances are you’ll be visited by at least a couple waves of costumed creepers throughout the night. Keep 1 or 2 bowls of candy or other treats on hand and take turns passing out handfuls to the boys and ghouls who find their way to your door.^[14]
   
   • Try to guess what your trick-or-treaters are as you portion out their treats.
   • If you’d rather not have to keep running back and forth to the door while you’re entertaining your guests, set out an oversized bowl of candy, along with a note instructing trick-or-treaters to take a single piece for themselves. The kids in your neighborhood will be thankful that you did!^[15]

[Edit]Decorating for the Holiday

1. Carve jack-o-lanterns.^[16] Pick up some plump pumpkins from the supermarket or your local pumpkin patch. Remove the tops from the pumpkins, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and cut frightening faces or other festive designs into one side. When you’re happy with your work, place a candle inside each pumpkin and replace the lid to bring your jack-o-lantern to life with an eerie glow.^[17]
   
   • There are many premade jack-o-lantern stencils available online if you’re not sure what to carve. Just print out a stencil that catches your eye, pin or tape it to the face of your pumpkin, and cut carefully around the dotted lines.^[18]
   • Give big kids a hand with knives, saws, and other potentially-dangerous carving tools, and keep them away from smaller children entirely.
2. Paint pumpkins with small children. Kids and pumpkin-carving tools are a bad mix. If you have young children at home, a safer alternative is to pick out pumpkins in varying shapes and sizes and decorate them with acrylic paint. Afterwards, use your finished pumpkins to adorn your dining table, porch steps, or window sills.^[19]
   
   • Have your kids personalize their pumpkins with monsters, animals, or characters from their favorite books, movies, or TV shows.
   • Pumpkins patterned with autumn leaves, flowers, or abstract designs can also serve as great seasonal decorations in childless homes.^[20]
3. Hang fake spider webs to give your home a haunted vibe. Suspend webs from places like long, dark hallways, staircases, light fixtures, and the corners of your ceiling. Use strips of tape for easy removal later on. To make your staging more realistic, stick a couple plastic spiders in each web.^[21]
   
   • You’ll find packages of fake spider webs at any supermarket, department store, or costume shop around Halloween.
   • Ideally, your webs should hang high enough to prevent your guests from getting tangled in them.
4. Fill your home with balloon ghosts. Blow up and tie off a cluster of large balloons and insert them into plain white garbage bags. Twist the excess material around the bottoms of the balloons and secure them with rubber bands. Use a permanent marker to draw eyes and other features onto your balloon, then release them to instantly haunt your office, kitchen, or living room.^[22]
   
   • Renting a helium tank can save you a considerable amount of time and lung power if you’re going to be blowing up a lot of balloons at once. Helium is also a must if you want your balloons to float on their own.
5. Turn any door into a cute yet menacing mummy. Wind strips of toilet paper or white crepe paper across your front door or the door that leads to your party space. Cut two hypnotizing eyes out of construction paper and tape them to the door between 2 rows of paper. If you like, you can also place a few overlapping sheets of wrinkled green or yellow tissue paper beneath the bandages to create the effect of gnarled skin straight from the tomb!
   
   • Scribble criss-crossing red lines onto your construction paper eyeballs using a red pen, marker, or crayon to lend them a bloodshot appearance.
   • Another fast and easy option is to use giant stick-on googly eyes, which you can buy online or at most major arts and crafts stores.^[23]
6. Convert an ordinary end table to a ghostly candy stand. Drape a white sheet over the table, then cut out pieces of scrap fabric in the shape of eyes and a mouth and pin them to the lower part of the sheet. Finally, place a large bowl in the center of the table and fill it with candy. The billowing sheet will make the table look like a moaning ghost, offering up tricks and treats.^[24]
   
   • Use a plastic bowl, if possible. A glass bowl could easily break if somewhere were to accidentally step on the sheet.

[Edit]Enjoying Other Seasonal Activities

1. Go trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treating is practically synonymous with Halloween. If you have small children, or you’re still young enough to get in on the action yourself, venture out in your most impressive costume and go door-to-door in your neighborhood collecting candy. Be sure to bring along a bucket or bag big enough to lug your haul home!^[25]
   
   • Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight to make yourself visible to drivers once it gets dark, and remember to walk, not run.
   • Not everyone enjoys receiving trick-or-treaters on Halloween. If you come to a house that has its lights off, it’s usually a sign that the person who lives there doesn’t wish to participate.
2. Test your courage with a trip to a haunted house. Gather a group of adventurous friends and see if you can survive a tour of your most harrowing local haunted house attraction. This can be an exhilarating way to celebrate the holiday’s darker themes, especially if you’re an adrenaline junkie. Just beware: you’re in for a scare!^[26]
   
   • Run a quick search for “haunted house” plus the name of your city to find a list of haunted house attractions in your area.
   • Haunted houses aren’t for the faint of heart—literally. You may be better off sitting this one out if you suffer from heart problems, seizures, or another medical condition that might be triggered by lights and loud noises.^[27]
3. Look for special screenings at the movie theater. Some theaters run special events during the Halloween season, such as costume nights and limited big-screen showings of classic horror flicks. In some cases, they may even offer free or discounted tickets. Check the showtimes online or in your local newspaper to find out if any theaters near you are getting in on the action.^[28]
   
   • A group outing to the theater can be fun way to enjoy Halloween if you're not really the partying type, or you just feel like hitting the town.
   • While deciding what movie you want to see, remember that you must be at least 17 years old to get into R-rated features without being accompanied by an adult.^[29]
4. Sign up for a ghost tour to learn about your area’s haunted history. Almost all towns and cities offer guided ghost tours to interested residents and tourists alike. One of these tours can give you a fascinating glimpse into local lore and legend while also showing you parts of your neck of the woods that you may have never seen before.^[30]
   
   • Most ghost tours take place on foot in the late evening, which means you’ll need to wear a pair of comfortable shoes and a light jacket and be prepared to stand and walk for up to 3 hours.^[31]
   • Be sure to pack a camera or smartphone, as well. If you’re lucky, you may capture an image of an actual ghost!
   • Ghost tours tend to fill up quickly the closer it gets to Halloween, so be sure to purchase your tickets as far ahead of time as possible.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Scare Someone on Halloween
• Celebrate Halloween as a Teenager
• Get Lots of Candy on Halloween
• Make a Haunted House in Your Front Yard

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.noodle.com/articles/alternative-ways-to-celebrate-halloween
2. ↑ https://blog.partydelights.co.uk/how-to-do-a-halloween-costume-competition/
3. ↑ https://www.marieclaire.com/celebrity/a11293/halloween-playlist-2014/
4. ↑ https://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2013/10/the-8-most-iconic-horror-theme-songs.html
5. ↑ http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g3488/halloween-punch/
6. ↑ https://www.sugarhero.com/witchs-brew-halloween-punch/
7. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/blueberry-rickety-eyeball-punch-recipe-2108558
8. ↑ https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/halloween/g151/halloween-desserts/
9. ↑ https://www.noodle.com/articles/alternative-ways-to-celebrate-halloween
10. ↑ https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/6-things-to-bob-for-this-halloween-other-than-apples
11. ↑ http://collider.com/best-horror-movies-to-watch-on-halloween/
12. ↑ https://closeronline.co.uk/entertainment/soaps/halloween-party-inspiration-ultimate-horror-movie-drinking-game-adults/
13. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/halloween/halloween-party-checklist
14. ↑ https://holidappy.com/holidays/How-to-Celebrate-Halloween-at-Home
15. ↑ https://www.thepinningmama.com/hand-out-candy-when-you-arent-home-halloween/
16. ↑ [v161599_b01]. 9 October 2020.
17. ↑ https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/halloween
18. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/halloween/pumpkin-carving/printable-pumpkin-stencils/
19. ↑ https://artfulparent.com/pumpkin-painting-a-halloween-activity-for-toddlers/
20. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g2592/pumpkin-painting-ideas/
21. ↑ https://holidappy.com/holidays/How-to-Celebrate-Halloween-at-Home
22. ↑ http://thestir.cafemom.com/home_garden/127352/how_to_decorate_your_house/119802/mad_scientist_specimens/4
23. ↑ https://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/giant-googly-eyes/
24. ↑ http://www.womansday.com/life/g1908/cheap-and-easy-ways-to-celebrate-halloween/?slide=4
25. ↑ https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/halloween
26. ↑ https://www.travelandleisure.com/holiday-travel/halloween/halloween-best-haunted-houses-united-states
27. ↑ https://www.today.com/health/caution-haunted-houses-may-be-hazardous-your-heart-t104379
28. ↑ https://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/top-halloween-events-and-activities-in-philadelphia/
29. ↑ https://www.mpaa.org/film-ratings/
30. ↑ https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/best-ghost-tours-in-america
31. ↑ https://boroughsofthedead.com/walking-tours-all-weather/