All Hallows Eve is approaching. As the first of the three major end-of-year holidays, this hauntingly sweet time of year is a favorite of many.
We here at The Slate agree with those Halloween stans, which is why we have decided to discuss some ways you can get ready for the fall fright.
First thing you need to do is decorate, and if you are reading this in our print edition, get moving. Get those pumpkins out front and mix in a few autumnal squashes, if you are feeling artistic.
Next, you have to set the vibe. And since nostalgia is often at the root of what we call aura, what better way to get into a Halloween mood than by watching horror classics like “Friday the 13th,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and the eponymously named “Halloween.” It is the season for slasher flicks.
If that is not your genre, no worries. It would not be October without “Hocus Pocus” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.” Really, any story in the warm-toned woods or set in New England will do.
Next on your to-do list: getting a costume. If you make your own, hopefully its construction is well under way.
If you are purchasing one, pickings may be slim. This year’s hot costumes are the characters from the Neflix hit movie “K-pop Demon Hunters.” News came earlier this month that Netflix did not anticipate the movie to be such a hit, which led to a supply that did not meet the intense demand.
If that trend expands outside Gen Alpha, it remains to be seen this weekend.
Once you are properly disguised, you may consider going to a Halloween party or, if you put in the work, participate in a costume contest.
Maybe a night in is more your style, but you watched all your favorite movies by the time Halloween weekend comes around. No worries.
There are plenty of video games that capture the mood. “Resident Evil,” Silent Hill,” “Dead Rising” and “Alan Wake” are all classic horror games that also have enough sequels to keep you busy until it is time for turkey.
Finally, there is the candy. Even though most readers will have stopped going door to door for the stuff over a decade ago, it is ubiquitous this time of year. Maybe the high prices will spare you the superfluous offerings of sugar this year, but temptation will still abound.
You may indulge, and that is OK. Give those teeth an extra brushing and enjoy, because the holiday rush comes after the sugar one.
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