Being a kid, the world is magical, everything around us is mesmerizing, our imagination transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The holidays especially brought this out. Whether it was the joy of counting down from 10 at midnight for the New Year, exchanging Valentines with your entire class or watching the fireworks in awe on the Fourth of July, all were magical experiences.
However, a cardinal rule that almost everyone could agree on, was that nothing came close to this time of year; Halloween, Thanksgiving and the king of all-things magic, Christmas. Fifty-five days make up this magic time period.
These three holidays were the most anticipated events of the year growing up. Unfortunately, as we mature, the magic has started to fade, and now, it takes a little more than candy and Santa to get us in to the holiday spirit.
If you are having a hard time conjuring up that magical feeling again and getting excited for Halloween seems like too much effort, here are a few ways to make your home away from home feel more festive and to get into the holiday spirit.
Fall-time Activities
Take a 20-minute drive to Schuster’s farm in Deerfield, Wisconsin in order to get your fix for fall. With pumpkins ranging from many sizes, colors and types for very low prices, buying these fall gourds will make your home all the more festive. Take it from me, I bought seven mini-white pumpkins and a spaghetti squash (that fed me for five meals), all for $6.
Pumpkins
You might be wondering, what could you possibly need seven mini-white pumpkins for, and I will tell you, pumpkin crafting. If you are anything like my roommates, carving a pumpkin and scooping out its guts is the last thing you want to do. So, instead of making a mess, getting the seeds everywhere and feeling the goop in your hands, think outside the rind.
Try painting, drawing or gluing on buttons or ribbons your pumpkins with fun designs for the spook-tacular holiday. Not only will they look fantastic, but they will also last longer and smell better than the bigger carved pumpkins you carved growing up.
Decorate
It may seem simple, but there is a big difference between an undecorated and a decorated living space during any holiday season. Last year, my roommates and I decided to take a minimalistic approach, because we were cheap and broke, and put up two little wall decals.
In order to get into the mood this year we went all out, we got pumpkin banners, orange fluorescent lights, decorative cloth pumpkins and some Halloween hanging banners. With a mix of those decorations and the constant smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon candles burning, it made a world of difference; our house is incredibly festive and all of us are ready for holiday season to begin.
