In The Community
Set Up a “Please Take One” Sign (and Keep an Eye Out)
Photo by Nick Fewings on UnsplashIf you’re not planning to answer the door every time someone comes by, setting out a “Please Take One” sign is the easiest way to keep things organized. But, let’s be real—some trick-or-treaters might be tempted to grab a handful. To keep things under control, keep an eye on the candy stash from a window or camera. Just a little supervision can help prevent candy disasters.
To make the “Please Take One” sign more effective, make it fun or funny, like “The ghosts are watching…” or “Beware the candy curse for greedy hands!” It adds a touch of Halloween magic and might actually make kids think twice.
Portion the Candy to Last All Night
Photo by Carl Raw on UnsplashThere’s always that initial Halloween rush where kids swarm your house, and the candy can disappear faster than you expect. Rather than putting all your candy out at once, try setting out small batches at a time. This way, you can control how much gets taken in those early hours, and you’re less likely to run out before the night is over.
Stash some backup candy for late-night trick-or-treaters who might come after the rush. That way, you’re covered, and no one leaves disappointed.
Make Your Candy Station Spooky and Fun
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev
If you’re setting up a candy bowl outside, make the area festive with a few decorations. Add a skeleton hand reaching out of the bowl, place some creepy LED lights around, or include a small pumpkin with a friendly face to add some character. Not only will it set the mood, but it’ll make the candy station fun for kids to approach (and hopefully give them a reason to just take one).
Use fake cobwebs, mini pumpkins, or a motion-activated Halloween decoration that makes sounds when someone approaches. Kids will love the extra spookiness.
Choose a Sturdy Bowl (and Make It Heavy!)
Photo by Kristina Paukshtite
There’s always that one kid who tries to pick up the whole bowl, so save yourself the hassle by using a large, sturdy bowl for candy. Pick something with weight to it or anchor it down with a few rocks at the bottom. That way, it won’t tip over or “accidentally” get taken with the first enthusiastic trick-or-treater.
If you don’t want to leave your good bowls outside, check dollar stores or thrift shops for cheap, sturdy options you don’t mind leaving out. A heavy pumpkin or cauldron-style bowl works great!
Keep Extra Candy Close By for Easy Refills
Photo by Denny Müller on UnsplashNothing’s worse than realizing the candy bowl is empty and having to run inside to refill it while trick-or-treaters are already approaching. Keep a stash of backup candy right by the door or on a nearby table so you can quickly refill without abandoning your post (or leaving an empty bowl!).
If you’re planning on staying inside, place the candy in easy-to-grab bags for faster refills. Small treat bags also make it easier to portion out candy to avoid running low.
The Mothman
Photo by Neuvalence on UnsplashThe legend of the Mothman dates back to the 1960s when residents of Point Pleasant, West Virginia, began reporting sightings of a strange, winged creature with glowing red eyes. Described as a humanoid figure with a massive wingspan, Mothman sightings became associated with disaster, especially after the tragic collapse of the Silver Bridge in 1967, which killed 46 people. Some say Mothman was an omen, while others believe he caused the disaster. Since then, the creature has become a local legend, with people claiming to see him lurking around the forests and hills of West Virginia.
The Goatman
Photo by Dave Ruck on UnsplashThe Goatman is a half-man, half-goat creature said to haunt the backroads of Prince George’s County, Maryland. According to legend, the Goatman was once a scientist who was mutated in a failed experiment, leading him to roam the woods with an axe, terrorizing locals. Others say he’s the result of a curse. Sightings of the Goatman have persisted for decades, and he’s reportedly responsible for killing pets, livestock, and even unlucky hikers who cross his path. Brave (or foolish) souls sometimes go looking for him near Fletchertown Road, hoping for a glimpse of his hooves in the moonlight.
The Haunted Clinton Road
Photo by benjamin lehman on UnsplashClinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey, is one of the most haunted and mysterious roads in the country. Known for its spooky, winding path through dense woods, this road is home to a series of eerie tales: ghostly apparitions, strange sounds, and phantom vehicles that appear out of nowhere. One of the most famous legends involves the “Ghost Boy of Clinton Road.” If you toss a coin off the bridge into the water, legend has it that the ghost of a boy who drowned there will throw it back up. People also claim to see glowing eyes and hear footsteps following them on dark, foggy nights.
The Bell Witch
Photo by Jessica Furtney on UnsplashThe story of the Bell Witch is one of the oldest and creepiest ghost stories in American history. In the early 1800s, the Bell family of Adams, Tennessee, began experiencing strange phenomena in their home: knocking sounds, disembodied voices, and objects moving on their own. Legend has it that a spirit called “Kate,” known as the Bell Witch, tormented the family for years, particularly targeting John Bell and his daughter Betsy. The spirit allegedly spoke with visitors and claimed to be able to see the future. The hauntings continued for years and supposedly led to John Bell’s mysterious death.
The Slaughterhouse Canyon
Photo by Francesca Scrinzi on UnsplashThe haunting story of Slaughterhouse Canyon in Arizona dates back to the Gold Rush era. The story goes that a family living in the canyon fell on hard times, leaving the father to go in search of food. Days passed, but he never returned. Desperate and starving, the mother went mad and, in her frenzy, murdered her children before taking her own life. Today, locals claim that if you visit Slaughterhouse Canyon at night, you can hear the anguished cries of the mother and her children echoing through the canyon.
The Green Man (aka “Charlie No-Face”)
Photo by kelvin agustinus
The Green Man, also known as “Charlie No-Face,” is based on the true story of Raymond Robinson, a man who was severely disfigured after a childhood accident with an electrical line. Because his appearance scared locals, Robinson only ventured out at night, often walking along the dark roads around Pittsburgh. Over time, his story evolved into a local legend, and he became known as the “Green Man” or “Charlie No-Face.” People began to believe he was an otherworldly figure with a haunting presence, said to scare away anyone who encountered him.
Whether you believe in ghosts, monsters, or cursed roads, each one of these legends brings its own brand of fear, making them perfect stories to share on Halloween—or anytime you’re in the mood for a good scare. Just remember: some stories come with a warning for a reason!
The Day of the Dead (or Día de los Muertos) is one of the most vibrant and meaningful celebrations in Mexican culture. It’s partly why it has become so popular even outside of Mexican culture. It’s a time when families come together to honor their deceased loved ones, but it’s far from the spooky vibe you might associate with Halloween. Instead, it’s a joyful celebration of life, death, and memory. Whether you’re already familiar with it or just curious about what it all means, here are 10 fascinating facts about this beautiful holiday:
It’s Not “Mexican Halloween”
Photo by Kenny Eliason on UnsplashWhile it often gets lumped together with Halloween because of the timing, Day of the Dead is a completely different celebration. It’s not about scares or monsters–it’s a celebration of life and death where families remember and honor their loved ones who have passed. The idea is that during these two days—November 1st (Día de los Inocentes, or Day of the Innocents) and November 2nd (Día de los Muertos)—the spirits of the deceased return to the world of the living to reunite with their families. Far from being spooky, it’s a time of joy, reflection, and connection. Remember the Disney movie “Coco”?
The Roots Go Back to the Aztecs
The tradition of honoring the dead goes back thousands of years, long before Spanish colonization. The Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica held month-long celebrations honoring the deceased, presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl, known as the “Lady of the Dead.” These early celebrations blended with Catholic practices introduced by the Spanish colonists, giving birth to the modern version of Día de los Muertos we know today.
Ofrendas Are More Than Just Decorations
Photo by Roger Ce on UnsplashOne of the most iconic aspects of Day of the Dead is the ofrenda, or altar, built in honor of the departed. But it’s more than just a decorative element. The ofrenda is made with items that are significant to the person being remembered, including their favorite foods, drinks, personal items, and photographs. You’ll also find marigolds (called cempasúchil), candles, and incense. These items are meant to guide the spirits back to the world of the living and make them feel welcomed. Each detail on the ofrenda is a meaningful symbol, from the light of the candles to the fragrance of the flowers. Isn’t that beautiful?
Sugar Skulls Represent the Cycle of Life
Photo by Sam Brand on UnsplashYou’ve likely seen colorful sugar skulls (called calaveras) associated with the Day of the Dead. These skulls are often intricately decorated with bright colors and patterns, symbolizing the sweetness of life and the acceptance of death as a natural part of the human experience. They’re not just for decoration, either—they’re often placed on ofrendas or given as gifts with the name of a loved one written on the forehead, symbolizing the loved one's presence during the celebration.
It’s a National Holiday in Mexico
Photo by Daniela Martinez on UnsplashWhile Día de los Muertos is celebrated in various forms across Latin America, it’s such an important part of Mexican identity that it’s been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 2008. Many parts of Mexico declare public holidays on November 1st and 2nd, and schools, businesses, and government offices often close to allow families time to prepare and celebrate the holiday together. Parades, street festivals, and public ofrendas are common, creating a vibrant, communal atmosphere.
Food Plays a Huge Role
Photo by Gerardo Covarrubias on UnsplashFood is a massive part of Day of the Dead celebrations, with families cooking traditional dishes to place on their ofrendas and share with each other. Some of the most popular offerings include pan de muerto (a sweet, sugary bread topped with bone-shaped decorations), tamales, and mole. These foods aren’t just meant to feed the living; they’re prepared as a feast for the returning spirits, who are believed to enjoy the essence and aroma of the food, even if they can’t physically eat it.
The Marigold Is the Flower of the Dead
Photo by Anushka Sharma on UnsplashIf you’ve ever seen photos of the Day of the Dead, you’ve probably noticed the overwhelming presence of bright orange and yellow marigolds. Known as cempasúchil in Mexico, these flowers are believed to guide spirits back to the world of the living with their vibrant color and strong scent. You’ll find marigold petals scattered across paths, leading from graves to homes, and decorating ofrendas to light the way for the dead.
Catrinas Are a Symbol of Death and Rebirth
Photo by Cortor Media on UnsplashThe elegant skeleton figure known as La Catrina is another widely recognized symbol of Día de los Muertos. Created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, La Catrina was originally a satirical figure mocking Mexico’s upper class. Over time, she’s become a symbol of death and rebirth, representing the idea that no matter who you are in life—rich, poor, young, or old—death is the great equalizer. Today, you’ll see La Catrina’s iconic image in parades, face paintings, and art, embodying the playful acceptance of death.
Visiting Graves Is a Key Tradition
Photo by Anton Darius on UnsplashFor many Mexican families, visiting the graves of their loved ones is a central part of the celebration. Families clean and decorate the gravesites with marigolds, candles, and personal items belonging to the deceased. Some families even spend the night at the cemetery, sharing stories, playing music, and enjoying the favorite foods of their loved ones. It’s not a somber event—it’s filled with laughter, storytelling, and a sense of closeness to the departed.
It’s a Time to Celebrate Life, Not Mourn Death
Photo by Eric Prouzet on UnsplashWhile death is at the center of Día de los Muertos, the holiday is really about celebrating life. It’s an opportunity to honor the lives of those who have passed, remember their stories, and keep their memories alive. The Day of the Dead isn’t a time of sadness! It’s filled with color, music, laughter, and family, and it’s a beautiful reminder that while death is inevitable, love and memory are eternal.
Day of the Dead is a truly unique celebration that highlights the beauty of life, the importance of family, and the rich cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. So, while the marigolds bloom and the candles burn, remember: Día de los Muertos is all about celebrating the connections that transcend life and death.
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