🎃 What I Love About Halloween (and What I Don’t)
- Beth Riedler
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
I’ve never been someone who fully embraces Halloween in the traditional sense. The blood, gore, haunted houses, and people jumping out to scare you have never appealed to me. But there are things about this time of year that I truly appreciate — things that feel joyful, magical, and fun!
Childhood Memories
When I think about Halloween, it conjures up memories from childhood all the way into my adult years. In the early days, I didn’t get much say in my costume — what I wore depended on what was being handed down from older siblings or cousins. Would it be a clown, witch, pilgrim, or gypsy (which was definitely the coolest of all the hand-me-downs)?
Even though I didn’t get to choose much back then, I loved the idea of pretending. For one night a year, everyone—child or adult—gets the opportunity to “become” someone or something else. There’s something freeing about setting aside everyday rules and letting your imagination take the lead.
One of my favorite adult costumes was wearing my dad’s U.S. Navy uniform from when he was just 18. I still don’t have the words to describe how deeply meaningful that was for me.
The Joy of Creativity
I love the creativity that Halloween brings! The colors, costumes, clever decorations, and handmade details all spring from someone’s spark of joy. Creativity and imagination are part of who we are, yet we don’t always give ourselves permission to let them shine.
I wonder what would happen if we gave ourselves full permission every day to let our imagination play. I imagine we’d all feel — and the world too — a little more alive.
Our Animal Companions
And of course, we can’t forget the animals in our lives. Many become part of the fun! I’ve seen some pretty clever costumes — hotdogs, pumpkins, bumblebees — just to name a few. Some animals love the extra attention; others, not so much.
If your furry loved one joins in the festivities, make sure their costume is soft, breathable, and comfortable, with nothing that limits movement or blocks vision. The goal is to keep it lighthearted and safe so they can truly enjoy it with you.
A Little Nostalgia
Oh, and about the candy… I grew up going to a Catholic school, so we always had November 1 off for All Saints Day. My mom would schedule our dentist appointments that morning so she wouldn’t need to pull us out of school.
On Halloween, we’d collect a bag full of candy — but weren’t allowed to eat it until after the dentist visit on November 1. Can you say “torture”? 😭
A Playful Spirit
That’s what I love most about Halloween: it gives us permission to play, be creative, expressive, and a little wild in our imaginations. Maybe, like our animals, we can remember that joy often comes from simple moments of playfulness, curiosity, and being fully ourselves — without needing to impress or perform.
Wishing you and your animal companions a Halloween filled with imagination, laughter, and delight! I’d love to hear how you celebrate — do your animal companions dress up? What about you?
Is it time to find out what your furry loved one has to say? Schedule a Fur Baby Speaks experience to get started.
