Halloween is quite a thrilling and fun holiday, beloved by so many, myself included. As someone who follows the Wheel Of The Year, I also find that Halloween pairs wonderfully with its Celtic origin festival, Samhain. Regardless of whether you celebrate one or the other, or both, you can’t deny that it’s one of the best parts of Autumn. Heck, practically everyone I know is ready to start celebrating Spooky Season immediately after American Independence Day. And honestly, who can blame them? Halloween is fun for both children and adults alike.
That said, popular adult Halloween festivities do tend to be quite party and extrovert-centered. But we introverts also have many Halloween and Samhain activities that we deeply enjoy. Some of which we can enjoy in a moment of spooky solitude. Others that allow us to spend the beloved holiday with close family and friends. Then, there are some Halloween activities that may take us introverts outside of our usual comfort zone, but are entirely worth it. Especially given the fact that Halloween is about facing your fears, after all. Especially when doing so leads to a wonderful night of spooky fun.
Cozy, Spooky, and Reflective Solo Activities At Home
As an introvert, it is essential for me to have moments of solitude from time to time. Needless to say, the vast majority of my favorite activities are either solo ventures or activities that can easily be done alone. Naturally, this includes holiday and seasonal festivities, as I love to be in the spirit of my favorite holidays in their respective seasons. And one of the great things about Halloween and Samhain is that it has quite a few solo festivities associated with it. Heck, some Samhain festivities are best taken on as solo ventures. Honestly, many cozy Halloween activities are best enjoyed when you don’t have to socialize through them.
Although this isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy these Halloween festivities with your partner or a few close friends. Especially as their coziness and reflective nature are perfect for connecting on a deeper level with your loved ones. But honestly, I encourage all of my fellow introverts to try all of these Halloween activities completely solo. That way, we can connect more deeply to ourselves. Or simply decompress from a long day of socializing at work or a social event. Whilst indulging in the spirit of the spooky season.
1. Watch Spooky Movies and TV Shows
Horror movies and spooky flicks are an absolute must-watch during the spooky season! I genuinely could not imagine not watching scary movies and horror-themed TV shows in October. The Walking Dead and American Horror Story are iconic to watch in October, even when you’re rewatching old episodes. And we all have our favorite horror movies that we enjoy watching, whether it be a slasher film, ghost story, or suspenseful post-apocalyptic thriller. And let’s not forget about haunting documentaries and true crime stories. Seriously, who doesn’t love to watch something spooky?
My lovely, turn off the news, and put on a horror movie. Or a serial killer documentary. It’ll help you relax this spooky season. Or in the middle of February. No judgment.
2. Read Horror Novels
Do you want to enjoy a horror story or relax to a true crime story, but you’re looking to cut back on screen time? There are plenty of spooky novels out there that you can enjoy during Spooky Season. It can be quite lovely to read a true crime novel as you’re unwinding from a hard day at work. Or to read the goriest horror story as you’re settling down for bed at night, a post-apocalyptic thriller to start your morning. And one of the amazing things about reading a book? It leaves plenty of room for your imagination to run wild and make it as scary as you’d like.
3. Write A Scary Story
As a creative who has always had a love for writing, I must say that it can be quite fun to write scary stories sometimes. Even if it’s not my typical writing style, it’s a fun switch-up from my usual editorial-style creative works. It can be quite interesting to see what your mind can come up with when you give yourself permission to let your imagination run wild. Have some fun with it, and make it as dark or a silly as you’d like. Or maybe even a bit of both, in true “Halloween” or “Friday the 13th” fashion. Write about whatever comes to mind. Whether it be that freaky dream you never forgot about, or a ghost story about that creepy abandoned building downtown.
4. Put Together Your Own Halloween Costumes
Honestly, one of the most fun things about Spooky Season is the costumes! It’s fun to put on a costume and live as a character for an evening on Halloween. But I’m going to be honest with you about something here. I don’t generally like buying Halloween costumes under the premise that I’ll only wear it once. Honestly, I can’t bring myself to purchase any article of clothing or even an accessory that I’ll only wear once. Which is why I prefer to put together my own Halloween costumes either using clothes and accessories that I already own, or new items that I’ll easily be able to repurpose.
Besides, I love the creative challenge of putting together my own costume. I personally love to create looks inspired by a character and being able to put my own spin on it. Or even just make up my own character entirely. If I’m not just going for a vibe or aesthetic.
5. Get Creative With Your Hair And Makeup
Hair and makeup can truly be an art form. But seldom do most of us allow ourselves to truly be creative with it, beyond our everyday hair and makeup looks. Even as someone who isn’t afraid of using bold colors in my makeup looks, I seldom allow myself to just be creative with my makeup. That said, Halloween makes for the perfect excuse to get creative and just play around with your hair and makeup. It’s the perfect day to create looks that don’t suit the everyday, and create looks you wouldn’t normally create. Take it over the top, my lovely. Make it a part of your costume, and just have fun.
6. Turn Your Home Into A Haunted House
Many people go all-out when they “deck the halls” for Christmas. To the point that they’ll even decorate the bathrooms. So why not do the same thing for Halloween and turn your home into a haunted house for the Spooky Season? It can be a lot of fun to create your own haunted house and go all out with it. Perhaps, you could even change up the lighting to be a bit more spooky or dimmer for the month of October. You can always choose to make it cute, but you can also make your home look like it belongs in a horror film for the season. Certainly, it would make the perfect environment for doing all your other Halloween activities at home.
7. Try Some Halloween Crafts and Make Your Own Spooky Decor
If you can’t find the decor piece that you’re looking for, or can’t quite find something that suits your vibe, make it yourself! Honestly, it can be a lot of fun to make your own Halloween decorations and then decorate your space with them. Whether you paint your own design on some plain wooden or ceramic pieces or create something entirely new from scratch is entirely up to you. Heck, you could even simply opt to carve or paint a pumpkin, so it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece you’ll keep around for years to come.
What really matters is using your creativity and having some fun. Whilst forcing yourself to stop doomscrolling and put your energy into creating.
8. Prepare and Enjoy Spooky Treats
On the occasions that I do attend a Halloween party, one of the primary things I get excited about is the sweet treats. And because I strongly believe that occasional indulgences are a part of a healthy lifestyle, I will never shy away from sweets on Halloween. Especially the ones that look absolutely divine and have been decorated to suit the Spooky Season. Honestly, it’s amazing what types of art pieces people can make out of deserts.
That said, it can be quite fun to try your hand at making your own spooky treats for Halloween. Even if you’re not a professional baker, there are plenty of recipes on the internet you can follow. Or you can even opt for a boxed mix to spare yourself the trouble. And if your spooky treats don’t turn out looking that “spooktacular” after decorating? Just eat the evidence.
9. Prepare A “Boo Basket” For A Loved One
While us introverts may not be up for regular social outings, we certainly cherish the connections that we have with those closest to us. And a great way to show some love to someone you love is to prepare them a little gift basket or care package. That said, Halloween is a great occasion to prepare a little “Boo Basket” filled with Halloween-themed goodies and treats. It can be a lot of fun to find a cute Halloween basket and fill it up with Halloween goodies that you know that special person will love. Whether it be cute stationery, spooky self-care items, fuzzy socks, candy, or whatever else, it’s a lovely gift. Especially when packaged in such a cute and thoughtful way.
Whether for your child, partner, or best friend, “Boo Baskets” are so much fun to put together. And they’re a lovely surprise, sure to bring a smile to the face of one of your favorite people.
10. Reflect With Some Halloween and Samhain Journaling Prompts
As a writer, journaling is naturally one of my favorite ways to reflect and articulate my thoughts. Journaling gives me a creative outlet to express my thoughts, and even process some thoughts or emotions I’d otherwise. Or simply not put much thought into. That said, Halloween and Samhain both have quite a few important themes that make for wonderful journaling prompts. Some of which can actually be quite deep. Others that are simply fun and reflective to think about and put on paper.
11. Connect With Your Spirituality
As a spiritual girly, I love to connect to my spirituality and connect to my higher self through tarot and oracle readings. For me, connecting with my spirituality is not a holiday-exclusive activity, but rather a part of my everyday life. But Samhain in particular is a powerful day for connecting with your spirituality through tarot and oracle readings. Or even through the use of Lenormand cards or pendulums. Honestly, it’s all a matter of personal preference and what you feel the most connected to. Although I must say, the Samhain Oracle from the Seasons Of The Witch series is one to strongly consider connecting with on Halloween night.
I know that not everyone is going to resonate with my way of connecting with my spirituality, and that’s okay. Please connect to your spirituality in a way that feels positive, safe, and uplifting for you. Or skip this one altogether. Remember to take what you need and leave what you don’t.
Getting Out There And Connecting
My fellow introverts, I know that some of you are going to roll your eyes at me for this. But we all know deep down that human connection is still an essential part of our emotional well-being. Let’s not even try to deny it, or argue a case that it’s healthy for us to never venture outside the house. Certainly, we don’t need as much social interaction as our extroverted counterparts, but we do need human connection. And Halloween makes for the perfect opportunity for us to connect with others and enjoy some time outside the house. Even if we may not choose to attend a big Halloween party with a ton of strangers.
Besides, Halloween is about facing your fears and stepping outside of your comfort zone a little bit. Whether with your closest friends and family, or even just allowing yourself to be out there to be perceived by others. With that in mind, I’d like to get personal for a second and say that simply getting out of the house and allowing myself to be perceived has been the best thing for helping my social anxiety. And getting out there during Spooky Season to do fun Halloween activities makes it feel more rewarding. Especially with how fun spooky outings can be, whether you go alone or with your loved ones.
12. Visit A Haunted House
Taking a walk through a haunted house can be quite a thrill and can be quite scary. But in the most fun way possible. I personally love to feel that fun bit of fear during the Spooky Season, and nothing brings that feeling quite like visiting a haunted house. And a real-life jump scare is quite the thrill. Especially when you know that it’s all in good fun, and you’re actually quite safe. You can think of it as being in a horror movie where you’ll make it out alive. There’s just something that’s going to make you scream at every corner.
I will say to do your research before going to a haunted house. Simply for the sake of ensuring that it will be a no-touch experience if you’re uncomfortable with being touched by strangers. This goes for both introverts and extroverts. It’s also worth seeking out strobe-free experiences for those who are sensitive to flashing lights.
13. Attend Spooky Halloween Festivals
Halloween festivals can make for a fun and exciting evening during the Spooky Season. Oftentimes, Halloween festivals have a wide range of different activities that you can enjoy with your closest friends. You can find ways to stay entertained all evening at a festival as you enjoy live entertainment, play spooky-themed games, and ride some haunted rides. Many Halloween festivals may even have a haunted house as one of the attractions. So you can tour a haunted house before heading over to grab some spooky treats and drinks to enjoy as you walk around and enjoy your spooky evening.
I also must say, even more generic Autumnal or Fall festivals tend to offer quite a range of Halloween and spooky activities. And they’re often worth visiting during the Spooky Season as well. Especially as we want to make the most of Autumn in itself.
14. Visit Historic And Spooky Sites In Your Area
Although many historic sites aren’t necessarily haunted or spooky per se, it can be quite fun to visit them for Halloween. Especially if you live close to any historical site that is known for paranormal activity or has a dark history. And you don’t necessarily have to go out of your way to travel to Salem, Massachusetts, or Sleepy Hollow, New York, to visit a spooky historical site. There may very well be an old haunted schoolhouse, church, mansion, or other old and historic building that’s open for the public to tour.
And you just might learn some shocking and unsettling things that happened within miles of where you live in the decades or centuries before you were born. Which makes it perfect for Halloween. Especially when you can imagine yourself living through that era. Perhaps in your own hometown.
15. Walk Through A Cemetery
Cemeteries often come to mind when you think about Halloween and Samhain. Cemeteries are quite beautiful, yet eerie, spaces for obvious reasons. And with Samhain being a time for honoring those who have passed on, it can be quite lovely to take a walk through a cemetery on the holiday. Especially if you choose to walk through an older cemetery that often stands in silence, with few visitors. And personally, I’d choose to just walk through the cemetery in silence and just observe. While silently honoring those who no longer physically walk among us.
That said, any time you choose to walk through a cemetery, remember to always be respectful and remember that you’re on sacred grounds. Stick to designated paths whenever possible, and don’t touch or tamper with gravesites. Remember to also be mindful not to disturb mourners and keep your distance from funerals. Etiquette and courtesy matter in these eerie but beautiful sacred spaces.
16. Look At Halloween Lights and Decor At Night
Ever since I was a child, I’d look forward to riding in the car at night in October to look at Halloween lights and decorations. The bigger and more elaborate the display, the more I would be excited to trick or treat at that house. Just to be able to see it more up close and walk through a cool and spooky display. Now, even as an adult, I appreciate when people go all out when they decorate for Halloween. And it can be quite fascinating to just walk or drive around and admire the hard work that others put into their spooky displays. Besides, we all need to go for a scenic walk or drive sometimes.
17. Host A Small Halloween Gathering With Close Friends
While I personally find it quite overwhelming to attend Halloween parties and social events where I hardly know anyone, I do enjoy smaller Halloween gatherings. And the beauty of hosting your own Halloween party? You can control the guest list and keep it to just the people that you’re closest to. That way, you can have an evening of deep connection as you and your closest friends play some spooky games together. Or even just enjoy each other’s company as you eat some spooky treats and watch some horror movies together. It’s wonderful to connect with those closest to you as you enjoy your favorite Halloween activities.
Even if you know you’ll need some solitude on November 1st.
Conclusion
Halloween is certainly a fun holiday, regardless of whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. There are so many thrilling Halloween activities that we can partake in solo, when we’re not up for a social gathering. You don’t even have to leave the house to enjoy many spooky Halloween activities. Besides, it can be quite wonderful to sit in solitude and do my reflective activities for Samhain. But let’s also not forget that it’s also great to step outside our comfort zone and connect with others. Especially when some of the most thrilling Halloween activities are more than worth stepping outside of our comfort zone for.
What are some of your favorite activities to do around Halloween? Do you prefer to celebrate Halloween from the comfort of your own home, or are you eager to get out to spooky festivals and haunted houses? Are you hosting a small Halloween gathering this year or attending one? Do you like to put costumes together and play with different hair and makeup looks during the Spooky Season? I’d love to hear from you, and others would also love to read your ideas if you have any additional ones to add!
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