How to Celebrate Halloween as an Introvert
How to Celebrate Halloween as an Introvert
It goes without saying that when you’re an introvert, Halloween can be your worst nightmare. Loud parties, crowds of trick or treaters and horror films aren’t necessarily a good time for us. For many years I really didn’t like Halloween. I assumed it was only for extroverts who loved slasher films and costume parties. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed some of my own traditions that actually make it one of my favorite holidays. Read on to learn how to have a howling good time while still staying in your comfort zone.
Idea #1 Have a Movie Night
Now I know that not everyone likes scary movies. I myself didn’t for a long time. But if you’re not into watching pea soup be spewed everywhere or watching people be stocked by a psycho with a chain saw, there are still plenty of movies that can get you in the spooky mood.
Some of my favorites are from the OG Alfred Hitchcock. While they are often mocked and considered outdated, I personally find them charming with just enough creepy and a whole lot of vintage charm. My all time favorite is Vertigo. If you aren’t familiar with this one, it’s a psychological thriller starring Kim Novak and James Stewart. While by today’s standards it isn’t a horror film, in my opinion it is quite disturbing and presents problems with social norms that are still relevant today. Bonus points for Kim Novak running in those three inch heels. This scene will leave you wondering if she is a mere mortal or something supernatural afterall. And last but not least the score by Bernard Hermann is hauntingly beautiful.
If you are feeling slightly more daring I highly recommend The Others. Set during World War II, Nicole Kidman struggles to keep her photosensitive children in line and out of the light while her husband is off fighting. The gloomy manor house setting coupled with minimalist special effects is just the right combination for this good old fashioned ghost story. No gore, not guts, no sensory overload.It is just scary enough to get you in the mood for Halloween but not scary enough to mess with your REM sleep.
If you still really aren’t into anything scary at all, there are plenty of Halloween comedies to lighten the mood. My personal favorite is Witch’s Night Out. It stars Gilda Radner and will remind you that not all animation is intended for children. An ostrisized witch lives in a small town. Chaos and laughs about when she loses her wand on Halloween. Radner uses her classic, gritty delivery to make this 1978 flick still en point in 2025. Find it on Amazon Prime
Of course I can’t leave out the classic Hocus Pocus. For many it isn’t Halloween if they haven’t watched this movie. Although originally intended for children, adults can’t help but enjoy the light-heartedness and dare I say nostalgia the film presents. Queen Midler never disappoints with her vocals and who doesn’t love Sarah Jessica Parker’s flirtatious, flakiness and Kathy Najimy’s comical struggle to keep up with her witch pals.
Idea #2 Bake Some Halloween Treats
I love to bake. I find it to be a very relaxing sensory experience. Some of my favorite treats are best served in the autumn alongside some crisp apple cider. You can never go wrong with Apple Crisp. It has only a few ingredients and doesn’t require any pricey equipment. One of the best recipes I’ve found is Sallie’s Baking Addiction. Her addition of nutmeg to the topping is a crowd pleaser. But if you want to keep it all for yourself we won’t tell!
These Terriyaki meatballs are a tradition at my house on Halloween. There isn’t anything specifically Halloween about them but we love their savoriness. Their hot gingery sauce is great for eating on a chilly fall night. And they are easy to make and munch in between trick or treaters if you are doling out candy.
Halloween Cocktails? Yes please. I recently tried this Cranberry Orange Prosecco Punch from Bella Buchiotti. It’s just the right thing to help you unwind after a long day of dealing with ghosts and ghouls (or just the coworkers in your office). I love the crispness of Prosecco and I think it has the perfect amount of kick. There’s just a few ingredients so you don’t have to spend a lot of time making it.
Idea # 3 Self-care? We think you look Boo-tiful
As you already know if you’ve read my post about taking a ritual bath, you’ll already know my favorite form of self-care is a hot soak in the tub. And All Hallows Eve is the perfect time to soak, reflect and meditate. For some of us this is the beginning of a new year, but even if it isn’t it marks an important transition into the colder darker time of year. Winter is one of the most challenging times of year for many. This is a good time to reflect on your daily routine. Have you been taking care of yourself? Are you already feeling fatigued from the darkness? What do you need to do to prepare yourself for hibernation? Now of course, a hot bath isn’t everyone’s jam but reflecting and meditating can happen anywhere.I love to light a candle to help me relax and focus. Visit the Daisy Graveyard to find specialty candles aimed to support your sensory experience.
Last but certainly not least, I love snuggling up under a cozy blanket with a good book. I highly recommend Awakening Anne by Callyn Applewhite. It tells the story of Anne, a young psychic, who gets more than she bargained for when she tries to help a widower connect to his deceased wife. It’s a great read and perfect for the night when the veil is thinnest.
However you choose to celebrate this year, I hope you enjoy yourself, stay safe and remember Halloween doesn’t have to be scary if you know how to take care of your introverted self.
