Every October, neighborhoods come alive with jack-o-lanterns, fake spider webs, and inflatable ghosts. Halloween decorations are a yearly ritual that signifies the official beginning of fall. From a yard full of spooky elements to a few pumpkins by the front door, people seem to enjoy adding a bit of mystery to their homes at this time of year.
Halloween decorating has definitely changed over time. It used to be very simple, such as carved pumpkins, paper bats, and maybe even a skeleton on the porch. Now, people turn their homes into full-blown haunted houses. There are fog machines, animated props, and lights timed to music. Social media might have something to do with it. People like to show off their creativity and be inspired by others. It’s not so much about just frightening people in the neighborhood, but creating something impressive and fun to look at.
Another reason Halloween decorating has gained so much popularity is that it is one of the few holidays where there are no rules. There’s no “right” way to do it. You can be cute, creepy, humorous, or mysterious, and it all still works. That freedom gives people room to try and do new things. Some decorate weeks in advance, planning out every little detail, and others throw something together the night before, and still manage to capture the Halloween spirit. It is all about having fun.
Sophomore Jameson Inosencio states: “My favorite Halloween decoration is pumpkins, specifically jack-o-lanterns. They are fun to carve with my friends and they end up looking so cool when I put the lights in them.”
Decorating also brings people together. Many neighborhoods have competitions for the best decorated home. Others just enjoy walking around and seeing what everyone created. Even those who do not do much enjoy the effort. Sharing the same tradition can bring together a community.
Of course, once Halloween has passed, there is always the argument of when to take it all down. Some start clearing it all out on November 1, ready to move on to Thanksgiving. Others hang on a little longer, especially if they invested a lot of time getting it all out. The first weekend after Halloween is probably the best time. It gives you a few more days to enjoy your decorations without letting them overstay their welcome. By then, most pumpkins are rotting and fake spiderwebs have fallen apart into a mess anyway.
Junior, Mikayla Corn says: “I think the best time to take down Halloween decorations is never.”
Halloween decorations also express how different people enjoy the season. Some prefer realistic horror with scary figures and low lighting. Others go for a whimsical look, with smiling ghosts and bright colors. While some others drop the “scary” factor entirely and use fall themes with hay bales, corn stalks, and wreaths. No matter the style, each one shows the personality of those who live there.
The most interesting part about Halloween decorations is how temporary they are. People spend hours creating and setting them up, in full understanding that they will be up only for a couple of weeks. And yet, it is the limited time frame that makes them so special. For kids, it builds up excitement before trick-or-treating. For adults, it is a chance to get creative and playful at a time of year that feels nostalgic.
Even after everything is put away, the energy that Halloween decorations bring lives on. They are a reminder that small traditions can bring joy, creativity, and community. And as soon as the pumpkins are gone, it is only a matter of time before the first strand of Christmas lights make an appearance.