Halloween for Cowards

As the Halloween season approaches, people are setting out decorations, carving jack-o'-lanterns and finding the spookiest costumes to wear. However, there are some people out there who are doing the exact opposite. These Halloweenies are cowering in fear at the thought of yet another October ending with tricks, treats and scary movies. If you are one of these people, fear not! I am here to offer you some non-spooky alternative activities to do on this fright-filled holiday, as well as give some advice that will hopefully help you overcome your fears of cardboard cutout ghosts and ghouls. 

Alternative one: Improve your baking skills for Thanksgiving

Your timid disposition might move you to not even recognize Halloween as a holiday, in which case you could use this time to practice baking things for the next big holiday, Thanksgiving. Baking is a great way to relax and unwind while creating something delicious. Plus, this extra time honing your skills could save you from something even more terrifying than Halloween itself: judgmental relatives. Just be careful not to have your oven’s alarm at too high of a volume, lest you risk scaring yourself with the loud noise. 

Alternative two: Practice some self-reflection 

Another way you could spend your time is by confronting your own inner thoughts. To some, this might be an even scarier concept than the holiday they are trying to avoid to begin with, but it can actually help you overcome some of your fears. After all, everyone knows that the spookiest skeletons of all are the ones in your own closet. Although it might be scary, some self-reflection and acknowledgment of your own fears is a great way to take the first step in swapping your chicken heart to that of a lion. 

Alternative three: Face your fears

The best way to overcome fear is to face it, so why not try to overcome your own this season? Now, this doesn’t mean you have to jump right into all the spookiness of Halloween and risk giving yourself a heart attack. You can start slow. There are tons of great movies and shows you can watch to slowly ease yourself into the spirit of Halloween, such as the Charlie Brown Halloween special or “Scooby-Doo.” Both of these should prove to be easy watches for those who run up the stairs after turning off the basement lights. 

By Caleb Schaber