With the holidays quickly rounding the corner, I can’t help getting excited about being festive and spreading the holiday cheer! Now is the time to get inventive and creative and to think about how we could still make our favorite days special after all the crazy ups and downs we’ve gone through during this year. Even if morale is low, it might be a good idea to try and put in the effort to end 2020 on a brighter note.

So, I thought I’d share a few suggestions about how to get into the playful, spooky Halloween spirit during the month of October, starting with one of the easiest ways – decorating! Seeing your own space decked out will keep you in the spirit all day long. Whether it’s your usual go-to, attic-acquainted decorations or new ones that you just can’t help to pick up and add to your shopping list, take out some time during the first week of the month to get them inside and out of the house. I can’t wait to see some of the beautifully-decorated yards Lake Nona is known for.

Every year, I always get a kick out of scrolling on my social media feed, especially on November 1, and seeing everyone dressed up, no matter how simple or complex the costume is. Celebrities always show out, of course, but I also appreciate the babies in animal costumes, dressed-up dogs and cats, all the witch and vampire costumes, and that one guy who’s a football player for the fifth year in a row. If you were looking for an excuse to dress up, this is it! Brainstorm a few ideas and ways to bring them to life, and just go for it. We have quite a lot of material to draw from to create some legendary costumes.

When in doubt about ways to get in the spirit, just think about the Halloween staples. Pick up a bag of your favorite candy. Rent that one movie that brings Halloween home for you (The Nightmare Before Christmas, anyone?). Carve a pumpkin with a friend. If you were looking for a bit of normalcy in these unsteady times, traditions like these will make the year seem a little less weird.

Have a safe and happy Halloween, everyone!