Your Halloween Tradition May Be Changing This Year—Here’s Why
Updated: May 06, 2022
This could change Halloween forever!
October is right around the corner, and you know what that means—the return of all things PSL, quirky costumes for the kids and, of course, homemade Halloween treats. The whole spooky season leads up to tricks on October 31, but Halloween as we know it may be changing.
Why Parents Want to Change Halloween
It’s pretty common knowledge that Halloween takes place on October 31. For a lot of parents, it’s a night of headaches. The kids have to be dressed and out the door for two hours of trick-or-treating time, which can be tough to manage, and it’s hard to pack all the holiday fun into a school night.
In 2018, a nonprofit organization called the Halloween and Costume Association began a petition to change the date of Halloween. Instead of October 31, they proposed that Halloween take place on the last Saturday of the month. Now, as the petition approaches its goal, the objective has been changed to allow Halloween to stay on Halloween, but provide an extra day of celebration, dubbed National Trick or Treat Day, on a nearby Saturday so kids can really enjoy the festivities. It would allow parents to spend a full day celebrating with their kids. We can’t argue—the request makes sense!
Eating all that candy right before bed won’t make for an easy school day the next morning, and this way, Halloween gets to keep its original date, and kids can trick or treat all Saturday long. Plus, parents would have all day (and night!) to host a haunting Halloween party.
Will You Sign the Petition?
The Halloween and Costume Association started this petition in 2018, but it’s picking up speed once more. Right now, more than 150,000 people have signed. When the quota of 200,000 signatures is met, the petition will be delivered to the President of the United States, and the government will be making the final call on National Trick or Treat Day.
Really, the petition isn’t about breaking tradition but about making Halloween more family-friendly. It technically makes Halloween longer, so what fan wouldn’t be raving about all-day spooks? If you’d like to sign the petition and make your voice heard before October, you can find it here.
It's Never Too Early to Plan Your Halloween Party Menu
Sausage & Rice Stuffed PumpkinsMy children often request this dish. It also adds a great "wow" factor to a festive buffet table.—Andria Peckham, Lowell, Michigan
Bewitched ChiliOne pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up chili for Halloween. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida
Spiced Chocolate TrufflesI make truffles for family events and gift-giving. Someone once asked me to add pumpkin spice, and now my recipe is legendary. —Gerry Cofta, Milwaukee, WI
Make-a-Monster PizzaCreepy creatures have completely taken over this Halloween meal! Since you can create a different design for each square, it's easy to cater to every diner's individual preferences. —Marie Louise Ludwig, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Candy Apple MartiniSurprise the ghouls and goblins at your Halloween party with these thirst-quenching martinis. Cranberry juice and sour apple liqueur makes them tart yet terrific! —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Potato Pumpkin MashNo more plain white mashed potatoes for us! I swirl fresh pumpkin into potatoes for a little extra holiday color. — Michelle Medley, Dallas, Texas
Chicken BurritosThis mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Deluxe Walking NachosThis slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Boo BeverageSilly spooks formed with whipped topping garnish glasses of this smooth drink made with sherbet, orange juice and bananas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Slow-Cooked Pizza CasseroleA friend from church gave me the recipe for this satisfying slow-cooked casserole. It's always one of the first dishes emptied at potlucks, and it can easily be adapted to personal tastes. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Pumpkin Pie ShotsGrown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & ApricotsWhen we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Pumpkin Pie DipI came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic MashI wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Butterscotch Pumpkin PuffsYummy things come in these little pudding-rich "packages." The puffs can be made and frozen in advance, then filled before serving for a timesaving dessert. —Michelle Smith, Running Springs, California
Originally Published: July 30, 2020
