Sitting here on the couch, sipping on a iced pumpkin spice latte, I can’t help but feel the excitement of the holiday season creeping in. The air is starting to turn crisp (on some mornings when it is colder than most autumn-summer days in Texas), the leaves are turning and falling off like it is raining (my porches can agree), and the days are actually getting shorter — autumn is here, but will we see it like most states do this time of year?

There is just something magical about Halloween. Sometimes I will see front porches draped in twinkling black and orange lights, a few playful skeletons, even carved pumpkins with their grinning faces glowing softly as night falls. Everyday I pass by this house, this driveway, and this gate. Everyday I can’t help but notice that this is the only neighbor adorned with Halloween decor. You know what!?!? I absolutely love it! While the rest of the houses on our little county road remain bare, this neighbor should be a proud Halloween ambassador, spreading a little cheer and spookiness in a world that sometimes feels a bit too serious.

Let’s talk about the origins of Halloween. Halloween is celebrated on October 31st with roots that go back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This was a time when people believed the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. To ward off these ghosts, people would light bonfires and wear costumes – practices that have evolved into what we know today.

The tradition of trick-or-treating is another fascinating aspect of Halloween. It is believed to have originated from the medieval practice of “souling,” where poor people would go door to door on Hallowmas (November 1st) asking for food in exchange for prayers for the dead. Over the years, this morphed into children dressing up and asking for candy, a delightful spin on an old tradition.

Halloween is a night filled with laughter, creativity, and a hint of mystery. May your Halloween be filled with spooky fun, sweet treats, and a sprinkle of history. Happy Haunting!