13 Tips for a Stress-Free Halloween

Easy Ideas for Trick or Treat Costumes, Party Planning, & Pet Safety

Sep 17, 2008

Black cats, Halloween costumes, candy apples - oh my! Halloween is full of tricks & treats, but it can also be demanding. Here are 13 tips for a stress-free Halloween.

These costume, party planning, and pet safety tips will help you relax and enjoy Halloween this year.

1. Plan your Halloween costume early! There’s nothing more stressful than scrambling at the last minute – when the stores are sold out of the most creative Halloween costumes.

2. Get comfortable. For a stress-free Halloween, buy a “trick or treat” costume that doesn’t make you feel sweaty, awkward, or constricted. Choose a costume that you can breathe easily and move freely in.

3. Avoid “real” props. Real swords, knives, and devils’ pitchforks can be lethal and threatening. Sacrifice authenticity for safety; use flexible, smooth Halloween props that aren't likely to draw real blood.

4. Spend less. Spending a hundred dollars (or more) on a “trick or treat” costume doesn’t allow you to enjoy a stress-free Halloween! Instead, create classic or scary costumes from your tickle trunk at home, your grandmother’s vintage clothes, or a second-hand store. Pulling together a costume is a great activity for couples or families!

Halloween Party Planning

5. Set realistic expectations. You may not have the time, energy, or inclination to throw the freakiest Halloween party in history – so don’t beat yourself up. The best tip for a stress-free Halloween is to simply go with the flow and enjoy planning the party, and the party itself.

6. Make room for your pet. To give both your guests and your pets a stress-free Halloween party, put your dog or cat in a party-free zone. This reduces the chances of allergies, costume malfunctions, or other problems.

7. Pre-select guests to plan Halloween games. To stress less this Halloween, ask certain guests to plan a Murder Mystery Night or a scavenger hunt. Delegate tricks and treats, so you don’t succumb to the pressure of planning the freakiest Halloween party ever all by yourself.

8. Consider a theme party. If you’re worried about mingling and hosting your Halloween party (doing both at the same time can be very stressful), plan a theme party in advance. If all the guests are focused on a single theme – such as from a scary movie like Friday the 13th – then they’ll have lots to talk about. You can relax and enjoy a stress-free Halloween party!

9. Send invitations as early as possible. Giving your guests lots of notice (four weeks at least) is a great tip for a stress-free Halloween. This gives your friends and family time to plan a “trick or treat” costume, and you time to plan your party.

Give Your Pet a Stress-Free Halloween

10. Separate animals and candles. Put all candles, lit Jack-O-Lanterns, and other fire hazards away from wagging puppy tails or curious kitties.

11. Carefully consider pet costumes. Halloween costumes for pets may look cute, but they can stress your pet out. If your dog or cat is unhappy, it could act out – which won’t allow you to have a stress-free Halloween. Only put Halloween costumes on receptive pets.

12. Offer appropriate Halloween treats. Your dog or cat can enjoy Halloween tricks and treats – just make sure it doesn’t eat chocolate, tin foil, candy, etc. Give your pet bona fide dog or cat treats, and keep the Halloween candy safely hidden.

13. Hide your black cat. Some pet experts recommend hiding your black cat a few days before October 31st – not just on Halloween night. When it comes to pet safety, it’s better to be extra safe than extra sorry.

The copyright of the article 13 Tips for a Stress-Free Halloween in Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish 13 Tips for a Stress-Free Halloween in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.