Anyone who knows me, knows that Halloween is my favorite holiday. In our household, the celebrations begin in early September and stretch until mid-November (on more than a few occasions I’ve kept up decorations year round). So it should come as no surprise that my preparation starts early. Now that we’ve entered the middle of summer, and the 100 day mark before Halloween, costume planning is in full force. The growing anticipation of pumpkin seeds, cooler weather, cozy sweaters and my favorite selection of scented candles makes me feel like a kid again– it’s a soft place for young Amanda and current Amanda to meet.
My love of Halloween has grown with age thanks to a location that’s been nothing but nurturing of it.
When we first arrived in the Santa Cruz area, I remember trying to nest with what little we brought from our previous home in North Carolina. We didn’t have the means to decorate right away. Our cabin had character and good bones, but it was nearly empty. With October around the corner, I happened upon a Goodwill that was dedicated to Halloween decorations. Who knew that even existed? What made it better was a lot of the products were still in their vintage packaging as though it was coming from a warehouse from the 70’s/80’s. I was in heaven. With a shoestring budget I was able to fill the void space with enough skeletons, pumpkins and bat decals till my hearts content. Oddly enough, the cheeky décor was responsible for turning our house into a home.
From there, I found my community. Every year local store fronts decorate their windows, drink menus get a festive flair, and the art-deco theater offers a line up of midnight horror films throughout the month. The modern art museum throws parties and fun demonstrations in celebration. Residents join the fun and bring out the spooky animatronics, giant inflatables and projector screens that play Halloween classics on the side of their home. Families know the neighborhood spots to trick or treat. It didn’t take long for me to catch on too. Seeing the blocks of old Victorian homes I enjoy strolling by in the Spring and Summer months all dressed up for Fall instantly transports me on the set of Halloween Town. Lest I not forget, the Thriller Flash Mob dancing up and down the street in full garb and make up. There’s something for everyone. Our quirky forest-meets-beach town is the life of the party come October.
While not a lot can pull me away from my local Halloween Town, this year will look different. I’ll be landing in Asheville for a dear friend’s wedding. It’ll be a homecoming of sorts. I lived in North Carolina for a few years and got to experience my first true fall in the mountains. I was never the same after. Folks call it the “Portland of the East Coast.” A sentiment I’ve always loved. I also see Asheville with a similar offbeat energy as Santa Cruz. Uniqueness is celebrated in cities like these, and in turn holidays are that much more enjoyable. Just add deeper Fall colors and a cooler chill in the air. If they take Halloween half as seriously as they do in Santa Cruz, I’ll be one happy pumpkin.