Adulting is Scary – Halloween is the Antidote
It’s that wickedly wonderful time of the year again. Halloween is creeping up on us, and here's the deal: ignore the zombies who say it’s just for the kids. Nope, it's time for us adults to unleash our inner creativity, too, and have some fun.
Life's a never-ending circus, right? Bills, work stress, and all the other mundane stuff that makes you want to scream into the abyss. But Halloween? It’s one of the few rare welcome diversions from the norm, if you let it be – a much-needed break from the everyday grind. It's a chance to let loose, kick back, and soak up the season.
(1) Laugh at Adulting (Because the Joke’s on Us):
Let's be real; being a “grown-up” can be one giant, horrifying joke. Bills, housework, repairs, and endless meetings – it's enough to drive anyone insane. But it's okay to laugh at the madness. That's why we've ginned up our "Adulting is Scary" 21-page coloring book. It's like a therapy session but with more crayons.
(2) Dress to De-stress:
Halloween without a killer costume is like a vampire without fangs. You want to be a badass zombie, a classic witch, or a mad scientist? Go for it! This is your one of the year to be anything you please. And if you've got a partner in crime, check out our Effortless Last-Minute Halloween Costumes for Friends and Couples. Double the trouble, double the fun.
(3) Set the Mood, Embrace the Spook:
What's Halloween without that spine-tingling vibe? Crank up the eerie tunes, dim the lights to a wickedly low glow, spike some cider, and throw on a horror movie that makes your skin crawl. Get lost in the spine-chilling atmosphere. And when those little trick-or-treaters come a-knocking, don't just toss candy at 'em and slam the door. Take your time, savor the moment, and enjoy their creepy costumes. It's supposed to be a treat for you, too.
If you're tired of the same old movie recommendations, here are five goofy and quotable hidden gems (in my opinion) that have the perfect blend of comedy, gore, darkness, and weirdness. These are grown-up recommendations (if you don’t mind a healthy dose of seasonal carnage). So, to be clear, I wouldn’t recommend these if you’re watching with your little demons.
1. "Spontaneous" (2020): This dark comedy-drama meets sci-fi film is a hidden gem. It tells the story of a high school girl whose classmates start spontaneously exploding. It's a unique and witty take on the coming-of-age genre with a touch of horror.
2. "Drag Me to Hell" (2009): Directed by Sam Raimi, this wild and fun ride blends horror with dark humor. It follows a young woman cursed by a malevolent supernatural force, and she must find a way to escape a gruesome fate.
3. "Quarantine" (2008): A found footage horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It follows a television reporter and her cameraman as they cover the night shift at a fire station, only to find themselves trapped in a building with a deadly virus.
4. "Cloverfield" (2008): Another found footage film; this one adds a unique, modern perspective to the giant monster genre. It follows a group of friends in New York City as they document their attempt to survive a monstrous creature's rampage. The commentary by the Hud, the camera guy, makes the movie.
5. "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" (1986): This sequel to the classic "Poltergeist" continues the haunting story of the Freeling family. While not as renowned as the original, it's still a solid entry in the supernatural horror genre with some memorable moments.
Halloween isn't just for the kiddies – it's our time to let our freak flags fly. Life's too short to be a bore, so seize the season, unleash your inner crazy, and remember, it's perfectly fine to be a little twisted.
Stay unchained and have a Happy Halloween! - Janet