Halloween Blog

Whether you are shopping for a Halloween costume or that perfect Mardi Gras costume, you are going to want to shop for one that fits properly.  This is particularly true when you are shopping for Halloween costumes online, since you cannot try the costume on before buying and many online stores have a limited return policy.  While children’s costumes tend to be sold by their clothing sizes, men’s and women’s costumes can be a little more challenging.  You may need to have a friend take the measurements for you to make sure that they are accurate.

Measuring men’s costumes

In general, men’s Halloween costumes require fewer measurements than women’s Halloween costumes.  The most common ones include:

• Chest - take the measurement at the fullest portion.
• Hat - style hair or wig like you would wear with the costume, and measure the head circumference just above the ears.
• Inseam - the measurement from the crotch to the desired length. You should wear shoes while taking this measurement if you plan on wearing shoes with the costume.
• Nape-Waist - the measurement from the nape of the neck down the back to the waist.
• Neck - the circumference of the neck, taken where the collar will fall.
• Shoulder - measure across the back from one shoulder seam to the other.
• Sleeve - Start at the middle of the back and measure across the shoulder and down the arm, keeping the arm slightly bent.
• Waist - take the measurement just below the belly button.

Measuring women’s costumes

Women’s costumes can be more difficult to measure, since they can run in a variety of lengths and sizes.  Common measurements include:

• Bra size - the size you normally wear.
• Bust - measure across the fullest portion of the chest, with bra on if you will be wearing one.
• Dress Size - your average dress size
• Hat - style hair or wig like you would wear with the costume, and measure the head circumference just above the ears.
• Height - Full height from the top of the head to the floor, without shoes on
• Hips - measure along the fullest portion of the hip area, about seven inches down from the waist.
• Nape-Waist - Measure along the back from the nape of the neck to the waist.
• Neck - the circumference of the neck, taken along the collar.
• Shoulder - measure across the back from one shoulder seam to the other.
• Sleeve - Start at the middle of the back and measure across the shoulder and down the arm, keeping the arm slightly bent.
• Waist - measure along the waist just below the belly button.
• Waist-Ankle - Measure along the front of the leg from the waist to the ankle.
• Waist-Floor - Measure along the front of the leg from the waist to the floor.
• Waist-Knee - Measure along the outer leg from the waist to the kneecap.

Halloween can be a lot of fun, but all that running around town after dark in a Halloween costume can also pose some safety risks.  In fact, statistically children are four times more likely to be injured as a result of a fall on Halloween night than any other night of the year.  Because of this, there are some basic Halloween safety tips that you should consider.

• Keep your costume safe - Halloween costumes are one of the biggest causes of injuries on Halloween. Make sure that your Halloween costume fits properly and doesn’t drag on the ground. Also check the fit of any masks and hats so that they do not impair vision.
• Watch the Halloween costume accessories. Matching shoes that are hard to walk in should be out. So are accessories that are hard or sharp that could cause injury if fallen on.
• Practice good etiquette. Not only will this make Halloween more fun for everyone, but it can help keep everyone safe as well. Don’t push or run and don’t eat candy until you get home.
• Celebrate with people you know. While rumors of poisoned candy and razor blades in apples always abound, you can help reduce this risk by trick-or-treating in areas where you know everyone else.
• Use caution while carving. Carving a pumpkin is a time honored Halloween tradition, but obviously kids and sharp cutting observation means a high potential for injury. Always supervise kids while carving pumpkins. Or consider doing something different and paint a pumpkin instead.
• Participate in the holiday. One of the best ways to keep kids safe on Halloween is to stay with them. And Halloween is no longer just for kids. There are plenty of adult Halloween costumes on the market that can allow you to indulge your inner child and join in the fun. You can even consider going with a group Halloween costume and go as a family.

If you are looking for a way to attract all the little ghouls and goblins to your house this Halloween, one of the best ways to do it is to make your house look spectacular.  Doing so will attract the costumed trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.

Creating a haunted house is easy.  All you need are some props and some people to help you set it up.  The key is to pay attention to details.  Once you have drawn out your plan, there are some things that you will want to get together.

• Gather up extra Halloween costumes. These can be stuffed or placed on mannequins to create characters in your haunted attraction.
• Gather up Halloween props to use. Thrift stores, flea markets, Halloween costume stores, even friends and neighbors can have additional props like fake hands, shovels, and tombstones. You can even make your own decorations.
• Look into local permits. If you are planning on charging admission to your haunted attraction (versus just decorating the yard to attract Halloween costumed kids) make sure that you do not need special permission or permits from the city.
• Set up the framework. Use fencing, straw bales, and other props to create division between scenes and to add visual interest.
• Add sound. Sound can make a creepy scene even spookier. Hide a CD player and speakers through the display so that those going through it cannot tell where the noises are coming from.
• Advertise. If your haunted house is something that you are going to charge money to come and visit, such as in a haunted hayride where participants will ride through, you will want to advertise to draw people in. Local newspapers are a great start, and you can also place up flyers.
• Get other people involved. If your neighbors are into decorating, you can work on a Halloween scene that involves the entire street. If you are doing a for-profit attraction, consider asking businesses to help sponsor the event, provide food, or give away samples at the attraction.

Halloween is a fun time of year for kids of all ages.  Children especially love the holiday, which focuses on candy, costumes, and fun.  One of the best ways to make the most out of your Halloween experience is to throw your own Halloween party.  Here are some ideas to make your Halloween party a blast.

• Scavenger hunt - separate kids into pairs or teams. Give each team a list of Halloween goodies to find from around the neighborhood. The team or pair that finds the most items wins.
• Costume parade/contest - have kids come to the Halloween party in their best Halloween costumes. Hold your own parade and costume contest with prizes for the winners. If your kids are younger, have a prize in several categories, such as funniest costume, scariest costume, most original costume, etc.
• Bob for apples - this Halloween activity is a time-honored favorite. All you need is a tub or pool and a bunch of apples. Tie the children’s hands behind their backs and have them attempt to grab and apple out. You can also tie apples from strings from the ceiling or a tree.
• Pumpkin carving - have the children bring a pumpkin with them to the party so that they can carve them. Download different pumpkin templates for the kids to use or have them create their own designs. You can even roast the seeds afterwards as a treat.
• Mummy wrap - divide the children into teams or partners. Give them a few rolls of toilet paper and see who can wrap up a partner the fastest.
• Face Painting - break out the Halloween costume paints and decorate all the kids’ faces. You can do fun Halloween designs or do a design in keeping with their costume.

Remember to plan plenty of time for your Halloween activities so that you can do all of the ones you have chosen.  Have plenty of prizes so that everyone goes home a winner.

Halloween still retains much of its popularity with children.  While adults are joining in the holiday fun more and more, children’s Halloween costumes are still the ones flying off the shelves in September and October.

After all, what kid doesn’t love Halloween?  You get to dress up in an awesome Halloween costume, run around after dark, and get free candy!  Not to mention the other Halloween activities like parties, pumpkin carving, and haunted houses.

Top costumes

So, what are all the cool kids wearing this year?  Just like adult Halloween costumes, kids Halloween costumes can vary from one year to the next.  However, there are some that are sure to remain popular favorites:

• Harry Potter - Whether you loved the book series or are just getting into the movies, Harry Potter costumes are one of the repeat favorites. Whether you want to dress up like the wizard himself, his friend Hermione, or simply another Gryffindor student this children’s Halloween costume is very popular.

• Batman - Just like many super heroes, Batman (and the villains) remain popular characters for kids’ Halloween costumes. With the Dark Knight getting a roaring approval at the box office, Batman and Joker costumes are sure to stick around as favorites for the kids.

• High School Musical - Who would have guessed that High School would be so cool? Kids who loved the movies are also going to love the kids’ Halloween costumes based on them. No matter which one of the singing sensations you choose, it is sure to be a hit this Halloween.

• Hannah Montana - What girl wouldn’t want to be a secret superstar? Whether you are going as the everyday Miley Cyrus or her singing superstar alter ego Hannah Montana, this kids’ Halloween costume is going to be a hit of its own on Halloween night.

When you are getting dressed in your Halloween costume this year, you probably won’t be thinking about how ancient the tradition is.  And while today’s Halloween has very little to do with the original pagan holiday, it is interesting to reflect on the origins of Halloween costumes.

Samhain

Halloween is based on the Celtic of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the coming of winter.  Many Celts would dress up in animal costumes as part of the celebration of this holiday.

With the influx of Christian traditions, many of the pagan holidays were kept but given Christian roles.  All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day is a Christian celebration at that time.  However, instead of animal Halloween costumes, the church-goers would wear costumes of saints, angels, devils, and other hallowed spirits that were celebrated on that day.

Over the years, much of the religious symbolism was lost in Halloween.  Now Halloween costumes can be nearly anything that you choose, and many people dress up just for the fun of it.

Trick-or-treating

One of the main reasons that kids put on Halloween costumes, and some adults as well, is to go trick-or-treating.  This custom also evolved from the Celtic holiday of Samhain.  It was thought that the spirits could return to the earth during the night of Samhain.  Some people would then leave out food and drinks for the spirits to eat before their journey back to the spirit world.  Others dressed up in costumes to keep the spirits from recognizing them and staying in this world.

As time went on, the revelers started dressing up as spirits and performing tricks and other antics to receive treats.  This custom gradually evolved into the trick-or-treating that we know today.

When you are putting on your kids Halloween costumes this Halloween, it is fun to remember that you are taking part in a tradition that has gone on for hundreds of years.

As you are donning you Halloween costume this Halloween you may be surprised to find out that you are not alone.  Halloween is one of the oldest holidays in the world, and it is celebrated in different fashions in different countries.  While not always on the 31^st of October, Halloween can be fun for everyone.

Different Countries, Different Fun

Some countries celebrate much in the same way that we do in the United States.  For example, in Canada and Ireland people don Halloween costumes and go trick-or-treating on Halloween night.  However, in much of Latin America, Mexico, and Spain Halloween is part of a three day observance of All Souls’ Day.

All Souls’ Day

Halloween marks the beginning of a three day celebration in Latin America, Mexico, and Spain.  The celebration culminates on November 2^nd, known as All Souls’ Day.  The celebration is designed to honor the dead, who are supposed to return home during this time.  Altars are constructed and decorated with candy, food, pictures, and flowers.  The family also uses this time to clean up the gravesite, and on the 2^nd everyone has a picnic there to remember the deceased.

Guy Fawkes Day

England has a different way of celebrating Halloween, and it is done on November 5^th.  Unlike other countries, their celebration does not have links to the Celtic festival of Samhain or to All Saints’ Day.  Since the Protestant Reformation the custom of celebrating All Saints Day faded away along with the belief of Saints.  However, Guy Fawkes Day, a day celebrating the death of the notorious traitor, has risen up in its place.

Guy Fawkes was executed on November 5, 1606 for attempting to blow up the parliament building.  Bonfires were lit as a symbolic burning of the Catholic Pope.  Instead of trick-or-treating, English children go door-to-door asking for pennies.

Samhain

In Ireland, Halloween is celebrated similarly to the United States, though many of the Celtic traditions also remain.  Children dress up in Halloween costumes and go trick-or-treating, and parties are held afterwards.  Traditional foods are eaten, and kids run around playing tricks on the neighbors.

If you want to be able to use your Halloween costume again next year then you have to store it properly today.  By protecting your Halloween costume you can help protect your investment.

Get it clean

You should never store a dirty Halloween costume.  Instead, get your Halloween costume dry cleaned using virgin cleaners to make sure that there are no surprise stains or smells on your costume next year.  Go with a dry cleaner you trust and that has experience with Halloween costumes.

Accessories

In general, accessories need to be replaced more often than the Halloween costume itself.  Most makeup should be replaced annually.  Other Halloween accessories may need to be replaced if they become broken or lost.  Clean and inspect your accessories before storing them, and then seal them in an airtight bag so that they are ready to wear with your Halloween costume next year.

Avoid sun

If you store your Halloween costume in an area that gets sunlight it could start to fade or discolor over time.  Store it in a dark area to prevent this from happening.

Avoid moisture

Store your Halloween costume in an air tight container to help prevent moisture and other pollutants from destroying it.  When you are able, store your Halloween costume accessories in the same container to prevent them from becoming lost.  If you have the original packaging on your Halloween costume or accessories, pack them inside this first for added protection.

Regularly inspect

Every couple of months you should take your Halloween costume out of storage and inspect it.  Make sure that there are no new stains or damage occurring.  Refold the costume in a different way each time to help prevent creases from forming.  If you notice that the Halloween costume is receiving damage, such as pest damage or fading, store it somewhere else to prevent further damage.

If you had a Halloween costume party this year, or are planning on a costume party for the winter holidays, you know that cleaning up is the not so fun result of the holiday festivities.  Here are some tips for surviving the post-party clean up.

• Bag up the forgotten items. Once the party guests have left you may notice that someone has forgotten a part of their adult costume, a purse, cell phone, or other necessary item. Set these aside and give the owner a call so that they can come and pick it up.
• If your adult costume party goes into the wee hours of the morning you might not have the energy to clean up right away. However, you should bag up any food waste and put leftovers in the fridge before they start to spoil and smell.
• Clean reusable items thoroughly. Whether it is the Halloween decorations, plates, or your Halloween costume, everything should be cleaned thoroughly before going into storage. Today’s stick mess can become a permanent stain or attract pests if not cleaned properly.
• Make notes. Hosting your first adult costume party is going to include a little bit of trial and error. Write down your own personal findings for next year so that you remember. This includes what worked with your adult costume, the games that people liked, the food that was popular, and so forth. At the same time, if there is someone that needs to be blackballed from future parties because of poor behavior you should note that as well.
• Send thank you notes. It is a nice touch to send out a thank you for coming card after your adult costume party. These can be picked up at your local party store, ordered online, or made on your own. Consider including pictures of guests in their adult costumes to help relive the moment.

Start planning your next costume party.  You don’t have to limit your adult costume party to Halloween night.  Consider a New Year’s masquerade ball or a costumed birthday bash as another chance to bring out your Halloween costume.

Halloween may be over, but that doesn’t mean that you have to retire your Halloween costume.  Instead, why not carry the costume wearing tradition on into the rest of the holiday season?  Hosting a holiday costume ball can be a great way to reuse your Halloween costume. Here are some tips for being the best host or hostess this holiday season.

Themes

Choosing a theme for your costume party can make it easier for people to go through their Halloween costumes.  You want to choose something that is open to a variety of costumes so that your guests have some choices.  For instance an animal theme or Renaissance themes offer a wide variety of Halloween costumes that can be used.

Invitations

How many people you invite will be up to your accommodations and the amount you are willing to spend.  Make sure that you send out the invitations well in advance so that people have time to get a costume if they don’t have a Halloween costume that would be suitable.  Also make sure that the fact it is a costume party is well noted on the invitation.

Music

Since this is a holiday party and not necessarily a scary Halloween party the music can set the mood.  For instance a New Year’s costume ball might have upbeat dance music and a Christmas costume party might have carols and favorite Christmas tunes.

Decorations

Besides the Halloween costumes, the decorations that you choose will influence the theme of your party.  While you can always go with basic streamers and balloons, getting creative and choosing decorations that fit into your theme will make the party more fun.

Refreshments

Refreshments are a must for any party.  If you can go with the theme of your Halloween costume even better.  Otherwise, think of easy to eat snack foods that will work well while in costume.  You may want to stay away from messy foods that could stain Halloween costumes.

A little planning ahead of time and you can have a great holiday costume party.