There is something about Halloween that takes me right back to childhood. Maybe it’s the cool evening air, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, or the sight of a little one hurrying up a walkway with a candy bucket in hand.
Halloween has always had its creepy side, of course. There are ghosts in the windows, jack-o’-lanterns glowing on porches, and the occasional decoration that makes you think twice before ringing the doorbell. But tucked in among all those spooky things are some of the sweetest memories.
When I was about four or five, I went trick-or-treating as Raggedy Ann. My mother sewed my costume by hand, and for the finishing touch, she dyed a mop head to make my red wig! I still smile thinking about the time and imagination she put into making that costume for me. It wasn’t something she simply picked up at a store. She made it, right down to Raggedy Ann’s bright red hair.
Years later, I had the pleasure of watching my own children experience that same Halloween excitement.
Junior was Spider-Man. His costume was store-bought, but that didn’t matter one bit to him—he absolutely loved superheroes when he was a boy. Ashley was Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, complete with the sparkly shoes she adored and a stuffed Toto to accompany her. Those little details made the costume special to her.
Looking at those photographs now, I don’t just see costumes. I remember the excitement of getting ready, the anticipation of heading out the door, and the happiness of seeing the children become their favorite characters for an evening.
I remember my own cold nose as we walked along the autumn sidewalks, listening to the crunch of fallen leaves and looking ahead for the next house with its porch light on. We would walk block after block in the chilly night air. The children were thrilled to see one another’s costumes—and, naturally, to collect as much free candy as their bags could hold.
Parents would walk alongside their little ghosts, superheroes, princesses, and storybook characters. Sometimes the grown-ups dressed up, too, joining in the fun instead of simply watching from the sidewalk. For a few hours, the whole neighborhood seemed to be part of the same celebration.
Perhaps that is why I’m so drawn to old-fashioned Halloween decorations. A grinning jack-o’-lantern or a funny little black cat can bring back the feeling of those evenings: just spooky enough to be exciting, but full of warmth and childhood wonder.
I’ve recently added a few vintage-inspired Halloween pieces to Butterfly in the Attic that remind me of that playful, old-fashioned side of the holiday. They have the sort of character that makes me think of Halloween decorations brought out year after year, each one carrying a few memories along with it.
In Halloween in the Attic, you’ll find a collection of vintage-inspired finds, handmade creations, and carefully selected vintage treasures to bring a little old-fashioned magic to your Halloween.
I hope this Halloween brings you a little of that magic, whether you’re taking children trick-or-treating, greeting costumed visitors at your door, or simply enjoying the glow of a jack-o’-lantern on a cool autumn evening.
Do you remember a favorite Halloween costume from your childhood—or one you made for your own children? I would love to hear about it in the comments.
