How to Have a Meaningful Halloween

Depending where you live, you may be surrounded by skeletons, ghosts, and even some creatively-carved pumpkins. 

If you live in a country that celebrates Halloween, you might be consumed with mini Kit-Kats and costume parties. But if that’s all you’re focusing on — you’re missing out. 

There’s never been a greater opportunity to dive deeper into the meaning of the once holy holiday.

Here are three tips to help you squeeze more out of life — and death —  this Halloween:

1. Remember the dead

Who are the deceased in your life? 

Start by making a list of everyone you know who has died. While that action alone can be very powerful, you can take it a step further by creating a temporary or permanent place to remember them. 

Consider hanging photographs on a dedicated wall, table or mantle — even a corner of a counter or table could work. In addition to, or instead of photographs, place a special object to remind you of the person, draw something, or simply write their name. 

While you’re at it, make a list of people’s death anniversaries. Choose to remember them on that special day by lighting a candle, playing their favourite song or eating their favourite food.

2. Remember that you’re going to die

As an experiment, imagine you only have one year to live, and that you’re going to die this time next year. 

Think of how you would spend your time and who you'd like to spend it with. Write a love letter to those individuals, or other lasting messages to important people in your life and for future generations.. Learn about writing Love Letters and Heart Wills and download Willow’s free tools to help you. 

3. Go to an event

Here in Vancouver, we’re lucky to have Mountain View Cemetery’s All Souls events which marries creative arts, remembrance and community. 

Wherever you are, you can look up words like “All Souls” in your community to see what’s happening near you — or search for “death and dying” on facebook or eventbrite and see what events come up. There are also many Willow Workshops® you can attend either virtually or in-person, that will get you thinking about the finite and precious nature of life and how to remember and be remembered. 

What about you?

How do you make Halloween meaningful? 

Whatever you do this season of the dead — please take good care, stay safe, and enjoy!