It’s almost October and you know what that means—the return of pumpkin Kit Kats, quirky costumes for the kids and, of course, homemade Halloween treats. The whole spooky season leads up to tricks on October 31, but Halloween as we know it may be changing.
Why Parents Want to Change Halloween
It’s pretty common knowledge that Halloween takes place on October 31. For a lot of parents, it’s a night of headaches. The kids have to be dressed and out the door for two hours of trick-or-treating time, which can be tough to manage, and it’s hard to pack all the holiday fun into a school night.
Last year, a nonprofit organization called the Halloween and Costume Association began a petition to change the date of Halloween. Instead of October 31, they proposed that Halloween take place on the last Saturday of the month. Now, as the petition approaches its goal, the objective has been changed to allow Halloween to stay on Halloween, but provide an extra day of celebration, dubbed National Trick or Treat Day, on a nearby Saturday so kids can really enjoy the festivities. It would allow parents to spend a full day celebrating with their kids. We can’t argue—the request makes sense!
Eating all that candy right before bed won’t make for an easy school day the next morning, and this way, Halloween gets to keep its original date, and kids can trick or treat all Saturday long. Plus, parents would have all day (and night!) to host a haunting Halloween party.
Will You Sign the Petition?
The Halloween and Costume Association started this petition in 2018, but it’s really picked up steam this year. Right now, more than 148,000 people have signed. When the quota of 150,000 signatures is met, the petition will be delivered to the President of the United States, and the government will be making the final call on National Trick or Treat Day.
Really, the petition isn’t about breaking tradition but about making Halloween more family-friendly. It technically makes Halloween longer, so what fan wouldn’t be raving about all-day spooks? If you’d like to sign the petition and make your voice heard before October, you can find it here.
It's Never Too Early to Plan Your Halloween Party Menu
1 / 46
Frankenguac
Play the mad scientist this year and bring a monster to life. He's frightfully fun and delicious! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Champagne Blood Shots
There's no reason the adults can't get in on Halloween fun, too! You can make the simple syrup and chill the champagne and gelatin mixture in advance, so you'll have time for other party prep work. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Jack-o'-Lantern Empanadas
Your trick-or-treaters will love these spooktacular pockets with silly grins. The savory filling is perfectly spiced, and the refrigerated pastry makes prep easy.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sausage & Rice Stuffed Pumpkins
My children often request this dish. It also adds a great "wow" factor to a festive buffet table.—Andria Peckham, Lowell, Michigan
Bewitched Chili
One pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up chili for Halloween. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida
Spiced Chocolate Truffles
I make truffles for family events and gift giving. Someone once asked me to add pumpkin spice, and now my recipe is legendary. —Gerry Cofta, Milwaukee, WI
Autumn Beans
Long ago, Johnny Appleseed passed through this part of the country. Now, nearly every hill is crowned with ancient apple trees. Cider is abundant in the fall, and my family looks forward to having it in this bean dish! —Mara Mcauley, Hinsdale, New York
Halloween Punch
My bright orange sipper fits right in with October fun. To serve it in a festive way, I often put the punch bowl inside a hollowed-out-pumpkin. —Sue Thomas, Casa Grande, Arizona
Mousse-Filled Witches' Hats
These cute chocolate-covered treats will magically disappear at your house. Prepare these sugar cones filled with a creamy homemade mousse for your little goblins this Halloween. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Roasted Pumpkin Nachos
Previously, I had made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's also good with butternut squash. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Make-a-Monster Pizza
Creepy creatures have completely taken over this Halloween meal! Since you can create a different design for each square, it's easy to cater to every diner's individual preferences. —Marie Louise Ludwig, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Skull Deviled Eggs
Thrill partygoers with these bone-chilling deviled eggs. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a Halloween version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter Cereal Treats
Kids will love these colorful, crunchy bars. They’re a fun twist on the traditional marshmallow crispy treats…and because they’re so easy, older kids could whip up a batch on their own! —Christie Porter, Shipshewana, Indiana
Candy Apple Martini
Surprise the ghouls and goblins at your Halloween party with these thirst-quenching martinis. Cranberry juice and sour apple liqueur makes them tart yet terrific! —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Potato Pumpkin Mash
No more plain white mashed potatoes for us! I swirl fresh pumpkin into potatoes for a little extra holiday color. — Michelle Medley, Dallas, Texas
Witch's Caviar
I like to serve this dip with triangle-shaped tortilla chips because they look like pointy witch hats. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Blood Orange Punch
This tangy punch is festive, refreshing and easy to prepare. Instead of plain ice cubes, I add frozen orange juice cubes. —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Chicken Burritos
This mouthwatering chicken burrito recipe makes enough for two casseroles, so you can enjoy one today and freeze the other for a busy weeknight. They're super to have on hand for quick meals or to take to potlucks. —Sonya Nightingale, Burley, Idaho.
Pumpkin Pan Rolls
Serve these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or any time of day—and get ready to hear a chorus of "yums" in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Magic Wands
These fun and colorful magic wands don't take a magician to make. You can change the colors for any theme party, too!--Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Deluxe Walking Nachos
This slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make it easier to load up your fork. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Taco Pumpkin Seeds
Here is a hot idea from our Test Kitchen—toast seeds from a freshly cut pumpkin in taco seasoning and a bit of garlic salt. The combination packs a tasty punch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Boo Beverage
Silly spooks formed with whipped topping garnish glasses of this smooth drink made with sherbet, orange juice and bananas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked Gouda
I love the smell of this rich, cheesy soup as it bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that just says autumn to me.—Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida
Bewitching Stuffed Potatoes
I livened up my cheesy stuffed potatoes by giving each a silly hat and grin. These creepy spuds will be a hit at dinner.—Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois
Eye Spy Cookies
These cookies are reminiscent of old cartoons where eyes pop out in a dark room! They’re a cinch to make and doubly fun to decorate!—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Meatball Submarine Casserole
We were hosting a bunch of friends, and after a comedy of errors, I had to come up with a new plan for dinner. Turns out that much-loved meatball subs are even better as a hearty casserole—so delicious! —Rick Friedman, Palm Springs, California
Apple Cider Smash
A smash is a fruity and chilled cocktail—very refreshing. It's a great use for those apples you bought from the orchard plus some sparking cider. —Moffat Frazier, New York, New York
Slow-Cooked Pizza Casserole
A friend from church gave me the recipe for this satisfying slow-cooked casserole. It's always one of the first dishes emptied at potlucks, and it can easily be adapted to personal tastes. —Julie Sterchi, Campbellsville, Kentucky
Pumpkin Pie Shots
Grown-up treats that feature canned pumpkin and butterscotch schnapps will lure guests back for more. The gelatin shots are made ahead, so they're a great party starter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Homemade Potato Chips
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hot Dog Mummies with Honey Mustard Dip
These flaky mummy sandwiches are instant party hits! The accompanying mustard dip adds just the right kick.
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & Apricots
When we have family gatherings, we give the slow cooker kitchen duty. This yummy chicken with pumpkin and apricots has the warm flavors of Morocco. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Chewy Caramel-Coated Popcorn
When I was a kid, my mom made this recipe often. I've adapted it to make it more chewy and gooey than her crunchy, nut-loaded version. I get requests to make this for every event that I host, and have never had a single leftover! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Brain Dumplings
Family and friends will be shocked to learn these tasty brains are actually pot stickers! —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada
Mad Scientist Punch
Our home economists concocted this "potion" with kitchen staples such as juice concentrate, soft drink mix, soda and sherbet. It appeals to kids of all ages! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ghostly Chicken & Pepper Pizza
My friendly ghost pizza won’t scare folks away from your dinner table. My family loves Halloween, so we like creating fun new recipes like this one. Fill it with whatever pizza toppings you like best.—Francine Boecher, Queensbury, New York
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
My kids start begging me for these cakelike sandwich cookies as soon as autumn arrives. I haven't met a person yet who doesn't like these fun treats. —Deb Stuber, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Haunted Antipasto Salad
Even grown-up salads can be dressed up for Halloween night. Spookify each serving with ghost-shaped cheese slices and all your dishes will have that festive flair. —Cynthia M. Bent, Newark, Delaware
Spicy Goulash
Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Cider
There's no last-minute rush before the party when you slowly simmer this punch. It has all the tantalizing flavors of fall. —Alpha Wilson, Roswell, New Mexico
Pumpkin Pie Dip
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic Mash
I wanted healthy alternatives to my family's favorite recipes. Pumpkin, cauliflower and thyme make an amazing dish. You'll never miss those plain old mashed potatoes. —Kari Wheaton, South Beloit, Illinois
Butterscotch Pumpkin Puffs
Yummy things come in these little pudding-rich "packages." The puffs can be made and frozen in advance, then filled before serving for a time-saving dessert. —Michelle Smith, Running Springs, California
French Dip Sandwich with Onions
When I want to impress company, these satisfying sandwiches are my first pick for the menu. I serve them with the cooking juices in individual bowls for easy use. —Florence Robinson, Lenox, Iowa
Ghostly Hot Cocoa
Chocolate pudding mix is the convenient start to this clever cocoa mix. Kids of all ages get a kick out of the marshmallow ghost floating on top. —Ruby Gibson, Newton, North Carolina
The post Your Halloween Tradition May Be Changing This Year—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.
Laurie Dixon