It’s October, Halloween’s month, and many of us have already started celebrating and making preparations for the big day! Or... well, night. Halloween is mainly night fun.
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| Casper (1995) |
And for so many of us, Halloween has been our favorite holiday since we were little children. And not only for the candy! Some of us simply carry it within us from birth to love all the spooky stuff. Which, to say the least, can be concerning to those around us. But can you name a holiday that engages curiosity and creativity more than Halloween? It can just be so much fun in so many ways, and without there necessarily being any scarring horror in it. (Then again, opinions on what is and isn’t scarring may wildly differ.)
I grew up in a country where Halloween isn’t widely accepted, let alone celebrated. We don’t have trick or treating in our neighborhoods and you’re lucky if you find any building, other than a party store, decorated for Halloween. But we had cable TV at home, so my childhood wasn’t completely ruined. Furthermore, a few families were open-minded enough to throw Halloween parties for their kids and I got to attend my first one dressed as a pirate. Har, har! Ahoy, fellow pirates! 🕱
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| Casper (1995) |
I can’t be completely sure if Halloween is extra magical to me because I was relatively deprived of it, or if it would be even more magical if I had been able to indulge it more fully. Guess it’s not too late to see about that, as I begin to make it a tradition to go all out for Halloween! You’re never too old for it. Take it from me, your eccentric neighbor.
Nevertheless, nothing beats childhood nostalgia in terms of awe and wonder-filled moments to look back to. Back when you were new to the world and had yet to explore and discover all of it. And if you had the privilege, could marvel at amazing things surrounding you. Few people manage to retain their childlike spirit, alive and free, throughout the years. But often, it's there and we just need to remember…
So, what do you recall as your earliest memories of Halloween? What brought you the most joy then? For me, besides the couple of parties that I was able to attend and dress up for, it was sitting in front of the TV and switching channels in search of something Halloween-themed to watch. And that’s how I stumbled onto my favorite PG movies to be enjoyed during Halloween.
If you’re looking for movie options to watch with the family, or just for yourself, these are some:
• Beetlejuice (1988)
• Hocus Pocus (1993)
• Casper (1995)
I cherish them but, as with most things, I can only recommend them if you happen to be into what they have to offer. In this case, an (arguably) harmless Halloween mood.
What are your favorite childhood Halloween movies?