For those of us who prefer a low-key approach to Halloween, the constant pressure to dress up, attend parties, and mingle can be a real buzzkill. But fear not, my fellow introverts – there’s no rule that says you have to go all out to have a good time on Halloween! You can still get into the spirit (pun intended) without the social pressures.
Here are 10 cozy and quiet Halloween traditions that introverts can enjoy solo, or with a small group of like-minded friends.
#1. Cozy up with a Scary Book:
Oooh, settling in with a scary book on a dark and stormy night is like the ultimate introvert activity! Here are some spine-tingling suggestions:
Let’s kick things off with “The Shining”: Stephen King’s classic tale of a family’s descent into madness at the secluded Overlook Hotel. 🏨 Talk about a spine-tingling read!
Next up is “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson. This one’s a masterclass in psychological horror, set in a cursed mansion that seems to have a life of its own. Beware of the creaking floors and slamming doors!
Then we’ve got “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, the OG of vampire stories. Count Dracula’s thirst for blood and penchant for drama will keep you turning pages all night long.
And let’s not forget “The Woman in Black” by Susan Hill. This one’s a classic ghost story that’ll have you questioning every shadow and creak in your own home.
#2. Bake Spooky Treats:
Transform your kitchen into a witch’s lair and whip up some fiendish (and delicious) treats! From monster cookies with googly-eye candy pieces to Frankenstein cupcakes with gummy worm “stitches,” your creepy creations will be the talk of the (spooky) town. Don’t forget the Jello shots for the adults – we won’t judge if they’re brain-shaped!
#3. Carve a Pumpkin:
Carving pumpkins is a time-honored tradition that can be both fun and relaxing for introverts. Choose a unique pumpkin shape and let your creativity flow as you carve a spooky design. For an extra touch of flair, paint or add glitter to your masterpiece. Don’t worry about perfection – embrace the “ugly pumpkin” look and let your pumpkin’s personality shine. Turn carving into a solo party, complete with candles and creepy music, and end the night with some roasted pumpkin seeds.
#4 Watch a Classic Horror Movie:
There’s nothing quite like a horror movie marathon to get you in the Halloween spirit! Amp up the atmosphere with flickering candles and eerie string lights. Snack on some popcorn or some nachos. Invite one or two (pre-screened) friends over and host your very own “Fear-fest.” And don’t forget to have a prize for whoever can watch the whole thing without hiding under a blanket!
What to watch? From demonic possession to serial killers, these classic horror movies will have you on the edge of your seat. In ‘The Exorcist,’ a young girl becomes possessed by a demon, and her mother must battle for her soul. In ‘Halloween,’ Michael Myers terrorizes babysitters on a fateful night. ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ takes you into the dream world of Freddy Krueger, a killer who stalks his victims in their sleep. ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ follows a group of teenagers as they encounter Leatherface, a chainsaw-wielding maniac. And in ‘The Shining,’ Jack Nicholson delivers a spine-chilling performance as a man driven to madness in an isolated hotel.
#5. Create a DIY Halloween Decoration:
When it comes to DIY Halloween decor, the sky’s the limit! Transform a simple sheet or shower curtain into a spooky spider web with some spray paint or a sponge, cut out ghostly shapes and create a playful garland, or turn milk jugs into eerie jack-o’-lanterns. And for the ultimate Halloween vibe, create a mini cemetery scene in your yard with cardboard tombstones, fake grass, and some moss. With a little creativity and a few simple supplies, you can turn your home into a hauntingly good time!
#6. Watch Some Spookie TV Shows:
Cancel your plans, cozy up on the couch, and prepare for a spine-tingling television marathon! From the Upside Down of “Stranger Things” to the Addams Family’s creepy mansion, these Halloween-themed shows are guaranteed to give you the chills (and maybe a few laughs).
Slay the night with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or watch the hauntingly beautiful and spine-chilling tale, “The Haunting of Hill House.” And don’t forget “American Horror Story” – a creepy anthology series perfect for Halloween.
#7. Host a Virtual Halloween Party:
Get ready to virtual-boo-gie with a spook-tacular virtual Halloween party – no need to leave the house, so goodbye, social anxiety! Set the theme around a classic Halloween flick and have everyone dress up as their favorite character (or not). Turn up the fright with virtual games like “Guess the Celebrity Costume” and “Pumpkin Pictionary.”
Add a little ambiance with a haunting playlist and a creepy virtual background – think cobwebs, candles, and maybe even a haunted house or two. Top it all off with a virtual pumpkin-carving contest and you’ve got yourself a devilishly delightful party, all without leaving your couch! Bwahaha!
#8. Do a Halloween-Themed Workout:
Get ready to scare up some serious fitness gains with these frightfully fun Halloween-themed workouts. ‘Hocus Pocus HIIT’ will have you shakin’ your broomstick with Sanderson sisters squats, Billy Butcherson burpees, and Thackery Binx sprints. ‘Ghostly Glutes’ will give your booty a boo-tiful workout with haunted hip thrusts, creepy curtsy lunges, and pumpkin pick-up deadlifts.
Looking for a more chill workout? Try ‘Witchy Yoga,’ where you’ll flow through poses like vampire bat pose, wicked warrior, and spooky savasana. Now, get your ghoul on and start sweating!
#9. Halloween Treat-Yourself Night:
Indulge in some much needed self-love and self-care in a delightfully spooky way! Kick off the night by turning down the lights, lighting some candles, and queuing up some eerie music. Then, slather on a pumpkin spice face mask (because it is the most wonderful time of the year!) and sink into a warm, bubbly bath with a fizzy, orange-scented bath bomb.
Once you emerge, pamper your claws with a pumpkin-colored manicure – think glitter, sequins, and all things sparkly. And to top it off, binge-watch your favorite Halloween movies and munch on some deliciously devilish treats. It’s the ultimate introvert Halloween bash – minus the crowd, of course! 👻
#10. Have a Halloween Movie Marathon:
Don’t feel like having a spa night? Go straight to the movies! Set the scene for the ultimate Halloween movie marathon by getting comfy in your coziest pajamas and wrapping up in a blanket nest on the couch. Then, cue up a spine-tingling lineup of horror classics, including “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Beetlejuice,” and “The Conjuring.”
Snack on some deliciously devilish treats like caramel-drizzled spiced cider, pumpkin-shaped cookies, and candy corn-topped popcorn. And don’t forget to light some pumpkin-scented candles to really set the mood. 🕯️
Introverts can embrace the Halloween spirit without sacrificing their comfort or wallet. From cozy almost-costumes to virtual parties, there are endless ways to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the year. So go forth, my fellow introverts, and enjoy a hauntingly good time, in your own introverted way!
