Thread: Halloween "To be, or not to be"

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Until just the other day I was going to keep the decorations in storage and forget about Halloween this year. As many of us know the past year has been tough for everyone with the troubles in the economy, the price of gas, etc. I could go on and on. Unfortunately, my family has become of victim of the economy as well. My wife lost her job in March and has not been able to find work since, and with all the other little things going wrong (flooded basement, strong storms this Spring and Summer that has forced me to put a new roof on the house) money has become the #1 issue this year. Starting in late July I was able to pick up a part-time job to help supplement the loss of income of my wife, but things are still tough. On top of money issues I would also have the time element to deal with as well. As I mentioned, I all but decided to pass on Halloween this year until this past weekend at a local festival a dozen people (kids and adults) told me how much they are looking forward to my display this Halloween. On top of that my 3 year old daughter has not stopped talking about Halloween since she watched Beetle Juice on TV a few weeks back…

So, I realized that Halloween is not just about me, the money, or the time it takes to build props and set up displays - It's about the people, of all ages, that for one night enjoy the Halloween holiday. These are the people that take the extra car ride or walk to my house from blocks away just to spend 15 or 20 minutes walking around the yard enjoying the decorations and scenes I created.

Well, I am proud to say that Halloween is a “GO” for 2009! I typically start planning for Halloween in July, so I am way behind. Any ideas for this coming year, especially cheap, but “scary” and worthwhile please post to this thread.

Happy Haunting!

Just had to say WOOOHOOOO! I am glad that you are doing your set up. I think it's times like now, when things have been pretty rough for a lot of folks for quite a while, that's when people need things like an awesome event to look forward to more than ever. I'm sure it will help lift their spirits as well as your own. BRAVO!!!

As far as cheap and very effective projects.....DEFINITELY loev the PVC candles. They lend such a spooky air and are sooo inexpensive. Also the skelly sconces that Voodoo Willy has posted about. They are cheap, easy, and look incredible.

Well hip hip hooray for you deciding to do Halloween, (Spooki does a fabulous backflip) As for cheaper props I have to say my husband built two ground breaker coffins for $0 He got the plans from here and it calls for a pallet. They came out awesome and didnt cost a thing, not even the nails and screws because we always have lots of those around. You can do so much with them all you need to do is get your hands on a pallet. I got mine from my job and from driving around shopping centers around back where they dispose of them. Also Home Depot will give them to you for free when they are done if they dont need them. You can put fog in them or lights they look like they are busting out of the ground and give a nice effect. You cant get cheaper than free

So glad you are going to decorate for hween. Look at some of the props you have already and find ways to improve them esp the ones packed away never used. you would be surprised as to what you can come up with. also don't forget thrift stores-good will and such .agree with pallets and candles.

Glad to hear it. Halloween is all about giving to others.. probalby even more so than Christmas.

Even if you do not do anything new for the year it's good to see that you will be decorating this year.

Well I to am glad you going to do the haunt this year! I also understand about the money problems as does everyone here! "IT SUCKS" I to thought about not doing it because of money but try to keep everything to a minimum budget but good luck and I hope the wife finds a new good job to pay for our addictions! Well your addiction!

well, it sounds like a tight situation for you, i am glad you are going to do something enjoyable out of it. what have you done in the past years? are there any of that around? in my previous town i lived in my lumber yard drew up coffin plans, cut my wood, and donated some nails and lumber towards my haunt because i do it for the towns people to enjoy. the city hall lent me a table and the lumber yard picked it up and delivered it along with my lumber. maybe something like this would help

Sad story but a happy ending....can't get better than that! You rock

MsM

Hey, I'm glad to hear that you are going to be decorating this year! I'm sorry to hear about your troubles, but, if nothing else, at least all the last minute planning will keep your mind off it. ;-)

This was a really touching post - it made me feel all fuzzy and warm inside!!!

I'm so sorry to hear that you have had a tough time this year, as I'm sure you know ..you are by no means alone, but together we stand stronger, even through adversity. I'm so glad you're going ahead with your Halloween plans and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season