This could change Halloween forever!
Your Halloween Tradition May Be Changing This Year—Here’s Why
Updated on May 06, 2022
October is right around the corner, and you know what that means—the return of all things PSL, 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.
In 2018, 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 picking up speed once more. Right now, more than 150,000 people have signed. When the quota of 200,000 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
Halloween GuacamoleNeed a tasty, on-theme Halloween dish that won't take all day to make? Try this fun Halloween guacamole! Stir together five ingredients, then get creative with Frankenstein's face using entirely edible decorations.
Jack-o’-Lantern EmpanadasYour trick-or-treaters will love these spooktacular pockets with silly grins. The savory filling is perfectly spiced, and the refrigerated pie crust makes prep easy.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sausage & Rice Stuffed PumpkinsMy children often request this dish. It also adds a great "wow" factor to a festive buffet table.—Andria Peckham, Lowell, Michigan
Bewitched ChiliOne pot and thirty minutes—yes, please. Kids and grown-ups love this warm-you-up chili for Halloween. —Janice Westmoreland, Brooksville, Florida
Spiced Chocolate TrufflesI 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
Mousse-Filled Witches’ HatsThese 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 NachosI had previously 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 PizzaCreepy 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
Halloween Deviled EggsFrighteningly easy and dreadfully delicious, Halloween deviled eggs may look like skulls but are more treat than trick! A tangy and savory filling atop a crunchy corn chip base make these the cutest, oops scariest, little skulls to ever haunt your table.
Peanut Butter Cereal TreatsKids 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 MartiniSurprise 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 MashNo 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 CaviarI like to serve this dip with triangle-shaped tortilla chips because they look like pointy witch hats. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Blood Orange PunchThis tangy punch is festive, refreshing and easy to prepare. Instead of plain ice cubes, I add frozen orange juice cubes. —Sandy McKenzie, Braham, Minnesota
Baked Chicken BurritosOur baked chicken burritos recipe is wonderfully delicious thanks to loads of cheese, a delightful blend of spices and chicken broth that keeps the filling perfectly moist.
Pumpkin Pan RollsServe these spicy-sweet pumpkin rolls for dinner—or at any time of day–and get ready to hear a chorus of yums in your kitchen! —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Magic WandsThese fun and colorful wands don't need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Deluxe Walking NachosThis slow-cooked potluck chili makes an awesome filling for a little bag of walk-around nachos. Cut the bag lengthwise to make loading your fork easier. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Boo BeverageSilly spooks formed with whipped topping garnish glasses of this smooth drink made with sherbet, orange juice and bananas. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin BisqueWhen the weather turns cold, this rich, silky-smooth pumpkin bisque will warm you from the inside out. It's quick and easy to make, and filled with flavor.
Apple Cider SmashA 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-Cooker Pizza CasseroleCrockpot pizza casserole is the recipe for a satisfying one-and-done meal. This comforting casserole with mass appeal is just what you need when cooking for a crowd.
Pumpkin Pie ShotsGrown-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 ChipsOnce you've fried your own homemade potato chips, there's no going back to store-bought bags. Golden brown and crunchy, they're a tastier, crispier, more customizable way to snack.
Mummy Pigs in a BlanketDon't let Halloween pass without prepping these savory mummy pigs in a blanket. They're quick and cute, made simply by wrapping juicy hot dogs in flaky, buttery premade pastry strips.
Chicken with Sugar Pumpkins & ApricotsWhen 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
Caramel CornLearning how to make a caramel corn recipe is surprisingly easy! Follow our step-by-step guide for perfect kernels.
Mad Scientist PunchOur 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 PizzaMy 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 PiesEmbrace the flavors of fall with pumpkin whoopie pies. Our recipe combines spiced pumpkin cookies with a fluffy cream filling for a seasonal dessert appropriate for autumn gatherings and Halloween parties.
Crockpot Apple CiderWith crockpot apple cider, there's no such thing as last-minute prep. When you're expecting guests, just load the slow cooker hours in advance and spend your time visiting instead.
Pumpkin Pie DipPumpkin pie dip combines the creamy goodness of pumpkin and cream cheese with the warm spices of fall in a delightful dip that’s perfect for parties, snacking or anytime you crave a little something sweet.
Pumpkin & Cauliflower Garlic MashI 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
French Dip SandwichThe most essential elements of a French dip sandwich are tender, thinly sliced beef and a savory jus for dipping. When you use a slow cooker, you can prep in the morning for delicious sandwiches that are ready come dinnertime.
Ghostly Hot CocoaChocolate 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
