1. Spend a Halloween craft afternoon with the children

A craft afternoon is a great idea forgloomy autumn days.And when in the processdecorations, children's costumes or masksfor a spooky Halloween children's party are created, the fun is twice as great. A classic at Halloween is probably thecarving of a pumpkin. The hollowed-out pumpkin lantern, for example, looks excellent in front of the house entrance and conjures a mystical light in every front yard.

But other lanterns are also a nice idea for a Halloween craft day. Spookycandle lanterns, made from a decorated jam jar, or strikingghost lights,made from a white breakfast bag painted with howling ghost faces, create acreepy atmosphereand are by childreneasily made.

Halloween – where do the origins of the Halloween custom lie?

Trend from the USA:The Halloween custom only spread from the USA to Europe a few years ago. But within a short time a veritableHalloween culturehas been established – with everything that goes with it: costumes and pumpkin lanterns, Halloween parties and children roaming from house to house to collect sweets.

US custom with Irish roots:However, the origins of Halloween are not in the USA, but in Europe. Especially inIrelandand Great Britain it was customary to commemorate the dead on the evening before All Saints' Day (All Hallows' Eve = Halloween). Among other things this also included theJack O'Lantern, a spooky lantern that was carved from a hollowed-out turnip. People also placed food in front of the door at that time, as a kind of offering to appease the dead. From this arose the tradition that costumed children go from door to door at Halloween and demand sweets.

Pumpkin instead of turnips:Irish emigrants brought the Halloween custom to19th centuryin America. Because there were hardly any turnips there, but plenty ofpumpkinsthey made their Halloween lanterns from pumpkins – and laid thefoundationfor the American custom, which is celebrated to this day with great joy and even more effort.

2. Turn your home into a haunted house with creepy Halloween decorations

Spooky decorationis a must for any Halloween party. But even if you don't host a party, you can create anatmosphereappropriate to the season. For the right spooky fun you can turn your home into a realhaunted castletransform. Perfect for this isdecor with lights, which in no time create a spooky atmosphere.

Also perfect as Halloween decorations arespooky window decals and Halloween garlands.For this you can choose motifs like bats, ghosts, spiders, skeletons or pumpkins and turn your home into a delightfully spooky place for scares.

3. Set the mood for the spooky party with homemade Halloween invitations

Withhandmade Halloween invitationsthe Halloween celebration begins long before the actual Halloween evening – creepy invitation cards are theperfect preludeto a spookyHalloween party with children. Lovingly handmade, the invitations are already a real highlight.

For creepy invitation cards there arenumerous imaginative possibilities:You can, for example, make the cards in the shape of a spider, a skeleton, a ghost or a pumpkin or implement a creative idea with toilet paper rolls. Now write a creepy invitation text and theanticipation for the partycan begin!

4. Make creepy Halloween masks with children

It doesn't always have to be Halloween makeup – creepy Halloween masks also make a big impression. Masks are also apractical and comfortable alternativeto face painting, as they cannot smudge like makeup. Another advantage: you can prepare Halloween masks in advance and make them together with your children. When crafting there are no limits to imagination. Whether devil, ghost or bat – the list of ideas is long. Of course the mask should match the rest of the costume. It is made frompapier-mâché, plaster bandages or cardboardand attached to the head with an elastic band.

5. Get to know atmospheric Halloween motifs

Great funfor children to explore the Halloween motifs more closely. For they often carry a mystical symbolism. It is especially nice if you read to your offspringappropriate stories and fairy talesaloud. Who doesn't like to hear about the rattling ghost or the little vampire? The Halloween motifs not only offer a lot of material for conversation, but alsomany great crafting ideas.Thus you can make practical stencils from popular motifs like pumpkin, witch or bat and use them in many places when crafting Halloween decorations. This guarantees your kids' spooky fun.

6. Throw a great Halloween children's party

A Halloween party is anabsolute highlight. Spooky atmosphere, creepy costumes and lots of fun with friends: who wouldn't look forward to such an event?

To make sure the party delivers what it promises, some things must be prepared. These include an eerie spooky buffet, creepy decorations and entertaining Halloween games. Think aboutschedule and programand of course discuss the plans with your children. What expectations do the children have for the Halloween party? Of course the little party guests should also be invited in good time.

7. Prepare a wonderful spooky buffet

A delicious spooky buffet must not be missing at a Halloween children's party. Especiallypracticalis acold buffet, as it can be prepared well in advance. And of course a spooky buffet wouldn't be a spooky buffet without the right eerie dishes. With clever recipes likemummy sausagesormonster pizzayou will surely conjure a smile on the little spooks' faces. The menu is rounded off by unusualsweetslike spider muffins or banana ghosts. Add a creepypunchand the feast is perfect.

8. Delight children with delightfully spooky Halloween games

A Halloween children's party is creepy. The appropriateHalloween gamescontribute. Whetheroutside or inside:Halloween games for children providevariety. You should incorporate games into the program depending on the mood. It's best to have some games up your sleeve in case boredom arises. You by no means have to run through all the games, because the children might also entertain themselves fabulously.

Games involving movement like theghost dance, but also quieter program items like telling a spooky story make the Halloween party an unforgettable experience. Anight hikeoutdoors, best combined with following an eerie ghost trail.

9. Make creepy Halloween costumes for children yourself

At Halloween creepy costumes are a must. Not only does dressing up bring greatfun, making a costume together can also bring much joy to parents and children. Because aHalloween costumedoesn't always have to be bought, it can also bemade yourself!

Whether spooky mummy, cute pumpkin or nasty spider – you can often create an original children's costume with the help of a few simple craft supplies. And the trick: such aimaginative one-of-a-kind pieceyou won't find a second one like it!

10. Eerie Halloween faces – makeup tips & makeup ideas for children

On this page HABA shows you the most popular Halloween motifs, makeup ideas along with helpful tips and tricks as well as simple instructions to recreate them. Always keep in mind: when it comes to Halloween makeup, no one is born a master. With a little practice anyone can conjure the most wonderful face paintings.

Image credits

Illuminated pumpkin lanterns with two girls playing © Vasyl- stock.adobe.com

Father looks at a book with children © VadimGuzhva - stock.adobe.com

Table decorated with illuminated pumpkins, garlands© JenkoAtaman - stock.adobe.com

Handmade invitation cards on a table © fedorovacz - stock.adobe.com

Children lie on the floor wearing pumpkin masks © kegfire - stock.adobe.com

Costumed children dance in a confetti shower © Oleksii Syrotkin/Stocksy - stock.adobe.com

Child stands dressed as a ghost © Maria - stock.adobe.com

Mother applies Halloween-themed makeup to daughter © detailblick-foto - stock.adobe.com