Halloween isn’t just costumes and candy, it’s a whole vibe of balancing tricks and treats. Some things this time of year feel like pure magic. Others? Straight-up tricks. Here’s my roundup of both:
Trick: Glitter & Pastel Halloween Decorations
Halloween is supposed to be moody and spooky, not Barbie’s dream house. Glitter is basically a curse that lasts until spring, and pastel pumpkins feel like a baby shower in disguise.
Treat: Over-The-Top Yard Displays
Skeleton armies, fog machines, tacky spiderwebs covering the entire lawn... the bigger, the louder, the better! Halloween is the one time of year when “too much” is exactly right.
Trick: $80 Costumes
Flimsy plastic, seams that split before midnight, and a price tag that could’ve covered a week’s worth of groceries. Definitely a trick.
Treat: Thrifted or DIY Costumes
Cut-up bedsheets, thrift-store gems, a little hot glue magic... these are the costumes people actually remember. Plus, way more fun than clicking “add to cart.”
Trick: Bad Halloween Playlists
If I hear “Monster Mash” more than once in the same night, I’m leaving (but to clarify, I do need to hear it at least once). And if your playlist doesn’t have Somebody's Watching Me, is it even October?
Treat: Hoodies, Blankets & Scary Movies
The coziest combo there is. Bonus points if it’s an ‘80s horror classic that’s just scary enough to make you bury your face in the popcorn.
Trick: Haunted House Jump Scares
Getting screamed at by teenagers in rubber masks? Not the vibe. One or two is fine. Seven in a row and I’m going to start crying. My nervous system simply cannot handle that.
Treat: Actual Creepy Vibes
Give me eerie soundtracks, flickering candles, and a ghost story that makes me check the corners of the room. Chill > cheap thrills almost every time.
Trick: Smarties, Tootsie Rolls, or Black Licorice
They look festive, but let’s be honest, nobody’s fighting over these. Straight into the “meh” pile of the candy trade.
Treat: Reese’s or Candy Corn
Yes, I said candy corn. Come at me. It’s pure sugar nostalgia and I will defend it forever. Reese’s pumpkins, though? Absolutely untouchable. Peak Halloween candy.
The Takeaway
Halloween is full of tricks and treats, but the best part is leaning into the little things that actually bring you joy. Avoid glitter, embrace hoodies, and defend your candy hill with pride.
Your turn: What’s your ultimate treat this season? Tell me in the comments or over on Instagram @exoh.co! I want to know the little joys that make your Halloween better.