Toby Page, VP Inclusion
Halloween is about having fun, in whichever way works for you. Don’t make yourself do things you don’t enjoy!
Here are a few cosy ideas for how to enjoy Halloween in a low-key, chill way.
1. The Craft & Sip Sanctuary
Make something with your hands! The simple, repetitive motions of crafting can lower stress and boost your mood. Pair it with a warm, comforting drink to unwind.
Set the scene at home with some simple supplies for drawing, knitting, or even adult colouring books. Make a hot chocolate and chill. Want to make it an event? Join us for our monthly ‘& Sip’ events or Crafternoons. Our next ‘& Sip’ event is a Sculpt & Sip session on Tuesday, which is currently SOLD OUT! (Don’t worry, there will be another in the next academic year due to its high demand.) Our next event will be Paint & Sip on 11 November. It’s a dedicated few hours in a relaxed, welcoming environment. (We offer a range of both alcohol-free and alcoholic options, so everyone can enjoy.)
2. The Cosy "Spooky-but-Soft" Film Night
Embrace the Halloween spirit without the scares. This is all about low-stakes, comforting films that ultimately leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. Atmospheric, not alarming.
Create a nest of blankets and pillows on the sofa, then queue up comfort titles like Coraline, Hocus Pocus, or the 2016 Ghostbusters (my personal pick is Nightmare Before Christmas). Prepare a spread of your favourite warm drinks and snacks.
For a bit of a digital detox, try a “phones in a basket” rule at the door.
3. The Treat-Yourself Bake Night: Sweet & Simple Comfort
The Idea: Baking can be therapeutic. The process is calming, the smell is heavenly, and the result is a tasty piece of comfort. It’s a low-cost way to lift your mood and share a little kindness with those around you.
No-pressure, low-cost baking! Pick your effort level:
1. From Scratch: Whip up a simple batch of cupcakes.
2. Easy Upgrade: Elevate a budget brownie mix by stirring in a handful of chocolate chips.
3. No-Fuss Fun: Grab pre-made cupcakes and a tub of icing, and have a decorating session with a friend.
4. Put on a calm playlist, make a warm drink, and embrace the process. The final touch? Leave a small “help yourself” plate out for your flatmates or neighbours—a small act of shared sweetness. The Treat-Yourself Bake Night: Sweet & Simple Comfort
The Idea: Baking can be therapeutic. The process is calming, the smell is heavenly, and the result is a tasty piece of comfort. It’s a low-cost way to lift your mood and share a little kindness with those around you.
No-pressure, low-cost baking! Pick your effort level:
1. From Scratch: Whip up a simple batch of cupcakes.
2. Easy Upgrade: Elevate a budget brownie mix by stirring in a handful of chocolate chips.
3. No-Fuss Fun: Grab pre-made cupcakes and a tub of icing, and have a decorating session with a friend.
Put on a calm playlist, make a warm drink, and embrace the process. The final touch? Leave a small “help yourself” plate out for your flatmates or neighbours—a small act of shared sweetness.
4. Social Energy: Pick Your People & Plans
Look after yourself. Halloween is about having a good time, not doing all the things you ‘should’ be doing.
Your social energy is a finite resource. This is the season to be intentional with your plans, prioritising connections that fill you up rather than drain you.
Try planning your week with either one “big” social plan and/or one “low-key” plan (like a quiet coffee or a walk). Before saying “yes,” do a quick check-in with yourself 48 hours before an event—how is your energy really?
Prioritise time with people who leave you feeling happy and energised. And always have a polite exit line ready, just in case a plan no longer serves you. Remember to prioritise your own mental health.
5. Recharge & Daylight Reset
The clocks have turned back over the weekend, which gifted us a precious extra hour.
Make sure you cement the new time zone by getting outside for a 10-20 minute walk in the brighter mornings, even if it’s just a trip to the shop for a favourite snack. The morning daylight is the key signal to your brain that a new cycle has begun.
Just remember, Halloween is about embracing the season in a way that feels good for you. Whether it’s through crafting, films, or a bit of self-care, there are endless ways to make the season enjoyable without the pressure to do it all. Take a step back, indulge in some cosy moments, and remember that Halloween is as much about slowing down as it is about having fun. Embrace the little joys of the season, and make it your own.