Get ready to apple bob, binge-watch Glee, and maybe even go on a ghost tour
BY GRACE CROWLEY, IMAGE BY RIMMABONDARENKO
Halloween really can be nightmarish when you are sober. It can feel isolating to not drink during holidays, no matter how far into your non-drinking journey you are. This however does not mean the weekend has to be written off completely! It’s time to reclaim Halloween as a safe space for those who want all the terror and none of the tipsy.
Whether you have been sober for a while, are sober-curious or just fancy a change this October, read on to hear my tips on how to have a very slay sober celebration.
A night of nostalgia
One of the most painful parts of adulthood is the expectation to go to a party and simply mingle with strangers. I am a firm believer that as a society, we must return to organised fun. Bring back apple bobbing! Bring back Wink Murder! Bring back Pin The Tail On The Donkey! This night of nostalgia is a perfect way to celebrate a spectacularly sober Halloween. There is no joy like winning the party game – not that that’s what it’s all about of course… This is my formal request for you to have an old-school Halloween. Host a sober evening and ask everyone to come wearing a costume from things they already have – a great way to encourage creativity and sustainability. When your guests arrive, start the games and let the silliness begin!
Bakes to die for
With no hangover and the money you would have saved from not drinking, you can finally try the baking recipe that you saved on TikTok three months ago and never got around to doing. It doesn’t matter if you’re plant-based or gluten-free, there are thousands of seasonal recipes you can copy, alter and enjoy! With no hungover shakes, the Halloween weekend can be spent intricately decorating your spiced and spooky goods. Celebrate with a terrifyingly tasty night!
Scary, spooky screenings
Everyone knows that a scary movie marathon is essential for Halloween, but what about an Eerie Episode Evening? Get a few friends round and pick out some of the most iconic Halloween episodes of your favourite TV shows. Cosied up on the couch, maybe even with some delicious bakes, everyone is happy watching a selection of different genres, eras and characters. My recommendation for you is the Iconic Rocky Horror episode of Glee. It has drama, music, costumes and is a beautifully camp way to celebrate Halloween.
Chilling and thrilling
Fancying something to give you an adrenaline rush? Change things up and go on a walking ghost tour – they are all over the UK! An evening of hearing the haunted histories of the very streets you are walking on is a chilling way to commemorate the creepiest night in the calendar. Alternatively, why not book a fright night at a theme park? The parks are filled with immersive actors and scary mazes, all there for the sake of you giving you the fright of your life. With fast rollercoasters and endless sweet shops scattered around, drinking is the last thing you can think about!
Makeup
Halloween is the greatest time to experiment with your look. Carve out some time this year to shapeshift and use those crazy eyeshadow colours you usually wouldn’t dare to use. This is a fun activity with or without company. If you have a fun Halloween playlist blasting and a vision in mind, this is guaranteed fun. Need some inspiration? What about recreating some of Chappell Roan’s iconic pastel looks? Or Trixie Mattel’s cartoonish drag? Pour yourself into this makeup and see what masterpiece you end up with.
Happy Halloween!
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