1. Scary Movies on TV (and the Ones We Shouldn’t Have Watched)
For many of us, Halloween wasn’t just about the trick-or-treating—it was about the scary movies that came on TV. Every network would air classics like Frankenstein or Dracula, and by the late 70s, we had Halloween and The Exorcist scaring us half to death. We’d huddle under blankets, hoping our parents wouldn’t notice us staying up too late. Sometimes we’d sneak a look at something truly terrifying, and those were the movies that haunted our dreams for weeks. But oh, what a thrill it was!
2. Homemade Costumes: Creativity Over Convenience
Back in the 60s, 70s, and even the early 80s, you didn’t just run to a store for a ready-made costume—your mom (or you!) got crafty. Whether it was repurposing old sheets for a ghost or making a robot out of a cardboard box and tin foil, costumes were homemade and filled with imagination. We didn’t care if the seams were crooked or if the face paint ran a bit—it was all about the fun and the effort put into it. Those DIY costumes, pieced together with love, are some of our fondest Halloween memories.
3. Trick-or-Treating Without Helicopter Parents
In today’s world, trick-or-treating feels like a carefully planned, parent-supervised event, but back in the day, we were on our own. As soon as the sun went down, we’d hit the streets in a pack with our neighborhood friends, pillowcases or paper bags in hand, ready to cover as much ground as possible. There was no GPS tracking or check-ins—just the freedom to roam house to house until our legs gave out. Sure, there was always talk of “stranger danger,” but back then, the thrill of independence was a big part of the Halloween adventure.
4. Those Flammable Plastic Masks with Tiny Eye Holes
You know the ones I’m talking about—those thin plastic costumes with matching masks that came with a tiny, barely breathable elastic band. Every drugstore had racks of these boxed costumes—Superman, Wonder Woman, and all your favorite cartoon characters. The masks were sweaty and uncomfortable, with eye holes that never lined up quite right. But we loved them! There was something magical about putting one on and feeling like you were transformed into your favorite superhero or TV character, even if you could hardly see… or breathe.
5. Unwrapping Real Full-Sized Candy Bars
Before fun-size candy took over, there was the thrill of opening your pillowcase and pulling out a full-sized candy bar. In the 70s and 80s, there was always that one generous house that handed out full Hershey’s, Snickers, or Milky Ways. When you hit the jackpot, it felt like a victory, and you’d brag about it to your friends. It was the holy grail of trick-or-treating—no one cared about calories, only about having the best haul by the end of the night.
6. Halloween Decorations That Were Handmade or Hard-Won
People today can buy elaborate Halloween decorations, but in the old days, most decorations were simple and often handmade. Jack-o’-lanterns carved by hand, with crooked grins and candlelight flickering from within, lined the porches. Black construction paper bats, ghosts made from old sheets, and a few store-bought cardboard cutouts were about as fancy as it got. But there was a charm to the simplicity, and we all took pride in our spooky, homespun displays.
7. Caramel Apples: The Sticky, Sweet Treat We Loved
Caramel apples were a Halloween classic, even though they were as messy as they were delicious. You’d bite into that sticky caramel coating, and if you were lucky, it was soft and gooey, perfectly paired with the crisp apple underneath. Sometimes they had nuts or sprinkles on the outside, adding a little crunch. They were often homemade, wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap, and handed out at Halloween parties or by a generous neighbor. Sure, they stuck to everything (including our teeth!), but that was all part of the fun—and the taste was worth every sticky bite.
8. The Urban Legends: Razor Blades and Poisoned Candy
We all remember the stories—usually told by an older sibling or a neighborhood kid—that someone, somewhere had found a razor blade in their candy apple or poisoned candy in their trick-or-treat bag. It was enough to make your parents sift through your loot before you could dive in, but the scare never lasted long. The truth is, most of us never knew anyone who had a problem, but those rumors gave Halloween a little extra edge, didn’t they?
9. Bobbin’ for Apples and Other DIY Party Games
Before Halloween was all about fancy haunted houses and organized events, many of us celebrated with old-fashioned Halloween parties in the basement or backyard. Bobbing for apples was a staple, even though it was a soggy, messy affair. There’d be homemade treats like caramel apples, popcorn balls, and sometimes a game of “pin the tail on the black cat.” These were simple, silly traditions, but they made Halloween feel like more than just candy—it was about gathering together, playing games, and laughing until our sides hurt.
10. The Smell of Burnt Pumpkin Seeds and Candles
After carving the pumpkins, there was always that special ritual of roasting the seeds. You’d toss them in salt, spread them out on a baking sheet, and wait for that toasty smell to fill the kitchen. They’d often burn a little, but we didn’t care. And let’s not forget the smell of the candle burning inside the jack-o’-lantern on Halloween night. It had this distinct, slightly charred scent that mixed with the cool, crisp autumn air. That smell still takes me back to those spooky nights.
11. Toilet Papering and Soaping Windows (Harmless Mischief)
Back in the day, Halloween wasn’t just about candy—it was about a little good-natured mischief, too. We’d sneak out after dark and TP a friend’s house or soap their windows, all in the name of fun. It was a harmless prank that never went too far (most of the time), and the next morning, you’d laugh about it. Today, kids don’t seem to get away with this kind of mischief, but back then, it was all part of the Halloween adventure.
12. Wax Lips and Wax Fangs: The Candy You Could Wear
Who could forget the iconic wax lips and fangs? They weren’t exactly the tastiest treat, but they were loads of fun. You’d slip them over your own lips and instantly transform into a cartoonish version of yourself. The wax didn’t have much flavor, but that didn’t stop us from chewing on it once the novelty wore off. It was one of those silly, fun candies that added to the goofy side of Halloween—and for a few minutes, we all got to act out our best Dracula impressions, fangs and all!
13. The Magic of Halloween Night
There was something about Halloween night itself that felt special—something almost magical. The air was cooler, the streets were dark and alive with kids in costumes, and there was this unspoken excitement in the air. It wasn’t just about the candy or the costumes; it was about the community, the laughter, and the feeling that, for one night, anything was possible. It’s something we can still remember so vividly because it was more than just a holiday—it was an experience that brought us all together, year after year.
Halloween in the 60s, 70s, and 80s was a simpler time, but the memories we made are rich and lasting. From homemade costumes to the freedom of trick-or-treating without supervision, these were the days when Halloween felt like an adventure—filled with just the right amount of spooky fun. Today’s Halloween may be different, but it’s hard to forget those magical nights when we ruled the streets with a pillowcase full of candy and dreams of endless adventure.
