Now that you’re in college, probably the scariest thing about Halloween is the 10-page paper on John Steinbeck that’s due the next day.
But just because you’ll be shut up in your tiny apartment all night (with little luck of any sane parent letting their children trick-or-treat in your area) doesn’t mean Halloween has to be a flop.
Fire up your jack-o lantern?or steal one from an unsuspecting neighbor?cozy up with your textbook and check out some of these classic Halloween favorites to set the mood (ranked in no particular order).
Music:
1) “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins
2) “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett
3) “This Is Halloween” by Danny Elfman
4) Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, Witches’ Sabbath
5) “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
6) “Witchy Woman” by The Eagles
7) “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker
8) “Dead Man’s Party” by Oingo Boingo
9) “I Was a Teenage Werewolf” by The Cramps
10) “The Addams Family Theme Song” by Vic Mizzy
Movies:
1) “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”
2) “Night of the Living Dead”
3) “The Omen”
4) “Casper”
5) “The Bride of Frankenstein”
6) “Evil Dead” (and “Evil Dead 2”)
7) “The Exorcist”
8) “The Witches”
9) “Dawn of the Dead”
10) “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
And last, but not least, if you have time to hit the Web, check out these sites for an interactive Halloween experience:
www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/music.htm
This site includes everything you ever wanted to know about the history of Halloween, including where it got its name and how pumpkins, witches and other frightening characters became symbols of the spooky day.
You can also find links to print out paper masks and other crafts, get party ideas and collect scary stories.
In addition, the site features recipes to spice up your midnight snack (like “Witch Fingers” and “Night Crawlers”) and game ideas if you decide to take a break.
If you’re a computer geek (aren’t we all?), check out the Halloween-related screensavers and wallpapers that can be quickly downloaded.
www.phillyburbs.com/halloween2000/music.shtml
This site focuses more on costume ideas, which may come in handy for any last minute Halloween parties. The site also has a link for creative “budgetbuster” costumes (i.e., not possible for poor college students).
The most interesting features are the “guides,” which include a “Ghost Guide,” “Alien Guide” and a “Zombie Guide.” Each guide includes links to related movies and music, as well as tips on “what to know” and “what to do about” that particular monster.
For those who want more practical advice, the site also has articles on Halloween safety and party tips.