Making Mindful Magic

If you’re reading this, I am almost certain you are one of the many that adores the idea of making Halloween magic, but as I went through the season, I spent a lot of time thinking about how can I be mindful in my magic during this enchanting season.

While scrolling through Instagram, I came across this post from Lida Pavlova Magic with the subject of “Halloween is fun, but”. Something about it really sat with me and made me reflect. Especially the slide with the point “its charm might go rusty with the years.” There are many great points to reflect on in this collection. In truth, I connected with several of these prompts myself, and they felt especially in early September. At this time, I want to encourage you to scroll through, then share what connected with you in my comments.

As you may recall, I touched on my concerns in my countdown kick off post. Although I brooded that Halloween season was going to be very different, I was pleasantly surprised by what I experience. In truth, it really was different. However, having to experience it in a new mindset and approach old traditions with new means was exciting. For myself, the magic became more than just a fleeting moment during a pumpkin patch romp or a Halloween-themed event. It became a mood that carried itself throughout the whole month.

Ways of Making Mindful Magic

When I say “mindful”, I feel I should clarify. It is a privilege to be able to shop locally or purchase from folk art creatives. Yes, we want to support small and local businesses whenever we can. However, I do feel that it can be exclusionist to judge others for shopping with a big box store. Times in the world, especially here in the USA, are tough. If a chain store is more within your means for making magic for yourself and loved ones, no judgement here! This isn’t what I am pointing at when I say “mindful”. In essence, making October magical and mindful to me all came down to combining simplicity with whimsy. In view of this, I wanted to share just a few examples of how I’ve made my Halloween magic mindful:

Paper Chain Countdown

• I thought this year would be fun to work in a small moment of spooky from each link. On the inside of each chain link, I wrote a small something “to do”. For example, “if you’re wearing orange, pick out a candy to eat” or “write a Halloween card to mail out”. For ideas, I referenced the 31 Days of Halloween calendar from the 2025 issue of the Spooky Little Halloween Magazine. You don’t have to do something every day. Know your participating audience. On that note, it has been thrilling for myself to see my littles get excited over anticipation of what will be written inside the next link. Bonus points that it only took me a couple hours to put together.

Morning Rituals with a Seasonal Flare

• Unexpectedly, I have built a delightful morning ritual every other day brewing a cup of “Harvest Moon Tea” from Dem Bones Shoppe with some sage honey from Carmel Honey Company since the Harvest moon. I pair it with some toast that’s spread with melted goat cheese and pumpkin butter. I try my best to just enjoy the tea and toast, not working on anything. Usually, I compliment it by staring out the window, enjoying the foggy chilly mornings found here in Santa Cruz county.

Decorating in a Small Space

• This one might seem silly, but picking and choosing from your Halloween decor in a tiny space is a refreshing challenge. And when I say small, I mean, I only got to thoroughly decorate our bedroom. No living space or kitchen or dining room decor. Glancing around my current retreat is perfect for when I need a little serotonin boost. I especially adore that I did so without purchasing any new decor from big box stores this year. Everything that catches my eye was added to my collection from previous years, handmade by myself or others, or was gifted to me. Building up your collection to do so takes time. As much as I enjoy it, it’s almost more exciting seeing the littles get even more excited recalling this or that about a piece. My Halloween decor is becoming part of my children’s memories and I love that most of all.

How are You Making Mindful Halloween Magic?

Can you believe Halloween is this Friday? In light of its proximity, I can’t help but wonder how the Halloween magic has been treating you? Has it touched you yet? Will the magic begin on October 31st? Are you not seeking the Halloween magic this year? I want to know!

It is an honor to be amongst my fellow crypt keepers once more and I am so excited to see how everyone is sharing the Halloween magic throughout the month.