By michael vivar
Halloween came about in the eighth century when the Catholic church co-opted the Celtic festival of Samhain.
In the United States, it's become the third most popular holiday behind Christmas and Thanksgiving with 73% of consumers celebrating.
Kids of all ages wear costumes this time of year, but Halloween is also an opportunity to dress up your house. Here are eight spooky Halloween decorating ideas.
The carved pumpkin is a Halloween classic. The ambitious can find complex stencils online. Don't forget to roast the pumpkin seeds.
Towering 7-foot tall figures have become commonplace. Skeletons are popular, but other characters like the Grim Reaper are available.
For who want to get on the giant decoration game at a lower cost, there are inflatables. They're also easier to store. Be sure to consider windy conditions.
For a more understated touch, a Halloween-themed wreath can be hung on the front door. Styles range from tasteful to extremely macabre.
These cast eerie scenes onto the entire side of a house. They also take up little lawn space. Some projectors are very bright so warn neighbors.
Suggest a morbid scene within a home by draping the exterior with caution tape. Using genuine police tape isn't advisable and may be illegal in certain areas.
There's an array of Halloween-themed warning signs available for purchase on the internet. Many are delightfully tongue-in-cheek.
Halloween is a great time for self-expression through home decor. Have fun but be mindful. Remember, neighbors are still neighbors the rest of the year.
It's not a celebration without decoration.