How to have a ‘whole lot better’ Halloween | Lizi’s
Did you know that although many people think Halloween originates in the United States, it actually has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain? Bonfires were lit, and costumes were donned to ward off negative energy? And it feels like 2020 could use some of this thinking!
Now that we have reaffirmed the history of Halloween is much closer to home, it feels only right that it’s an occasion that should be celebrated. Below, we have curated some inspiration for a Halloween that is a whole lot better…
GO LOCAL FOR YOUR PUMPKIN
This year has been essential in reminding many of us to shop locally. In doing so, you help to contribute to small local businesses, but often also reduce your carbon footprint by lowering travelling to buy a pumpkin.
Many local areas have ‘pick your own’ pumpkin patches, an activity that marks the beginning of the spooky season for many couples and families. As well as being great for the local business community, going local often also gives you a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and gain a feeling of gratitude for your surroundings. There will also likely be an opportunity to sample other local produce on offer, such as preserves and honey.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PUMPKIN
Previous research by Knorr found that more than 50% of the UK public who buy pumpkins to use as Halloween decorations put the scooped-out flesh in the bin.
Pumpkin is a nutrient powerhouse, containing potassium, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium as well as Vitamins B, C, and E. It also contributes to your digestive health as it is high in soluble fibre while being low in starch and sugar.
Pumpkin pie, soup, curry or risotto – there is plenty that can be done with the flesh of the pumpkin once it has been removed during the carving process. Pumpkin seeds are also incredibly nutritious, that’s why we use them in our cereals. By roasting them, they can quickly be turned into a tasty snack. Head over to BBC Good Food to meander through its pumpkin recipes this Halloween.
Don’t put your jack-o-lantern into the bin when it’s time to ditch the decorations – bury it in the garden instead. The pumpkin will enrich the soil as it decomposes, bringing life to your plants and flowers. Alternatively, place into bird feeders for a nutrient-dense snack for your feathered friends!
CONSIDER HOMEMADE TREATS
The staple tradition of trick or treating won’t be taking place this year. This offers an opportunity to get creative at home or spend time with the children, and in its place make some homemade Halloween treats instead.
This could be the start of some new family Halloween traditions; making treats to enjoy while enjoying a cosy night in front of a Halloween film. It’s much easier to keep an eye on sugar content when making items yourself, as well as adding in more nutritional ingredients too.
Our recent recipe for White Chocolate Bark Ghosts sees creamy white chocolate topped with Lizi’s granola and sultana eyes, but you can easily add your favourite items when decorating.
Take a look at the recipe, here.
CHOOSE LONG-LASTING DECORATIONS
Halloween themed items such as fairy lights, dried flowers, glass lanterns, broomsticks, burlap bunting, fabric bats and plastic, paper mâché or crotchet pumpkins can all last many years.
Even if you do decide to purchase paper decorations when put up and taken down carefully, there is no reason to discard them; instead, they can be saved for next year’s celebrations.
However you decide to celebrate Halloween, it doesn’t need to be a frivolous, wasteful holiday. Instead, it can be a great time to get the family together to enjoy the experience of pulling out the decorations and the autumnal family traditions set out in this blog. All in all, Halloween is undoubtedly a time to feel a whole lot better.
Do you have any Halloween traditions? Why not share them with the Lizi’s community on our social channels.
