Halloween is said to be the second most popular annual celebration, second only to Christmas. It is celebrated by both children and adults, with many activities in which everyone can take part: parties, fancy dress competitions or just going trick or treating in your neighbourhood. There are lots of possibilities and you can choose the one that suits you best.

Spend Halloween with your host family

Many host families, especially American or Mexican host families, love to celebrate Halloween or the Day of the Dead as a family. Big parties are organised where everyone dresses up and aims to have fun together. Ask your host family what their plan is. Having fun with them will help you get to know them better and create special bonds.

In the United States, it is very common to walk around the neighbourhood and ask for treats (so called "trick or treating"). This custom has now spread to other countries. Before you go on a candy hunt, make sure what the local customs are and ask parents if it's OK or if they don't want their children to eat too much candy. 

Make crafts with the kids 

As well as dressing up, kids love all things Halloween. It's the perfect time to entertain them by decorating pumpkins or by drawing pictures of bats, witches or ghosts, which can be lots of fun. If you're not too handy, you'll find lots of Halloween craft inspiration on Pinterest.

Dress up at home

You don't have to go to a party to have fun. Dressing up at home can be a lot of fun too - what kid doesn't love it? If you don't have a costume yourself, make a homemade one. I'm sure the little ones will love to help you. And if you're too lazy, you can simply put on make-up as a witch, a zombie or even a princess - the choices are endless and can be a fun topic with the host kids.

Spend Halloween with your au pair friends

Although Halloween is a typical American holiday, in many countries there are special Halloween parties in bars or clubs. Maybe because of the pandemic there will not be so many this year, but if you want to have fun going out, take a look at the events in your city.

Halloween movie session

Another plan you can do with your friends or also your host family is to watch some typical scary movies - and don't forget the popcorn!

If you like the genre, there are some classic horror films you can put on the list: The Exorcist, Halloween, The Shining or Nightmare on Elm Street. (But make sure they're not too much for younger children.)

And if you are one of those who who don't like their movies too scary or if you are with the kids, you can think about films like "Coco", "Nightmare Before Christmas" or the mythical "Hocus Pocus".

Whatever plan you choose: We wish you Happy Halloween!