Happy Halloween ghouls & gurls! 👻What is it about Halloween in the San Fernando Valley that makes it feel so nostalgic? When I think about Halloween, I think about my childhood, the memories, the costumes, the candy, and all the fun we had growing up. There was just something special about Halloween back then that still sticks with me today.
I remember going to school every year around Halloween, especially in elementary school, when we would have costume contests and walk around the track in our costumes. We had what was basically a costume parade, and it was pretty cool! Halloween was always fun in elementary, middle, and high school because we got candy, had parties, showed off our costumes, and enjoyed seeing everyone’s personalities come out. Even most of our teachers dressed up and participated with us!
I went to Darby Elementary School in Northridge from 2000 to 2007, and those are some of the memories that stick with me. That’s how I remember Halloween growing up in the Valley.
Then came middle school. I attended Nobel Middle School in Northridge from 2007 to 2010, and during eighth grade, I worked on a play called Dracula. That brought out even more of those spooky, seasonal Halloween vibes and made the holiday feel extra special at school. I also remember going out trick-or-treating with a friend every year during middle school. We had a lot of fun!
By the time I got to Granada Hills Charter High School, where I attended from 2010 to 2014, Halloween was still something I looked forward to every year. Sometimes I went with one friend, and other times we went out as a group. We did a lot of the same things we did in middle school, just with a little more schoolwork involved. We’d wear costumes, get candy, maybe watch a movie, and enjoy everyone’s outfits while relaxing in class. Sometimes there were even Halloween activities during lunch.
And speaking of lunch, can we talk about how we thought 30 minutes was a decent amount of time? LOL! Looking back as an adult, that is way too short. Those 30 minutes are basically the same kind of breaks I get at work now, and I can’t believe we used to think that was enough time to do everything.
Anyway, back to Halloween!
I went out with friends every year during high school, and each year had its own memories. During my freshman year, I went with one friend. In sophomore and junior year, I went with a group of friends, and during senior year, I went with a former boyfriend who was also a friend. We had a good time, and those are the kinds of memories you look back on and smile about.
During those years, we also experienced Halloween Horror Nights and Pierce College’s Fright Fest, or whatever you remember calling it. That particular experience is no longer around in the same way, which makes me even more nostalgic about it. Between haunted attractions, spooky events, hanging out with friends, and finding fun things to do around Halloween, there was always something to look forward to.
And let’s not forget the Halloween parties!
That’s another thing I loved about growing up during Halloween season. I remember going to an old friend’s Halloween party year after year, usually with a group of friends. We’d watch movies, dance, eat candy, drink our nonalcoholic drinks LOL, socialize, flirt a little, and just have a good time with everybody. It wasn’t about anything complicated. We were young, we were having fun, and we enjoyed being around each other.
Those were the good old days.
To this day, at 31, I’m still dressing up and been going to Halloween parties in the spirit of Halloween. When Brandon and I met and got together, we have always been side by side with Halloween costumes meaning couples/matching like character costumes. We love spooky season. 👻
Also, Social media was already a big thing back then, but it wasn’t quite what it is today. It felt more like something we used for fun, sharing pictures and keeping up with friends. Now, it seems like social media has taken over so much of our lives. Times change, of course, but sometimes I miss when things felt a little simpler.
Another thing I love about Halloween in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Los Angeles County is seeing all the decorated houses. There’s something about driving or walking through a neighborhood and seeing homes covered in Halloween decorations, with spooky lights, skeletons, ghosts, pumpkins, and all kinds of creative displays. Some houses really go all out, and I love seeing that!
Thankfully, there are still plenty of people who decorate their homes today. But the feeling of Halloween now compared to back then is a little different. Maybe it’s because I’m older, maybe it’s because life has changed, or maybe it’s a little bit of both. Either way, I still appreciate the holiday, and I love taking a trip down memory lane to remember all those good times.
Halloween has always been known as a kids’ holiday, but honestly, I think anyone can enjoy it. You’re never too old to use your imagination, dress up as someone else, and have a little fun. One day, you can be a pirate, a nurse, a superhero, or your favorite movie character, like Buzz Lightyear. You get to step outside your everyday life and become somebody different for a little while.
And that’s one of the things I appreciate most about Halloween: your imagination gets to run wild.
There’s also a different side to Halloween that I’ve noticed over the years. It’s not just about innocent childhood fun, trick-or-treating, and family activities. There’s also a more playful, flirty, and sometimes even sexy side to the holiday. People dress up, go to parties, meet new people, and have fun expressing themselves in ways they might not normally do. Halloween has room for all kinds of personalities, and I think that’s part of what makes it so unique.
It’s not necessarily a traditional, family-centered holiday in the same way as Thanksgiving or Christmas. It’s more of a fun, imaginative holiday where you can dress up, let loose, and be whoever you want to be for a night, as long as you’re being safe about it.
And honestly, I think we need that sometimes.
As you get older, life can become complicated. Responsibilities pile up, work gets stressful, and reality has a way of catching up with you. Some days are harder than others, and sometimes you just need a break from everything. You need something that lets you laugh, have fun, and forget about your worries for a little while.
That’s what Halloween can do for people.
Of course, we can’t escape reality forever. Eventually, we have to face our responsibilities, make mature decisions, and keep moving forward. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the little things along the way. Sometimes, you have to look at the glass half full, stay optimistic, and remind yourself that there’s still plenty of good in life.
For me, Halloween brings back memories of childhood, school parties, costumes, candy, haunted attractions, decorated neighborhoods, and spending time with friends. It’s a reminder of a time when having fun was a little easier and the excitement of a holiday could make an ordinary day feel special.
Maybe that’s why Halloween feels so nostalgic in the San Fernando Valley. It’s not just about the holiday itself. It’s about the memories we made here, the places we went, the people we spent time with, and the traditions that became part of growing up.
And even though we’re older now, we can still appreciate those memories and create new ones.
Because at the end of the day, Halloween isn’t just about dressing up or collecting candy. It’s about imagination, connection, and giving yourself permission to have fun.
Sometimes, we all need a little reminder of what it feels like to be a kid again. 🎃
Have a safe and fun Halloween my valley (and beyond) ghouls & gurls! Stay spooky. 👻
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