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Films and Specials to Put You in the Holiday Spirit

The Christmas season is packed with holiday films and specials for kids that are worth watching the first time or every year. The lineup is sufficient for creating a movie night for every day in December leading up to the big day. The following are just some of the top picks. Some are recommended for certain ages, but let your child and their interests be your guide.

  1. The Polar Express
  2. The Christmas Dragon
  3. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
  4. A Garfield Christmas
  5. Home Alone
  6. The Santa Clause
  7. Jingle All the Way
  8. A Boy Called Christmas
  9. Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
  10. Trolls Holiday Special
  11. Elf
  12. A Charlie Brown Christmas
  13. Frosty the Snowman
  14. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  15. Dr. Seuess’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  16. Twas the Night Before Christmas
  17. Jingle All The Way
  18. The Star
  19. Thomas and Friends: The Christmas Engines
  20. Winnie the Pooh: The Seasons of Giving
  21. If You Give a Mouse a Christmas Cookie
  22. The Snowy Day
  23. Kung Fu Panda Holiday
  24. The Muppet Christmas Carol
  25. Santa Clause is Coming to Town
  26. Veggie Tales: The Little Drummer Boy
  27. Casper’s Haunted Christmas
  28. Klaus
  29. The Magic Snowflake
  30. Scrooge
  31. Minions Holiday Special
  32. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
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Favorite Outdoor Christmas Decorations

Some Christmas decorations are perennial favorites and seem to appear in everyone’s yard each year. Inflatables have become one of the most popular types of yard decorations on the market. They encompass everything from traditional Santas and snowmen to angels, elves and candy canes. Many are equipped with solar-powered batteries to power light up functions. They’re ideal for saving on power costs and reducing the potential for fire.

Aurora Lights

Since 1882, lights have played an integral part in holiday celebrations. Now, you can put away the traditional holiday lights for your outdoor tree and decorate with aurora lights. They’re also called meteor lights, snow shower lights or raindrop lights, depending on the manufacturer. They’re offered in single colors and simulate shooting stars tumbling to Earth.

Inflatables

Giant inflatable ornaments are offered in multiple colors. Some are emblazoned with sentiments of the season. You can also select from giant lighted snow globes or giant versions of Frosty the Snowman or the abominable snowman.

Lighted Gifts

Designed to look like wrapped presents, they glow with an inner light. They’re available in multiple colors. Combine them with an outdoor lighted tree for an especially festive appearance.

Fun Inflatables

Those with a quirky sense of humor that are fans of Rockin’ Santa figurines with a guitar will be happy to know there’s a large inflatable version. You can also choose Santa riding a dinosaur, Snoopy on his doghouse, or a gingerbread train. Don’t forget the gingerbread man who is being sampled by his dog.

Fireworks and Icicles

Firework lights are offered in bright white or multi-colored versions. The unique design emulates the appearance of a fireworks burst, sometimes called a bouquet. Icicle lights can be used to decorate homes and fences.

Reindeer

There’s something about reindeer as decorations that appeal to children and adults. They’re available in light up inflatables that primarily depict Rudolph and the more popular fully lit version that’s offered as a 2-piece doe and fawn set.

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Satisfy the Reader in Any Family

Video games and electronic devices are uppermost in the minds of many youngsters for Christmas. If you’re among those that have an avid reader in the family, there are any number of books that will be a well-appreciated gift. There are books to please any age level or reading ability. Many combine the holiday season with mystery, fantasy or a heaping helping of humor. The following are just a few choices to consider.

Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

When the gem is stolen, it’s up to Sherlock Holmes and Watson to recover it and solve the holiday-based mystery. For ages 7 to 9.

Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder

In this Norwegian novel, the girl Elisabet hasn’t been seen for years. Jochim must solve the mystery of the advent calendar and locate Elisabet. For ages 9 to 12.

Hogfather by Terry Prachet

Bureaucrats hire an assassin to dispatch the Hogfathe who brings children toys and sausages. It’s up to Death to save the day by dressing up as the merry old man. For age 11 to adults.

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris

It’s a hilarious account of working as a department store elf during the holidays. For teens to adults.

Kwanzaa by Dr. Artika R. Tyner

Children learn about the traditions and celebration of Kwanzaa. For ages 5 to 8.

The Box of Delights by John Masefield

In this children’s fantasy novel, a boy finds a magic box on a train, only to discover he and the box are in danger from an evil magician. He travels through time and space to save himself and Christmas. For ages 9 to 12.

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

There’s more to the humble flower than meets the eye. It tells the sweet story of what the “Flower of Christmas Eve” means to Hispanic families. For ages 5 to 9.

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6 Halloween Party Ideas for Teens and Tweens

Many parents are choosing to host Halloween parties as a safer alternative to crowds of little ghosts and goblins. It’s also an opportunity to fulfill older youngsters’ desire for a spookier experience than trick-or-treating can deliver. Don’t forget to include a photo booth to capture a memento of the event for guests and a fog machine to set the mood.

Scary foods are a must, like eyeballs (peeled grapes), breadstick “snakes,” jack-o-lantern faced cookies, banana ghosts on a stick, and “mummy” hotdogs. Another good snack is witch’s fingers.

Monster Music Bash

The potential playlist of Halloween and monster related songs is almost endless. Compose a playlist of perennial favorites encompassing tunes such as Monster Mash, Somebody’s Watching Me, Enter Sandman, and Time Warp. A sure hit with everyone is Thriller and Ghostbusters. You can also hire a DJ.

Haunted House

You can decorate your own home, turn your back yard into a scary graveyard, or take guests to one of any number of haunted houses being conducted. For home parties, choose a soundtrack of creaky doors, screams and similar sounds.

Scary Movie Screening

There’s no shortage of scary films to watch in celebration of Halloween. Choose age-appropriate films. Guests can dress as their favorite spooky movie character.

Costume Contest

Set the stage for multiple categories in a costume contest. Prizes can be awarded for the most inventive, scary, funny, original costumes and more.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

The premise is the same as a traditional scavenger hunt, but with Halloween flair. Hide eyeballs, spiders and similar items for guests to uncover.

Tell Your Fortune

Fortune tellers are great fun for youngsters and adults. Hire a fortune teller to come and read the palms of guests. If you know someone who is a good actor and is unknown to guests, you can hire them to give fun, positive readings.

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New and Exciting Halloween Decorations

Halloween is just around the corner, and Halloween decorations are flying off store shelves. Now is the time to start shopping before they’re sold out.

For those that can afford them, along with professional haunted house experiences, there’s an amazing array of extraordinary animatronic creatures from which to choose. The following are just some of the new and most popular this year. There are also less expensive options, but aren’t as feature rich.

Skeletons

The popular 12 ft. human skeleton remains popular. It’s returned this year with a new version that says preset phrases.

Haunted Tree

The 9,5 ft. tall tree has posable arms and fingers that extends the eight to 10 ft. The eyes and mouth glow.

Jack Skellington

This is ideal for fans of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas film. Jack stands an impressive 13 ft. tall and sings.

Alien Parasite

It wiggles, but appears to be contained. Then people hear an alert saying the containment has failed and to evacuate. The container fogs and the alien “leaps” forward.

Pennywise

The terrifying lighted, moving and talking clown has a head, arm and balloon that moves. It’s 6.5 ft. tall.

Werewolf

The glowing eyed creature has been captured, shivering and shaking in an effort to be free. Suddenly it lunges forward and “exhales” a breath of air on those nearby.

Witch Duo

The life-size witch duo and caldron are cooking up a brew. They talk to each other, their eyes glows, one witch swivels. This is for indoor use only.

Faceless Ghost

The 5.5 ft. tall apparition is designed to be suspended for maximum effect. The body moves and it screams. It’s for indoor or outdoor use.

Specter

Standing 7 ft. tall, it has light up eyes and “lunges” at those close by.

Zombie

The lighted animatronic undead stands 6 ft. tall zombie

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9 Places for a Good Halloween Scare

It’s not difficult to find a good ghost story in South Florida. The Sunshine State is home to some of the best places to get a good Halloween scare ranging from ghostly apparitions to orbs of floating light. Many of the sites have been featured on TV shows and been investigated by professional paranormal researchers.

Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

The hotel has hosted presidents to notorious gangsters. Guests report lights turning on and off, messages written on mirrors, and elevators that stop at the wrong floor.

Cuban Club, Tampa

People report seeing a ghostly actor, a board member, lady in a misty dress, and a young boy playing ball.

Huguenot Cemetery, St. Augustine

Visitors to the cemetery say they’ve seen orbs of light floating among headstones, wispy ghosts in trees, the transparent ghost of a girl who died of yellow fever, and a former judge.

Lake Worth Playhouse, Lake Worth

Built by Lucian and Clarence Oakley, visitors claim they’ve seen Lucian’s reflection in mirrors heard his footsteps, and experienced objects being moved around.

Lighthouse, St. Augustine

The structure is said to be haunted by a number of lighthouse keepers who met tragic ends over the centuries. Of particular interest is the 2 daughters of a lighthouse keeper and their friend who drowned. People have reported the sound of footsteps and laughter as the 3 girls are reunited in the tower for a ghostly play session.

Nancy and David Bilheimer Capitol Theatre, Clearwater

Said to be haunted by the ghosts of a sea captain, a young girl, and a murdered theatre manager, they’re said to roam the theatre playing jokes on unsuspecting guest.

Riddle House, West Palm Beach

A former funeral parlor, it’s reported to be home to a previous overseer who paces the porch and a former employee who hung himself.

River Inn, Miami

Guests of the hotel have reported the sound of footsteps and ghostly banging in the middle of the night.

Tampa Theatre, Tampa

Individuals say the theatre is haunted by a man that worked the projector and still returns to cause mischief.

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Eerie Halloween Music Can Affect Your Pet in a Negative Way

If you’re planning a Halloween bash or just giving out candy to trick-or-treaters, you can set a spooky yet fun mood with your own playlist. Some songs are amusing, while others are so creepy, they give you the shivers years after hearing them for the first time. They span multiple genres, from country and pop to films. Two guaranteed crowd pleases are Thriller by Michael Jackson and Ghostbusters.

Play with Caution

The scary music that makes the most profound impression on the human psyche also affects animals in a similar way. It triggers a fight or flight response. If you have a dog, it’s a good idea to restrict Halloween music to tracks that are fun and non-threatening in nature.

Pure Fun

Halloween-related tunes that are fun listening include Monster Mash by Bobby “Boris” Picket & the Crypt Kickers and Time Warp from the film Rocky Horror Picture Show, along with Dead Man’s Party by Oingo Boingo, Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas film,

and Love Potion No. 9. They’re non-threatening. Also consider I Put a Spell on You by “Screamin” Jay Hawkins and The Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniel’s Band.

Ghosts, Witches and Reapers.

There’s no shortage of tunes with the word ghost, witch or other scary references. You can choose from Witchy Woman by the Eagles, Black Magic Woman by Santana, or Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. Play Ghost Riders in the Sky by Johnny Cash, Superstition by Stevie Wonder, or Enter Sandman by Metallica. You can also add Tainted Love by Soft Cell, Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell, and Bring Me to Life by Evanescence.

Eerie Instrumentals

Some of the creepiest music doesn’t require lyrics to give a shiver. For eeriness, there’s the theme from the X-files TV show, Tubular Bells from the film The Exorcist, and the main theme by John Carpenter from the film Halloween. Reserve these for adult-only events and home parties where pets and children are not present.

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Halloween Inflatables That are People Pleasers

Inflatable decorations continue to be a favorite in 2023. It doesn’t matter if you’re holding a party or decorating the yard for Halloween, there are dozens of inflatables that you can select. Choose from inflatables for a whimsical theme, child-friendly, or a truly scary fright night.

Bounce House

If you’re planning a party for children age 6 to 12, there’s a bounce house to accommodate your Halloween desires.

Creepy Carriage

A few different versions of this inflatable are available. Some include a horse with the carriage, some don’t. Individuals can select from horses that are standing, rearing or skeletal. Choose an inflatable with a traditional type of carriage or one styled like a pumpkin. All have LED lighting.

Dragon

Multiple light up dragon inflatables can be found Select a friendly 5 ft. long dragon in a hammock or those that look ready to breath fire.

Ecto-1

The Ghostbusters franchise continues to be popular with people of all ages. Now, you can bring an inflatable Ecto-1 Ghostbuster inflatable vehicle to your front door. The Ecto-1 is approximately 9 ft. long, 4.5 ft. tall and lights up.

Pumpkin Family

Greet trick-or-treaters with an inflatable pumpkin patch family. The smiling group of friendly jack-o-lanterns

measure 7.5 ft. long and has built-in LED lighting.

Snake

Surprise the neighbors and trick-or-treaters with a 20 ft. long inflatable light up snake.

Unicorn

There’s a range of inflatable unicorns from which to choose. If decorating for a child-friendly Halloween, there are traditional styles with bright colors. For those that want to inject a scarier note to their decorating efforts, select one of the many inflatable skeletal unicorn versions.

UFO

Plug in this light up inflatable UFO for a 2-in-1 treat. The 9 ft. tall inflatable makes a unique yard decoration and provides a memorable photo opportunity. Children or adults can climb inside and it will appear as if they’re being the victim of an alien abduction. There are also versions that don’t provide a photo op.

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Top Halloween Costumes for Kids 2023

Homemade costumes can be extremely cute and offer creative parents a way to show off their skills. However, few parents are crafty or handy enough to make a Halloween costume that will pass muster with their child. Youngsters want a costume that as closely resembles their internal vision of what they want to look like as possible and store-bought costumes do that well.

Imitation is a Key Factor

Children typically want to emulate their favorite characters from cartoons and anime, TV, films, and video games. There are dozens from which to choose and some are perennial favorites, but bear in mind that many other youngsters are trying to obtain the same costume, so begin the search for that special costume early.

Safety is No. 1

For safety, a costume should never hamper a child’s movement or pose a tripping hazard. Masks and headgear should never interfere with their vision and the costume should always fit well. Use non-allergenic makeup. Be prepared for younger children to be scared. All children don’t respond well to scary costumes.

Trick or treat is an exciting time for children and they dart about. It’s a good idea to have some type of reflective stickers or other decorations on a costume. Give them a refresher on traffic safety.

Top Costume Choices

There are dozens of movies that have resonated with youngsters this year and characters they want to imitate. Others want to be their favorite video game character or someone from pop culture. The following are some of the top costumes that youngsters are requesting in 2023.

Anything that lights up or glows in the dark

Alien

Ariel (The Little Mermaid)

Ash Ketchum (Pokémon)

Barbie

Harry Potter and Hermione

Mario and Luigi (Super Mario Bros.)

Minions

Naruto

Optimus Prime

Pink Lady (Rise of the Pink Ladies)

Skeleton

Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse

Superheroes from Marvel or DC

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Unicorn

Vampires

Wednesday Addams

Witch

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Must-Have Halloween Home Décor

For parties or just to set a mood, it’s fun to add Halloween décor to the home. From lights to serving dishes, individuals will find a wealth of options The following are some of the most popular for 2023.

Skeletons

The bony decorations are everywhere. Some are lighted, some aren’t. There will be frog skeletons peaking from behind potted plants and baby dragon skeletons. Choose skeletons of eels and snakes, flamingos, pigs and unicorns, along with crows both skeletal and feathered. Of special interest are a pair of skeletal wolves that stand 2.5 ft. tall. They have LED eyes and howl. They can be used indoors or outside.

Doorbell Eyeball

Greet visitors with a faux doorbell that’s a blinking eyeball. Get 2 and put them side-by-side so they blink independently of each other.

Medusa Bust

The statue contains a motion sensor that makes the eyes and mouth light up when activated. It also speaks phrases.

Magic Mirror

The motion activated mirror clears to reveal a creepy apparition inside. For indoor use only.

Binx the Cat

From the popular film, Hocus Pocus, the statue stands 11.75 x 9.84 inches tall.

Lighted Raven

The bird stands 14.5 in. tall and has light up eyes. The head swivels from side to side, it makes short sounds, and can be used indoors or outside.

Pumpkin Lamp

Add a touch of class to Halloween with a stained-glass pumpkin lamp.

Faux Pumpkins

If you don’t want the mess of hollowing out pumpkins, get artificial ones. Multiple colors are available in solid or jack-o-lantern styles equipped with a single LED bulb.

Thing Figurine

Straight from the Addams Family films, leave the disembodied hand in a conspicuous location.

Smoking Caldron

These caldrons emit smoke in blue and green colors.

Floating Candles

The set of candles can be attached virtually anywhere and gives the impression that they’re floating in the air. It will put everyone in mind of the Great Hall of Harry Potter fame and the lights have a remote.