As the leaves turn orange and the air grows crisp, Halloween arrives once again–a season of nostalgia, laughter, and spooky traditions. For many students, Halloween is not just about costumes or candy; it’s about growing up surrounded by memories that evolve with each passing year. Southern Nazarene University students reflected on their favorite parts of the season and how Halloween has shaped their childhoods and friendships.
For Elisa Bolen, Halloween has always been a time to connect with her family and close friends. “My sisters and I have a movie marathon of scary movies the day before,” she said. “And on Halloween, I hang out with my friends.” For her, this time of year is about creating traditions that bring both fright and fun.
Bolen shared that one of her family’s unique Halloween activities involves motorcycles instead of broomsticks. “Sometimes we’ll go out with my parents’ biker friends and get dressed up and ride around the city,” she explained. “It’s definitely not your typical Halloween, but it is something that makes it special for us.”
While many people associate Halloween with candy or costumes, Bolen’s favorite part is carving pumpkins. “I love to carve pumpkins, and after we do, we use the seeds inside to make pumpkin seeds,” she added. It is a simple but meaningful family moment that marks the season every year.
When asked what Halloween personally means to her, Bolen reflected, “Halloween to me means spending time with my family and friends and having fun and getting out of my comfort zone.” For her, it is not just about spooky decorations or haunted houses–it is about community, connection, and creativity.
Another student, Janelle Williams, a junior, shared her own fond Halloween memories growing up. “One of my favorite costumes was when I dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood,” she recalled. “I feel like I used that costume more than once.”
Like many kids, Williams’ Halloween night was not complete without candy and a bit of friendly competition. “My brother and I would trade our candy, like who got whose favorite, and we would switch,” she noted. “I was a big Reese’s girl, and he was a big Skittles guy.”
Williams shared that what she loves most about the Halloween season is “the environment –the costumes, dressing up, and going out with friends.” It is the mix of imagination and excitement that keeps Halloween magical, even as people get older.
As for her plans this year, Williams laughed and admitted she doesn’t have any yet. “If I were going to dress up, I thought about being the candlestick from Beauty and the Beast,” she chuckled. “Like a good-looking version, not a cheap one.”
Both Bolen’s and Williams’ stories highlight the joy and creativity that make Halloween such a beloved time of year. Whether it’s family pumpkin carving, costume contests, or the thrill of late-night candy trades, these traditions remind us that Halloween is not just for kids–it’s for anyone who loves a little magic and mischief.
As Oct. 31 approaches, pumpkins will glow on porches, costumes will fill the streets, and laughter will echo through neighborhoods. For students like Bolen and Williams, Halloween continues to be a celebration of friendship, family, and the simple joy of growing up surrounded by traditions that never lose their spark.
Photos provided by: Elisa Bolen and Janelle Williams