Tip # 21...Host a family oriented Halloween Party

I know Halloween is over a week away. Halloween gatherings, trick or treat events are in the planning phases now. Most of us know that Halloween was originally All Hallows Eve. Have you ever wondered why those who established Family History Month selected October? So I did a bit of investigation which led me to the History Channel Web site.

Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=713&display_order=1&mini_id=1076

I doubt any of my ancestors would want to return to earth, but it is an interesting coincidence that family history month coincides with Halloween. And, if you may have plans to celebrate Halloween, why not add a Family History twist to this month's pumpkin, candy and haunting festivals? Whether you send invitations for a party, or gather the group for trick or treating, specify that costumes must commemorate one of the following two options:
· A current or past family member
· A historical character who made an impact on your family’s history

Both options offer flexibility and guarantee you’ll have a family friendly Happy Halloween!