Halloween: Get Wicked on the Web

History.com , the online outlet of the History Channel, presents a three-part lesson on the history of Halloween. Beginning with the holiday’s ancient Celtic origins, the article progresses to an explanation of modern traditions, such as trick-or-treating. The manner in which meanings and customs of Halloween have changed is discussed as well.

HowStuffWorks gives you the details on Halloween. In addition to ancient Celtic info, this section provides further in-depth sections on specific traditions, such as carving jack-o’-lanterns and bobbing for apples. Ever wondered why people love being scared? Check out the interesting analysis of why Halloween is so popular.

The Library of Congress has an online collection that includes content from the American Folklife Center. This section covers the “Fantasy and Folklore” of Halloween, detailing its progression from “Samhain,” a Celtic festival, to the Christian “All Hallows” celebration.

The Washington Post includes this article about the origins of Halloween rituals. Outlined are three categories of symbols recognized by cultural anthropologists as being quintessentially Halloween: death, evil and misfortune, and harvest. The article provides a thought-provoking analysis of society’s celebration of the holiday.

Better Homes and Gardens presents 21 Halloween decorations you can make at home. Ideas are efficient, using recycled household materials, and some are appropriate throughout autumn, not just for Halloween. There is a good range of easy crafts, such as window décor, and more involved projects, like the jack-o’-lantern piñata. Can’t have enough pumpkins? See the BHG’s 31 carving ideas, each with a printable PDF pattern. Related features on the page include even more printable pumpkin stencils.

MarthaStewart.com , also mentioned in the costume section of this guide, gets into the Halloween spirit with a spooky selection of craft ideas. Charm trick-or-treaters with creative candy displays and creepy, carved pumpkins, or check out the kids’ Halloween party crafts. All ideas are presented with photos, lists of materials, and instructions.

HalloweenOnly.com is a site devoted to the holiday, selling a range of “Props and Décor” to lend a haunted feeling to any space. Choose from skulls and bones, creepy critters, body parts, and more. See the “Special Effects” section in the “Shop by Category” box on the left for haunted music.

HSN.com , the online version of the Home Shopping Network, offers Halloween decorations for the upscale shopper, divided into outdoor and indoor items. You get what you pay for here; the “Halloween Rat Pack,” for example, is frighteningly lifelike. Click on item photos for enlarged views.

FamilyFun.com presents a “Halloween Fright Site” with lots of ideas for homemade crafts and pumpkin carving (select from top menu bar) that kids and parents can do together. Necessary materials and instructions are listed. Sign up for a free membership to receive a crafts newsletter and printable crafts.

HGTV.com , already recommended in this guide for its costume-making tutorials, features pumpkin and decoration ideas, all of which include video demonstrations and printable instructions for your convenience.

Better Homes and Gardens , mentioned in the crafts and carving section of this guide, is a must-see site for holiday party planning. This section of Halloween Party Ideas and Recipes includes an extensive list of possibilities, such as an “Eerie Halloween Wedding Party.” Attractive photos and instructions for how to bring each gathering to fruition accompany each suggested soiree.

RealSimple.com is such a clean, calming site, and offers such innovative ideas that you might be tempted to peruse it all day. At the very least, consult this section about throwing a pumpkin-carving party. Tips for how to select and carve a pumpkin are given, along with a recommended music playlist and a few delightfully easy recipes.

FoodNetwork.com lays out a mouthwatering spread of Halloween party treats, including a selection of tongue-in-cheek cocktails, desserts, and finger foods—anyone for witches’ fingers? Scroll down for three videos featuring Food Network chefs at work on enticing creations for you to try out on your costumed guests.

CountryLiving.com , the online portal of the magazine, presents an unusual Halloween party in the woods, with a nod to antique decorations and costumes. In the photo slide show, you’ll see how invitations, games, and displays were created. Close-up views of tableware and costumes may provide inspiration for your party, as well.

WebMD offers Halloween safety tips and briefly examines the situations that cause most hazards and accidents. There are also valuable bits of advice from doctors and the American Red Cross, in addition to a comprehensive list of advisories.

The National Safety Council presents an extensive list of Halloween safety tips. Categories include tips for motorists and parents, as well as thorough warnings regarding costumes and makeup.

The American Academy of Pediatrics addresses Halloween safety with a page of tips, including sections on pumpkin carving, costumes, nutrition, and safety at home and on the trick-or-treat trail. The information is also available in Spanish.

Highlights.com , the online home of the well-known children’s magazine, has an article by educational psychologist Istar Schwager that discusses ways to keep Halloween fun and safe for kids. Schwager presents the idea of having a party instead of trick-or-treating and provides a brief analysis of children’s costume choices, in addition to general safety advice.

Hauntworld has a tool that helps you find haunted houses by state. Can’t decide which frightening locale to frequent first? Try asking for advice in a Hauntworld forum. There is also a menu on the right side of the homepage promising pumpkin patches and haunted tours, among other seasonal attractions; be advised that some of these items automatically link to an entirely different site, or to a page of links to other sites.

Frommers.com , publishers of the famous travel guidebooks, was so bewitched by the top 13 haunted houses named by the Haunted House Association that they highlighted a few in this article. Spooky spots in Louisiana, New York, and Illinois are discussed, with details of each of the houses’ sights, sounds, and smells. Take your pick of these, or follow the link to the complete list.

The Travel Channel offers a seemingly infinite number of trip ideas, including a section on “Haunted Travels.” Scare yourself silly with lists of “Haunted Hotels” and “Halloween Happenings,” or browse travel ideas, such as “Mummy Exhibits.” For a realistic glimpse, scroll down to view haunted travel videos.