Happy October 2025!

Happy October! It’s been a busy summer. I admit that keeping up with a blog this year has been challenging. On one hand I love it, I love sharing Halloween haiku and other spooky stuff, but truth is I simply don’t have the time to blog like I used to.

I did make time to visit Disneyland recently for some Fall fun.

I also know times are tough and depressing. It’s not going to get better anytime soon, we need Halloween! We need to celebrate our culture and traditions more than ever and we need to make new memories! Good memories! You never know when that may be the only thing you have. So after careful consideration, I will again be celebrating all 31 days of Halloween this year.

There will be two themes this month, Haunted Halloween and Halloween Happy. Americans are a haunted people, but we all deserve life. Halloween is for everyone. Full stop. The holiday combines both ancient pagan and religious ceremonies. The original purpose was to chase away the demons and bad ghosts that crossed over the spirit realm because of the thin veil between the living and the spirit world.

Don’t let anyone tell you how to do Halloween. Decorate or not. Wear a costume or not. We can be scary and sweet. We can be spooky and cute. Let the teenagers trick or treat. Kids collecting candy are too occupied to do anything else. I truly believe Halloween makes people happy. It’s about community. We need our communities more than ever. It’s the only thing that can save America now.

Be sure to check back every day this October for cool, fun, and inspirational Halloween, horror, and haiku.

HALLOWEEN SCHEDULE 2025

Monday Macabre

Every Monday, I’ll be posting a brand new Halloween Haiku, honoring the theme of Haunted Halloween.

Trick or Treat Tuesdays

Check in on Tuesdays for some online fun. I’ve got treats and I’ve got tricks.

Wicked Art Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, I’ll showcase the amazing and unique talents of Halloween artists from around the globe.

Timeless Thursdays

Every Thursday, let’s travel back in time and revisit some of the greatest Halloween music ever made on the corporeal plane.

Friday Fright Nightcaps

Bubble bubble, drink away trouble, it’s the return of Friday Fright Nightcaps!

Sinister Saturdays

Decadent desserts from the darkside. I’m not much of a cook, so this could get truly evil.

Spooky Sundays

Spooky Sundays are for reading, relaxing, and recharging our brooms.

Eat, drink and be scary!

7th Annual Halloween Haiku Challenge
#Halloweenhaikuchallenge2025

Due to time constraints, this year’s contest will start at midnight on October 30th through Halloween day. Winner chosen on November 1st.

More details to come, but for now, sharpen those pencils or pull up a blank page; I can’t wait to see those Halloween haiku!

Don’t forget to follow Halloweenhorrorhaiku on Pinterest and Blue Sky.

Have a Happy Halloween season, everyone! Be safe out there!🎃

Shop Small Business Saturday 2024

Hello! Today is Shop Small Business Saturday. This new annual tradition of supporting the mom and pop local businesses in your own town follows Black Friday every year. Today, I’m celebrating the last day of November with one of my favorite small businesses.

Backstitch Bruja

It’s been a joy to watch Yvette’s business grow from a small online shop into a real brick and mortar store in San Dimas, CA. This busy entrepreneur still makes time to travel around to Halloween and horror conventions and spooky events around the SoCal area. Follow her on Instagram for details on appearances.

This is just a small taste of what’s offered up this Creepmas season. It seems that everything pictured is still in stock, but merch moves quickly at Backstitch Bruja.

But don’t fret if something sells out. If you can be patient, get yourself a Backstitch Bruja giftcard. They usually restock.

Haunting Holidays and Merry Creepmas to all!

Wicked Art Wednesdays 2024 – Alex Ross

Today, we celebrate the one and only art master Alex Ross, as a special tribute to Halloween, with a look at his beautiful magnificent drawings of the beloved Universal monsters.

Artist: Alex Ross
Company/Studio: Alex Ross Art

Where to Purchase Goods: https://www.alexrossart.com

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/thealexrossart

Why we love it: Alex Ross’ influence on comic book artists is unparalleled. The man’s technical artistry is awe-inspiring, with his ability to show realism and the emotional depth of characters truly makes them come alive.

I could just sit here all day describing him with good adjectives. Mr. Ross is simply a marvel. One doesn’t just look at his art, they have feelings.

Halloween Haiku Challenge 2024

Halloween Haiku Challenge 2024
#Halloweenhaikuchallenge

Share your most original or scariest Halloween Haiku during the last week of October for a chance to win a Halloween classic grand prize!

Only 3 haiku are permitted per contestant. Pick your best 3 and post. If I see more than 3 from the same participant, they won’t count. Three is the magic number.

SUBMISSIONS

You must be a WordPress or Instagram follower to particpate. Two ways to enter a submission this year 1) post your haiku in comments section below, or 2) Tag me on Instagram and use the following #halloweenhaikuchallenge

PRIZES

Grand Prize – 1st Place Winner will receive Halloween Classic prize pack, which includes a vintage style Halloween patch (not pictured), some vintage style Halloween stickers, a Drew Rausch ‘I Support Halloween’ pin, and a Disney’s Huey, Dewey, and Louie Halloween Trick or Treat Ornament. This prize pack is worth over $50.

Second & Third Place Prize: Winners choose a Halloween pin and some buttons or stickers from this year’s prize pool.

DEADLINE

The contest starts at 3pm PT on October 24th and ends at midnight, the witching hour, on October 31st, 2024. Winners will be announced on November 1, 2024, here and on social media.

Please see Contest Rules and Eligibility Page more details.

Wicked Art Wednesdays 2024 – Johanna Parker

Known for her whimsical folk art, Johanna Parker turned her love for Halloween into a successful, thriving world-wide business.

Artist: Johanna Parker
Company/Studio: Johanna Parker Design
Website: https://www.johannaparkerdesign.com/

Where to Purchase Goods: https://www.johannaparkerdesign.com/store

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/jparkerdesign/

Why we love it: Johanna Parker’s name is synonymous with Halloween folk art and vintage Halloween replicas. She often partners with top retail and wholesalers, where her art and designs are featured on everything from art and clothing to Halloween decorations and home goods.

Wicked Art Wednesdays 2024 – Spooky Wil

Spooky Wil is a one-of-a-kind UK based artist, designer, podcaster, and Halloween specialty shop owner.

Artist: Spooky Wil
Company/Studio: October 31st Store

Where to Purchase Goods: https://www.instagram.com/october31st.co.uk

https://linktr.ee/october31st?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYxuEBKa15XW_56xLrdfpb-ATsLIsKxeOBuVNVnq2-WPI81NS4GkmepMc0_aem_K72kABFRsYdv8XmkyF3bkQ

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/spookywil

Podcast: https://www.theblackflamesocietypodcast.com/

Why we love it: Spooky Wil’s original designs are whimsical nods to that feel-good vintage Halloween style. In his shop in the UK, Wil sells vintage style halloween clothing, decor, homewares, and memorablia, Hocus Pocus and other spooky movie merch, and even rare, hard to find Halloween items.

There’s a new 2025 calendar up for sale. Order yours today before they sell out!

Wicked Art Wednesdays 2024 – Austin Pardun

My first encounter with vintage Halloween artist Austin Pardun was seeing his drawings at Midsummer Scream a few years ago. I missed seeing him this past summer, but I’m sure he’ll be back.

Artist: Austin Pardun
Company/Studio: Austin Pardun Art

Where to Purchase Goods: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AustinPardunArt

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/austinpardunart

Why we love it: Ausin Pardun is another artist whose beautiful drawings mimic that classic Halloween style so well, it’s like they walked off the pages of a 1940s Halloween Beistle catalog.

Wicked Art Wednesdays 2024 – Drew Rausch

I’m kicking off the 2024 Halloween season and my theme of Halloween Vintage Classic by sharing the wildly vivid and spooky art of one of my faves, Drew Rausch.

Art by Drew Rausch

Artist: Drew Rausch
Company/Studio: The Art of Drew Rausch

Where to Purchase Goods: Online shop: https://drewrausch.bigcartel.com

Website: https://drewrausch.com/

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/drewrausch

Why we love it: Drew’s vintage Halloween characters feel like tributes to Halloween’s golden era. It’s like he’s transporting us straight into the past and we’re looking at some ad in Dennison’s Bogie Book.

Happy October 2024!

Happy October! I can’t believe we’re celebrating our 6th Halloween season! This year, work has been crazy busy and finding the time to keep up with blogging is a huge challenge, but I’m not quitting yet!

Although, I’m going to scale back a bit, I will still be celebrating all 31 days of Halloween. Our theme this month is Halloween Vintage Classic, bringing together two of my favorite things in the whole world, vintage style Halloween decorations and old black and white spooky movies.

Be sure to check back every day this October for cool, fun, and inspirational Halloween, horror, and haiku.

HALLOWEEN SCHEDULE 2024

Monday Macabre

Every Monday, I’ll be posting a brand new Halloween Haiku, honoring the theme of Halloween Vintage Classic.

Trick or Treat Tuesdays

Play spooky games and win spooky prizes! Every Tuesday, head over to Instagram for some fun and a chance to win some cool Halloween stickers and pins.

Wicked Art Wednesdays

Every Wednesday, I’ll showcase original Halloween art that most represents our theme of “Halloween Vintage Classic” from the world’s most talented artists.

Thursday Time Travels

Every Thursday, let’s travel back in time and revisit some great black and white haunted classic movies.

Friday Fright Nightcaps

It’s the return of Friday Fright Nightcaps and we’re gonna put the boos in booze!

Sinister Saturdays

Saturday nights are alright for fighting. It’s election year in the USA and what better way to get ready for November than by voting for your favorite scary movies!

Spooky Sundays

Spooky Sundays are for reading, relaxing, and recharging our brooms.

6th Annual Halloween Haiku Challenge
#Halloweenhaikuchallenge

Due to time constraints, I’ll be running a shorter challenge this year, starting in the last week in October, with me choosing a winner on Halloween night. More details to come, but for now, sharpen those pencils or pull up a blank page; I can’t wait to see those Halloween haiku!

Don’t forget to follow Halloweenhorrorhaiku on social media: Instagram, Threads, and Pinterest.

Have a Happy Halloween season, everyone!

My Favorite Vintage Halloween Ads

**This was the planned post for Throwback Thursday, but real life problems kept me away from computer. Sincerest apologies.**

Let’s visit the amazing yesteryears of Vintage Halloween advertising.

Jell-O has been around for a long time and was big into promoting its brand during the holidays. This is one of my favorites because it includes this awesome Hallowe’en poem.

Another favorite from Colgate because of the Hallowe’en poem. Note the use of the old spelling of Hallowe’en, which dropped the apostrophe over the years.

“No amusement of modern times equals it.” If makers only knew how successful their product would be. Phonographs were instrumental in helping Halloween become one of the biggest holidays in American history,, if for no more reason than their popularity at parties.

These ads reflect the dark orange and black style, which was popular back in the 1930-1940s.

Curtiss Candy Company owned Baby Ruth and Butterfinger among many others, when it was bought out by Standard in 1964, who later merged with Nabisco in 1981. Nabisco then sold off Curtiss brands to Nestlé in the 1990.

Brach’s has been making candy since 1904. They’re most famous for Candy Corn, but once upon a time, Brach’s was the go-to candy store for Halloween goodies. Their ads were simply amazingly drool-worthy, appealing to both adults and kids. Look at all that candy!

Speaking of adults, with Halloween parties all the rage well into the 1950s, beer makers made some nifty ads for Halloween.

During the 1950s, some ads featured lots of graphics and were quite wordy. What some may consider serious advertising fails today, make for some awesome vintage Halloween ads.

7-Minit was owned by 6 O’Clock Foods, Inc. and that’s about the only history we know about either.

More random vintage Halloween candy ads circa 1940s-1960s

It’s always been fashionable to make punch bowls outta pumpkins!

Sunkist Fruit Punch Halloween ads circa 1960s

Back in the day, people could trust drinking and eating right there on the front porch.

Okay, I’ll admit, I only love this ad because of the Headless Horseman. Is this too scary for advertising? Some might think so. People don’t like reminders of violence and disembodied heads is about as gruesome as it gets. Absolutely my favorite! BWAHAHAHAHA….