Year after year...

No matter how busy October can get, I find myself enthralled by All Hallows' Eve. Not by the costumes or the parties, necessarily, but just by the feel of the whole Halloween season. The myths and the legends and the scary stories. The decorations, the weather (usually a delightful combination of cool and windy), and the festive recipes (pumpkin soup, anyone?). And of course, who can forget the classic TV movies—like Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, and The Addams Family—that frequent ABC Family this time of year? It's all a hoot, if you ask me.

Even if you're not going to be dressing up or attending a costume party to celebrate, get into the spirit of Samhain some way or another. Read a chilling short story by Edgar Allan Poe: The Raven is a good pick. Go for a late-night walk with a friend and stop at a nearby coffee shop; if you're feeling adventurous, indulge in Starbucks' Caramel Apple Spice (or another delectable fall treat of your choosing). Sit on your front porch and give out candy to trick-or-treaters. Or, perhaps, stay in with a glass of wine and watch the newest episode of Supernatural.

Do yourself a favor and relax this 31st. That's what holidays are for, after all.