Sonny or Cher. Batman.  Mickey Mouse. Morticia Addams. Elvis. Rocky. Any Beatle. If you can picture yourself ringing doorbells – and shouting trick or treat – dressed as any of those icons of decades past, well, congrats! There’s a good chance you’re eligible for senior discounts – and possibly Medicare.  

Though today’s little trick-or-treaters will be more inclined to dress up as Taylor Swift than Elizabeth Taylor, they will celebrate Halloween in much the same way you did as a kid, with traditions that really took hold here in the 50s.

A Little History

The true origin of this beloved holiday we know as Halloween dates back 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The day marked the end of summer and the beginning of the long cold winter. On that night, according to Celtic lore, the boundary between the living and dead would be blurred and ghosts would haunt the earth. 

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Irish traditions came to America and merged with local customs like carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating. In the 20s, Halloween was a community festival marked by town-wide celebrations, and parades.

By the 50s, October 31 was a night filled with costumes, haunted houses, decorations and overflowing bags of candy.  Since then, it has been a holiday of sweet treats and spooky delights guaranteed to bring out the kids – and the kid in you.

Let the Overture Party Begin!

At Overture’s premier senior living apartment communities, holidays are synonymous with party time. Become part of a welcoming enthusiastic community of like-minded peers by Halloween, and kick off this holiday season with a Halloween event in one of Overture’s designated party spaces.

Host an Intimate Gathering

Or you can choose to entertain a few friends and neighbors in your upscale, state-of-the-art Overture apartment. Get in the spirit with a Halloween charcuterie board, filled with white chocolate pretzel “bones,” and balsamic spiderweb Brie, as well as fruits and olives. Follow it up with any one of these delightfully spooky treats from the Food Network. Kids may have the monopoly on trick or treating but your party will have costumes and cocktails. An excellent trade.

Get Creative with Your Costume

If anybody tells you Halloween revelry is reserved for children, just ignore them.  Whether you are feeling a connection to your inner superhero, screen idol, pop singer, or athlete, don’t let those whippersnappers stifle your creativity. No persona – living or dead - is off limits. Just be sure to incorporate comfort into the design. That Catwoman jumpsuit that seemed like such a great idea may have issues that will come to light at the first bathroom break.

Make it a Scary Movie Night

Nothing says Halloween like sharing a scary movie with friends. Join a group at Overture’s deluxe theater or hang with a few buddies in your apartment. Either way, curling up with a bag of candy corn, some caramel apples and your favorite monster movie will definitely be a treat.

Costumes and Cards

Join your fellow canasta or bridge mavens in one of Overture’s card rooms for costumed cocktails and cards. Make sure to have plenty of ghostly treats on hand.

There is no better way to celebrate holidays - or this special time of life - than with an inclusive, young at heart Overture community. Book a tour at the Overture senior living apartment complex of your choice today. 

Those pumpkins aren’t going to carve themselves. No ifs and or BOOs about it.