Dead Highlanders, Family Traditions, and the Perfect Playlist

From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~A Scottish Prayer

One of the reasons why fall is my favorite season is because of the family traditions associated with Halloween. I look forward to harvesting pumpkins from the garden, the creative costumes, and my two personal favorites, the unique music and decorating.
The decoration that holds much significance for me is this pre-militarized Japan grim reaper decanter and skull shot glasses, which belonged to my grandfather. Friends and family often stop by on Halloween and drink a toast from the set.

Another fond memory occurred ten years ago at our family Halloween with my sister and her husband. Jeromey built a pirate ship in the yard for people to sit on while handing out candy. The entire family dressed up with a nautical theme. Muriel pulled off the perfect mermaid costume and sat patiently on the homemade ship for the entire evening handing out candy (since she was unable to walk in her costume). My frugal hubby packed up all his fly-fishing equipment and painted his face white with blood red streaks, going as a dead fisherman.

Looking forward to this year’s celebration, we host an annual open house for friends and family out trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Chad makes a batch of homemade sauerkraut to accompany hot dogs, cider, and any treats our friends and family bring (usually some of the tastiest homemade fare)

This year’s costumes are no exception! I bought the boys and Chad kilts this summer, so George is dressing as a dead highlander and his friend, who recently returned from a year with family in Germany, is wearing lederhosen and dressing as a dead German. Chad even wired speakers on the porch, so we can enjoy our unique playlists of the evening, one classical and one rock-n-roll.

Classical Playlist:

Danse Macabre
A Night on the Bare Mountain
In the Hall of the Mountain King
Marche Funebre
Scherzo (from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice)
O Fortuna (from Carmina Burana)
The Ride of the Valkyries
The Old Castle

Rock-n-Roll Playlist:

I Put a Spell on You (CCR)
Werewolves of London (Zevon)
Welcome to my Nightmare (Cooper)
Ghostbusters (Parker)
Thriller (Jackson)
Black Magic Woman (Santana)
Psycho Killer (Talking Heads)
I Want Candy (Bow Wow Wow)
Desperation Samba (Buffett)
People are Strange (Doors)
Addams Groove (MC Hammer)
Bye & Bye/Saints (Stafford and White)

The last song is not really part of the rock-n-roll genre, but it should be included in the Halloween repertoire. “Bye & Bye/Saints” is a piece that includes a favorite tune, “When the Saints go Marching in.” While there are aspects of Halloween that I do not enjoy, I cherish the time with family and those memorable holiday traditions. It’s a time for children to use their creativity and have fun being something or someone else. We make lasting memories with these holidays.

We praise the Lord for our bountiful blessings, the crisp weather, the comfort food shared with family and friends. In my own church, Halloween represents All Hallows Eve, to be followed by All Saints Day, and then All Souls Day. I like to take this time to remember those who have gone before us in the past year, remember the memories we shared, and drink a toast in their honor.

Thanks for reading!