Are you getting goosebumps?

...it's that time of year again! The dark evenings and colourful trees, some of which have dropped their leaves, create a moody backdrop for this annual creative holiday. Some of us get goosebumps as we hear the sound of children in the distance, then the nearing rustling and shuffle of little feet pushing against the resistance of fallen leaves as they approach us.

My favourite part of Halloween is seeing all the small children dressed up as they arrive at our front door. They're precious in their darling costumes: cute Minions, Snow White, Batman, monkeys, pirates, princesses and little pumpkins, to name a few.

A few years ago, my husband opened the door to children who are neighbours of ours. He pretended to give them a beet from our garden, which resulted in a priceless look of disappointment on their faces.

Let's face it: most kids are in this for the candy. In fact, some adults take delight in taste-testing the boxes of chocolate bars, chips or other sweets they hand out to trick-or-treaters. It seems we're all kids at heart!

In addition to the treats part of Halloween, many find enjoyment with the tricks. It's a time of imagination, play, and creating a moody, romantic atmosphere. Moonlight, candlelight, ghost stories and harp music receive extra appreciation at the height of the fall season.

Do you find yourself relishing a spooky story at this time of year? If so, you're not alone. Here in Niagara, we have a long, haunted history. There are stories of soldiers in the Battle of Lundy's Lane, suspicious skeletons found in Old Fort Erie, the Screaming Tunnel in Niagara Falls, and paranormal activity at Niagara-on-the-Lake's Old Courthouse and the Breckenridge-Hawley Estate, among other local "haunts".