Category Archives: Mom Nook

Mom Nook is your cozy corner of the internet where real-life motherhood meets a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart. From snack-time chaos to late-night wisdom, this is where the messy, magical moments of mom life get their spotlight. Whether you’re juggling laundry and lunchboxes or just looking for a little solidarity, you’ll find stories, tips, and relatable laughs tucked right here in the nook. Come for the commiseration, stay for the connection.

Snow Day Magic: Indoor Activities Kids Will Love

Creative Indoor Activities for Kids When School Is Canceled

The snow is falling, the school text alert just buzzed, and suddenly you’re promoted to Chief Entertainment Officer of your household. Snow days can be magical, but they can also test a mom’s patience faster than you can say “hot cocoa.” After the snowman is built and the mittens are drying by the door, you’ll need a stash of cozy, creative indoor activities to keep the fun rolling. Here’s your ultimate survival guide packed with creative, low-stress indoor activities to keep the kids busy, happy, and (mostly) off screens.

1. DIY Snow-Themed Crafts

Paper Snowflakes: Classic, easy, and mess-free. Challenge the kids to make the most intricate designs.
Snow Globe Jars: Mason jars + glitter + water + a tiny toy = instant winter wonderland.
Cotton Ball Snowmen: Glue, googly eyes, and construction paper hats—adorable and simple.

2. Kitchen Adventures

Snow Day Snack Mix: Pretzels, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and popcorn tossed together.
Bake & Decorate Cookies: Let the kids go wild with frosting and sprinkles.
Hot Cocoa Bar: Set out whipped cream, candy canes, and marshmallows for a cozy DIY station.

3. Indoor Energy Burners

Living Room Obstacle Course: Pillows, chairs, and blankets become tunnels and hurdles.
Dance Party: Crank up a playlist and let them burn off cabin fever.
Balloon Volleyball: A balloon + a piece of string across the room = hours of giggles.

4. Imagination Stations

Snow Day Theater: Kids write a short play, make costumes from old clothes, and perform.
Indoor Camping: Pitch a tent (or blanket fort), add flashlights, and tell stories.
Story Dice: Roll dice with pictures (or make your own) to spark silly storytelling.

5. Quiet Time Activities

Puzzle Challenge: See who can finish their section first.
Coloring Contest: Print winter-themed coloring sheets and let creativity shine.
Read-Aloud Marathon: Pick a family favorite and take turns reading chapters.

Mom Survival Tips

Prep a “Snow Day Box”: Keep a stash of craft supplies, puzzles, and snacks ready for surprise cancellations.
Set Mini Schedules: Break the day into chunks—crafts, snacks, play, quiet time—to keep things flowing.
Embrace the Chaos: Remember, these are the days your kids will remember most. Messy kitchens and blanket forts are part of the magic.

Final Thought

Snow days don’t have to mean endless screen time or frazzled moms. With a little creativity (and maybe an extra cup of coffee), you can turn a canceled school day into a cozy, joy-filled family memory.

With coffee in one hand and a snowball in the other,

💛 Bethany

Word of the Year: How Moms Can Choose One

A guide to setting an intentional theme for parenting and personal life

Every January, we’re bombarded with resolutions: eat healthier, exercise more, get organized. But as moms, our lives rarely fit neatly into checklists. Between school drop-offs, late-night science projects, and endless laundry, resolutions can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve fallen in love with the idea of choosing a Word of the Year instead.

A single word becomes your compass—a theme that guides decisions, grounds you in chaos, and reminds you of what matters most.

Why a Word of the Year Works for Moms

Simple & Flexible: Unlike rigid resolutions, a word adapts to your season of life.
Intentional: It keeps you focused on values rather than tasks.
Empowering: It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be present.

How to Choose Your Word

Reflect on the Past Year Ask yourself: What did I learn? What challenged me? What do I want more (or less) of?
Identify Your Priorities Think about motherhood and personal life. Do you crave more patience, joy, balance, or courage?
Brainstorm Words Write down words that resonate. Don’t overthink—just let them flow.
Test Your Word Imagine saying: “This year, I choose [word].” Does it feel empowering? Does it fit both your parenting and personal life?

Word Inspiration for Moms

Grace – for the messy moments.
Joy – for finding laughter in chaos.
Balance – for juggling family and self-care.
Courage – for setting boundaries and trying new things.
Presence – for slowing down and savoring small moments.

Final Thought

Choosing a Word of the Year isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. As moms, we don’t need more pressure; we need reminders of what matters most. Whether your word is patience, joy, or growth, let it guide you through the beautiful, bewildering dance of motherhood in 2026.

Free Worksheet for Moms

To make it even easier, I’ve created a free printable worksheet to help you reflect, brainstorm, and choose your Word of the Year. It’s a simple guide with prompts and space to jot down ideas—perfect for busy moms who want clarity without the overwhelm. Download it, grab a cup of coffee, and let your word find you!

What word are you choosing this year? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear your theme!

With coffee in one hand and a word of the year in the other,

💛 Bethany

What My Tween Taught Me This Year: Wrapping Up 2025

A mix of humor, growth, and unexpected wisdom bombs from the front lines of motherhood.

This year, my tween taught me that eye rolls can be a form of punctuation, that silence sometimes speaks louder than sass, and that growing up is a beautiful, bewildering dance between independence and still needing your mom to find the missing sock.

Here are just a few of the lessons I didn’t expect to learn—but absolutely needed:

1. Confidence Isn’t Always Loud

She strolled into school rocking mismatched socks and her favorite western boots. When I asked if she wanted to swap them out, she simply shrugged and said, “Why? I like it.” In that instant, I realized confidence isn’t about blending in—it’s about owning who you are and showing up unapologetically yourself.

2. Feelings Are Messy—and That’s Okay

There were tears over group chats, friend drama, and math homework that “literally makes no sense.” But instead of fixing everything, I learned to sit beside her in the mess. She didn’t need a solution—she needed a safe space to feel.

3. Boundaries Are Brave

She told a friend “no” this year. Not rudely, not dramatically—just firmly. And then she told me how hard it was. Watching her navigate that moment made me realize how often we, as moms, forget to set our own boundaries. She reminded me that saying “no” is an act of self-respect.

4. Humor Is a Lifeline

From sarcastic comebacks to inside jokes about our black lab’s dramatic sighs, she taught me that laughter is how we survive the hard days. Especially when the Wi-Fi goes out or someone forgets their science project until 9:47 p.m.

5. She’s Becoming Her Own Person—and That’s the Goal

She’s not a mini-me. She’s a whole, complex, creative soul who loves weird facts, doodling on her hands, and changing her mind about everything. And while I sometimes miss the days of bedtime stories and sticky hugs, I’m in awe of the person she’s becoming.

Final Thought

Motherhood in the tween years is like watching a butterfly emerge—equal parts wonder and worry. But this year, my daughter reminded me that growth isn’t always graceful, and love doesn’t always look like agreement. Sometimes, it looks like showing up, listening hard, and laughing through the chaos.

What’s something your child taught you this year? Drop it in the comments or write them a note—you might be surprised what comes out.

With a coffee in one hand and lessons in the other,

💛Bethany

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt: Free Printable

Growing up, one of my favorite Christmas Eve traditions was piling into the car with my family, driving through neighborhoods, and marveling at the dazzling Christmas lights. It was simple, magical, and always filled with laughter as we pointed out our favorite displays. Now that I have my own family, I’ve carried this tradition forward—only with a playful twist: a Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt!

Instead of just admiring the lights, we turn it into a game. Each person gets a list of items to spot, and the first one to check them all off wins bragging rights (and maybe a candy cane prize). It keeps everyone engaged, adds a little friendly competition, and makes the night even more memorable.

Scavenger Hunt List

Here are some fun items to include on your Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt:

🎅 Santa Claus (bonus points if he’s on a sleigh!)
🦌 Reindeer (extra fun if they’re flying)
🌟 A giant star on top of a tree
❄️ Snowman family
🎁 Oversized wrapped presents in a yard display
🕯️ Candles glowing in windows
🚂 A train made of lights
🎄 Christmas tree decorated outside
🏠 House with all-white lights (classic elegance!)
🌈 House with multi-colored lights (the more colors, the better)
⛄ Inflatable holiday character (Grinch, Olaf, or Frosty)
🔔 Bells or wreaths made of lights
🐧 A penguin or polar bear display
✨ Icicle lights hanging from the roofline
🎶 Musical light show (bonus if you catch one synced to carols)

How to Play

Print out the scavenger hunt list for each family member.
Bring along clipboards or just use your phone to check items off.
Decide on a prize for the winner (hot cocoa, first pick of Christmas cookies, or a silly holiday crown).
Wear your matching Christmas pajamas.
Don’t forget to play Christmas music in the car—it sets the mood perfectly!

Grab Your Free Scavenger Hunt Printable!

Ready to turn your Christmas light drive into a memory-making adventure? Download our festive scavenger hunt checklist and let the holiday magic begin! It’s packed with cheerful icons, easy-to-spot items, and just the right amount of friendly competition to keep the whole family giggling.

🎄 Click below to print your copy and make this tradition your own!

Final Touch

This tradition is more than just looking at lights—it’s about creating memories together. Whether you’re bundled up in the car or strolling through a neighborhood, the scavenger hunt adds a spark of joy to an already magical night.

With coffee in one hand and a clipboard in the other,

💛 Bethany

Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt Download

Ultimate Holiday Movie Bingo Night: Watch, Snack, Play!

Every year, our family cozies up with cocoa and soft blankets to watch the holiday movie trifecta: Elf, Home Alone, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. It’s tradition. It’s comfort. It’s chaos (especially when someone quotes every line of Elf before Buddy even says it).
But this year, we’re shaking things up—with Holiday Movie Bingo! I created themed bingo cards for each movie, packed with iconic quotes, hilarious moments, and festive visuals. Whether it’s Buddy chugging syrup, Kevin setting booby traps, or the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes, there’s a square for it. And for those who want to customize their own chaos? I’ve included blank bingo cards so you can fill in your favorite moments.

Elf Bingo + Snack Pairings

Buddy the Elf brings sugar, sparkle, and syrup to every scene. So naturally, our snack ideas follow suit:

Mini syrup shooters (tiny cups of maple syrup with french toast sticks)
Snowball truffles (white chocolate-coated cake balls)
“Elf trail mix” (M&Ms, mini marshmallows, gummy bears, cereal, and chocolate chips)
World’s Best Cup of Cocoa (extra whipped cream, of course)
Candy cane pretzel rods (dipped in white chocolate and crushed peppermint)

Home Alone Bingo + Snack Pairings

Kevin McCallister is the king of solo snacking and trap-setting. Here’s what we’re munching:

Cheese pizza bites (because Buzz ate the last slice)
Mac & cheese cups (served before 9pm sharp)
“Booby trap” snack mix (pretzels, mini marshmallows, red hots, and goldfish)
Gold tooth cookies (sugar cookies with gold sprinkles or edible glitter)
“Wet Bandit” punch (blue raspberry soda + gummy worms)

Grinch Bingo + Snack Pairings

Whether you love the animated classic or Jim Carrey’s green mischief, these snacks are Whoville-approved:

Roast Beast sliders (mini roast beef sandwiches)
Grinch guac & chips (served with red bell pepper strips for festive flair)
Grinch kabobs (green grapes, banana slices, strawberries, and mini marshmallows stacked on skewers)
Cindy Lou Who cupcakes (pink frosting + heart sprinkles)
Green punch (lime sherbet + lemon-lime soda)

How to Play

Print your bingo cards (themed or blank).
Pick your movie and snacks.
Mark off squares as you spot quotes, scenes, or chaos.
First to get five in a row—horizontal, vertical, or diagonal—shouts “Bingo!” and wins a prize, bragging rights, or control of the remote.

🎬 Where to Watch the Movies

Ready to play Holiday Movie Bingo? Here’s where you can stream each festive favorite—check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability!

Elf (2003)

Buddy’s syrup-chugging charm never gets old. Streaming info: Available on HBO Max, Hulu (with HBO add-on), and other platforms. → Find Elf on JustWatch

Home Alone (1990)

Kevin’s booby traps and solo snacking are holiday gold. Streaming info: Watch on Disney+ or rent via Amazon, YouTube, and more. → Find Home Alone on JustWatch

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, Jim Carrey)

The Grinch’s heart grows three sizes—and so does the fun. Streaming info: Available on Peacock and other services. → Find the Grinch on JustWatch

This new tradition is already a hit in our house. It keeps everyone engaged (even the tweens), sparks laughter, and adds a playful twist to our favorite holiday films. Whether you’re hosting a movie night or just looking for a way to make the classics feel fresh again, Holiday Movie Bingo is a festive win.

Download your bingo cards below and let the holiday movies begin!

Grinch Bingo Download

Home Alone Bingo Download

elf bingo Download

With coffee in one hand and a remote control in the other,

💛 Bethany

Laugh, Love & Leave a Little Glitter: A Creative Advent Calendar for Kids

December can feel like a snow globe someone shook a little too hard. Between tangled lights, sugar highs, and the occasional gift-wrapping crisis, it’s easy to lose the magic. That’s why this year, we’re slowing down and sprinkling kindness, creativity, and giggles into every day with the 24 Days of Cozy & Kind Advent Calendar.

It’s not about getting it all right. This season is about showing up with heart—one tiny moment at a time. It’s elf jokes over breakfast, thank-you notes tucked into mailboxes, and the kind of daily sparkle that comes from choosing kindness, creativity, and connection. This calendar isn’t just a countdown, it’s a gentle nudge to pause, giggle, and soak in everything December has to offer.

What’s Inside

This printable Advent calendar was made for moms and kids who crave a little magic in the everyday—especially tweens who live for puns and sparkle. Each day features a prompt: kindness, joke, reflection, or creative activity. Print it as a simple one-page grid or go full festive with a cover page and flap-style boxes (just cut three sides of each number on the cover page and attach it to the page with the prompts). Whether it lands on your fridge, your craft cart, or wherever sanity permits, it’s designed to flex with your family’s rhythm and holiday chaos.

Sample Daily Prompts

Here’s a peek at what you’ll find:

Dec 1 – Kindness: Leave a thank-you note for your mail carrier.
Dec 2 – Joke: What do you call a snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman!
Dec 6 – Creative: Draw your dream holiday outfit.
Dec 13 – Kindness: Leave change in a vending machine for someone to find.
Dec 21 – Reflection: What’s something you want to remember from this year?

Whether you’re baking cookies, designing holiday superheroes, or writing a letter to your future self, each day is a chance to pause, play, and pour a little love into the season.

Why It Matters

This calendar isn’t just cute—it’s intentional. It helps kids practice gratitude, creativity, and connection in bite-sized moments. And for moms? It’s a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s a silly joke, a shared playlist, or a compliment that lands just right.

Grab Your Printable

Ready to cozy up with your crew and countdown to Christmas with kindness and glitter? 👉 Download the 24 Days of Cozy & Kind Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar Download

Want to go further? Operation Gratitude welcomes letters from families, classrooms, and individuals. Grab some markers, write from the heart, and send a little love to someone who serves. Learn how to get started.

With coffee in one hand and a glitter pen in the other,

💛 Bethany

Fall Into Journaling: 30-Day Challenge

Give your tween or teen a reason to unplug and reflect—with 30 days of cozy, creative prompts.

Fall is basically nature’s way of saying, “Let’s slow down and feel things.” The leaves are changing, the air smells like cinnamon and possibility, and your tween or teen is somewhere between “I’m fine” and “I have 47 emotions and no idea what to do with them.”

Enter: journaling.

Whether they’re deep thinkers, doodlers, or just need a break from screens, journaling is a low-pressure way to reflect, express, and explore. And fall? It’s the perfect season to start.

Here are some fall-themed journaling prompts that are equal parts thoughtful and fun—designed to help tweens and teens tap into their creativity, reflect on the season, and maybe even discover something new about themselves.

Seasonal Reflections

What’s your favorite thing about fall, and why?
Describe your perfect fall day—from breakfast to bedtime.
What does fall smell like, sound like, and feel like to you?
If you were a tree, what kind of leaves would you drop this year?

Feelings & Growth

What’s something you’ve learned about yourself this year?
What’s one thing you want to let go of this season?
Write about a time you felt cozy, safe, or understood.
What does “change” mean to you right now?

Fall Fun & Imagination

If you could design your own fall festival, what would it include?
Create a spooky story that starts with a mysterious leaf pile.
Invent a fall-themed superhero. What’s their power?
What would your dream Halloween costume be if money and time weren’t an issue?

Gratitude & Mindfulness

List five things you’re grateful for this fall.
What’s something small that made you smile recently?
Write about a moment you felt really present this week.
What’s one way you can show kindness this season?

Bonus Challenge: Create Your Own Prompt

Encourage your tween or teen to write their own fall-themed prompt and answer it. It could be silly, serious, or somewhere in between. The goal? Make journaling feel like theirs.

Want to make journaling a daily habit this season?

I created a 30-Day Fall Journaling Challenge Calendar packed with cozy, creative prompts to guide tweens and teens through a month of reflection, imagination, and self-discovery. It’s designed to be low-pressure, high-impact—and yes, it pairs beautifully with flannel and fuzzy socks. Each day features a little leaf checkbox so they can mark their progress, one prompt (and one feeling) at a time.

reflection calendar Download

Tips for Using This Calendar:

Print it out and hang it near your journaling space.
Use a notebook, sketchpad, or digital journal—whatever feels right.
Don’t worry about perfection. Just write, reflect, and enjoy the process.

Final Thoughts

Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t even have to be spelled right. It just has to be honest. So hand over a notebook, light a candle, and let the fall feelings flow. Because sometimes, the best way to understand the season—and yourself—is to write it out.

With a coffee in one hand and a pen in the other,

💛Bethany

Epic Halloween Movie Night with Apple Bar Magic

Our Annual Tradition with a Sweet Apple Twist

There’s something special about traditions that grow with your family. For us, it’s our annual Halloween movie night—a cozy, creative evening that’s become one of my daughter’s favorite fall rituals. Last year, we went all out with a Hocus Pocus-themed night, complete with witchy snacks, spellbook crafts, and black flame candle vibes. This year, we’re switching gears and going full-on fall with a DIY Apple Bar that’s equal parts delicious and festive.

Setting the Scene: Halloween Movie Night Essentials

Whether you’re watching spooky classics or kid-friendly favorites, the key to a great Halloween movie night is ambiance. Here’s how we set the mood:

Blankets and pillows galore—think fort-style coziness
String lights or flameless candles for that soft, flickering glow
Themed decorations—pumpkins, bats, and a few DIY crafts from earlier in the season
A curated movie list (this year’s picks include Casper and Hubie Halloween)

This Year’s Star: The Apple Bar Buffet

Instead of the usual candy overload, we’re embracing fall flavors with an Apple Bar—a build-your-own station that’s fun, interactive, and surprisingly easy to set up.

What’s on our Apple Bar:

Apple slices (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji for variety)
Dips: Caramel, chocolate, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter
Toppings: Crushed pretzels, mini M&Ms, sprinkles, chopped nuts, graham cracker crumbs
Extras: Skewers for dipping, mini cauldrons for toppings, and a few spooky labels for flair

It’s a hit with kids and adults alike—and way less messy than traditional caramel apples. Plus, it doubles as a dessert and activity all in one.

Why We Love It

This tradition isn’t just about the snacks or the movies. It’s about slowing down, getting creative, and making memories. Watching my daughter light up as she builds her apple masterpiece or quotes lines from her favorite Halloween flicks is the real treat.

Bonus Ideas for Your Own Halloween Movie Night

Want to make your Halloween movie night extra special? Try these:

Themed pajamas (witches, pumpkins, or ghosts—take your pick!)
DIY popcorn mix station with candy corn, chocolate chips, and marshmallows
Printable movie tickets for a “home theater” vibe
Craft break between movies—like decorating mini pumpkins or making spooky bookmarks

Whether you’re starting a new tradition or adding a twist to an old one, Halloween movie night is the perfect way to celebrate the season with heart, humor, and a whole lot of snacks. And if you’ve never tried an apple bar before—trust me, this is the year to do it.

So grab your comfiest blanket, cue up the classics (or the spooky sillies), and let the countdown to candy-fueled chaos begin. Whether you’re team caramel drizzle or peanut butter crunch, your apple bar awaits, and so does the magic of a night made for memories. Happy haunting!

With coffee in one hand and an apple slice in the other,

💛Bethany

Free Printables for Ghosting Little Goblins

Because sometimes the spookiest thing is answering the door 47 times.

Confession time: I’m really not a Halloween person. I know—cue the gasps, dramatic lightning, and someone clutching their plastic pumpkin in horror. But seriously, trick-or-treating? Meh. Dressing up as a sexy version of something that should never be sexy? Hard pass. I’d much rather skip the doorbell chaos, avoid the sugar crash, and settle in with a hot beverage and a good book.

Of course, I don’t actually get to do that because my daughter is still firmly in the trick-or-treating stage, which means I’ll be out there dodging inflatable skeletons and rationing candy like a sugar economist.

But here’s one thing I do like to do: I always set out a Trick-or-Treat sign by our candy bowl. Since we’re not home to hand out treats, I want to make sure the neighborhood goblins know they’re welcome to grab a piece (or two… or three) without knocking. And if you’re hiding inside with the lights off and a horror movie marathon queued up, I’ve got you covered too.

Free Printables: Trick-or-Treat Signs

These signs are cheeky, charming, and totally printable. Just download, print, and pop one by your candy bowl, porch, or front door. No crafting required, unless you count taping it to a pumpkin.

Here’s what’s included:

“Creep It Real and Take a Treat” For the pun-loving ghoul who appreciates a good dad joke.
“Don’t Ghost the Candy—Take a Piece and Go” Perfect for those who want to keep the candy flowing and the doorbell silent.
“The Witch Is Out—Take a Piece Before She Gets Back” A little sass, a little mystery, and a whole lot of candy diplomacy.
“Please Take One and Share the Scare” Ideal for encouraging generosity (or at least pretending to).

Each sign is designed to be bold, readable, and festive—whether you’re going for spooky chic or chaotic cute. You can laminate them, frame them, or just slap them on the porch with painter’s tape and call it a win.

👉 Download the Trick-or-Treat Sign Pack Here

Bonus: Halloween Trick-or-Treat Lunchbox Notes

Because Halloween isn’t just about nighttime sugar rushes, it’s also about sneaking a little spooky joy and confidence into the school day.

I created a set of printable Halloween lunchbox notes filled with silly jokes and uplifting messages. They are perfect for tweens who are “too cool” for Halloween but still secretly love a good pun and a midday pick-me-up.

Here’s what’s inside:

Jokes to make them giggle:

“Why don’t ghosts like rain?” Because it dampens their spirits.
“What’s a vampire’s favorite fruit?” A blood orange.
“Why did the skeleton stay home from school?” He was bone-tired.

Inspirational notes to lift their spirits:

“You’re spooktacular—never forget it.”
“Creep it real, because you’re one of a kind.”
“Even monsters need a reminder: you’re brave, bold, and boo-tiful.”
“Witch better have confidence—because you’ve got it in spades.”

Each note is lunchbox-sized, printable, and easy to tuck into a sandwich bag, thermos lid, or snack pouch. Some offer a laugh, others offer a little love, and all of them help your child feel seen, supported, and celebrated during spooky season.

🍂 Want to keep the cozy vibes going after Halloween? Grab my Pumpkin Spice Lunch Notes—a collection of warm heartfelt messages to brighten your child’s day all fall long.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dodging doorbells or dodging glue gun disasters, Halloween doesn’t have to be a stress-fest. These printables are here to help you keep the spooky spirit alive—without losing your mind or your tape dispenser.

So go ahead, set out the candy, sneak in a lunchbox laugh, and remember you’re doing Halloween your way. And that’s the real treat.

With coffee in one hand a candy bucket in the other,

💛 Bethany

A Hauntingly Fun Halloween Countdown

13 days of spooky dares, silly crafts, and snack pairings that won’t scare off your sanity.

If you’ve got a tween in your house, you already know Halloween isn’t just a holiday—it’s a whole mood. Costumes are debated like Supreme Court cases, candy preferences shift hourly, and suddenly your child is too cool for pumpkin patches but still wants to carve a jack-o’-lantern with dramatic flair.

Somewhere between working full-time and writing blog posts with coffee in hand, I realized: Halloween doesn’t have to be one big sugar-fueled sprint. It can be a slow, silly countdown filled with connection, creativity, and just enough spooky sass.

So this year, I created a countdown that’s equal parts spooky, silly, and tween-approved. It’s 13 days of Halloween magic—with daily dares, easy crafts, and snack pairings that won’t require a culinary degree or a glue gun meltdown.

Begin on October 19th or pace it through your weekends—this countdown blends laughter, creativity, and a pinch of delightful disorder to keep the spirit alive.

The Countdown Breakdown

Each day includes:

A Dare: Light-hearted challenges like “Speak only in spooky whispers” or “Invent a monster dance move.”
A Craft: Quick DIYs like ghost garlands, slime potions, or bat bookmarks.
A Snack: Tween-tested treats like pretzel mummies, monster trail mix, or ghost bananas.

You can follow the full 13-day plan or mix and match based on your tween’s mood (and your energy level).

Sample Days

Day 1: Ghoul Goals

Dare: Create a spooky nickname for everyone in the house.
Craft: Decorate a “Haunted Homework Folder.”
Snack: Ghost bananas with chocolate chip eyes.

Day 5: Monster Mayhem

Dare: Invent a monster dance and perform it at dinner.
Craft: Make slime with googly eyes.
Snack: Monster trail mix with candy corn and pretzels.

Day 7: Costume Chaos

Dare: Create a costume using only items from one room.
Craft: Make a mini costume for a stuffed animal or pet.
Snack: Mummy pigs in a blanket.

Printable Countdown Calendar

I’ve created a printable calendar with checkboxes and a “Ghoul-o-Meter” to rate each day’s fun. Tally the ghost ratings each day and keep track at the bottom using the Spook Score Tracker. You can hang it on the fridge, tuck it in a lunchbox, or use it as a countdown to the big night. And to make things even easier, I’ve included step-by-step instructions for every craft and snack, so you can spend less time Googling and more time giggling.

Why It Works

This countdown isn’t just about crafts and candy, it’s about connection. It gives tweens a chance to be silly, expressive, and involved in the season without feeling too “little kid.” And for moms? It’s a chance to sneak in some joy, creativity, and maybe even a moment of peace between costume debates and candy negotiations.

Want to join the countdown? Download the printable, tag me in your haunted hijinks, and let’s make this Halloween one to remember—without losing our minds or our glue sticks.

Stay spooky, stay silly, and may your snacks be ever in your favor.

13 Days of Halloween with instructions Download

With coffee in one hand and spooky treats in the other,

💛 Bethany