Despite its ghoulish associations, Halloween is one of the most wholesome, fun holidays of the year. Born from traditions such as Samhain, the Irish holiday during which people walked the streets in costumes to scare away spirits, and the Catholic holiday All Saints Day, which honored saints and martyrs, Halloween has a long history of combining spookiness with togetherness and celebration. With a little planning, Halloween can bring us many delights that aren’t just about the candy.

Get creative. Halloween gives us a chance to express ourselves at any age. Sure, you can wear a store-bought costume to a party, but it can be more rewarding to create your own instead. The week before Halloween, round up some supplies at a craft store and host a party for costume making. Consider purchasing supplies from secondhand stores to cut costs and reduce waste. Coming up with an ensemble costume with friends, such as portraying characters from a TV show, can be a great way to get people brainstorming.

Be social. One of the best things about Halloween is that it brings us out of ourselves. Opening your doors to trick-or-treaters or accompanying your kids as they visit houses gives you a rare opportunity to engage with neighbors you don’t know well. If trick-or-treating isn’t big on your street, attend a festival at your local town center, or a costume party at your favorite bar. Somehow it’s easier to strike up a conversation with someone dressed as Princess Leia or Pokemon than it might be otherwise! Because of the spirited, childlike energy Halloween creates, it’s a great holiday for making new friends.

Give back. Maybe parties aren’t your thing, but you still want to find a way to celebrate. Consider volunteering to give out candy at a children’s hospital to lift the spirit of kids who may be feeling blue on Halloween. Dress up as a zombie or mummy to help out at a haunted house fundraiser for a local school. You could also simply do a favor for someone, such as raking leaves for an elderly neighbor, as a special way to mark the day. The bounty of sweet treats available on Halloween isn’t the only thing that will keep you smiling!