River’s October Obsession

So, it’s October 1st and you know what that means.
Well, actually, you probably don’t… unless you live in a house with a small autistic boy who has been obsessed with Halloween since July 2024.

Today marks the official start of Halloween in our house. And honestly? If you can’t beat them, join them.

Halloween: A Tale of Two Childhoods

For me, Halloween was a total non-event growing up in a 90s English village. It basically didn’t exist. By the 2000s, a few things started to creep in, I vaguely remember some Backstreet Boys-era parties but it definitely wasn’t happening at my house. I grew up in a very religious household, so on Halloween we went to church. Just in case.

Kike’s childhood in Colombia was completely different. With the American influence, they had decorations and Trick-or-Treating but they also called it El Día de las Brujas: “The Day of the Witches.”

More important in his town, though, was Ángeles Somos “Angels We Are.” On November 1st, children would go out asking for food and the community would come together for a shared feast, often a big pot of sancocho (basically the most comforting soup ever).

A New Tradition

Fast forward to today: I’m going all out.

My massive delivery bag of decorations arrived a few days ago and unpacking it felt like Christmas morning. I’ve decided we’re going to do it gradually, opening one or two things every day until the house is complete. That way it’s not overwhelming (remember: small house) and it stretches out the fun.

I’ve bought craft kits too, so at weekends the kids can make their own decorations to add in. Like the Christmas ones parents keep forever, we’ll start building up a little Halloween box of memories.

Why Not Over-Celebrate?

Here’s the thing: does it really matter which holiday you choose to go big on?

We’re not a religious family. Christmas isn’t about faith for us; it’s about time off and tradition. So why can’t Halloween be the one we make ours?

When I lived in South America, I loved how many festivals they had. Colombia has 18 public holidays compared to our 8! One of my favourites was Día de las Velitas (The Day of the Little Candles) on December 7th. It marks the start of Christmas with thousands of tiny candles lighting the streets. Beautiful. Also, as Kike likes to remind me terrifyingly dangerous. Colombians and fire are not always the best mix.

So, why not build our own traditions here? October 1st feels right for us.

River’s Special Interest

River might grow out of his Halloween obsession one day but for now it’s his “special interest” and according to the National Autistic Society, that comes with real benefits:

It brings him joy and boosts his wellbeing.
It helps him relax and self-regulate.
It can increase motivation and give a sense of achievement.
It can even help build friendships with others who share the same interests.

I can already see the first two in action. He loves it, it soothes him and it brings us together as a family. Normally, I have to drag Summer out of bed like a grumpy teenager. Not this morning.

At 7am she shouted: “MUM! Can we decorate before school? I’m just too excited!”

And for River, his special interest might just be the bridge to other things he finds difficult. For example, getting him to complete an activity independently or to attempt something he doesn’t enjoy, like colouring. But maybe, just maybe, if the picture is a pumpkin, he’ll meet me halfway.

As for that last benefit, making friends through shared interests, I have a plan. But I’ll save that idea for another time.

Tonight’s Reveal

Tonight’s additions were:
A bright orange pumpkin blanket.
Halloween bunting.
Stickers for the garden doors.
And… a skeleton holding a treat bowl that works only if you close your eyes.

Summer helped him put everything up and honestly, the excitement on his face made my day.

Building Our Own Traditions

Decorating for Halloween might not have been part of my childhood but it’s part of River’s. And that’s the point, really. Family traditions don’t have to look like everyone else’s. They don’t have to follow the same calendar, or even make sense to anyone outside your own four walls.

Right now, Halloween is River’s world. It gives him comfort, excitement and connection so it becomes ours too.

It’s not always easy adapting to the rhythm of a special interest but it reminds me that parenting River isn’t about pulling him into my world. It’s about meeting him in his and celebrating the joy it brings. And honestly? That feels like a pretty great tradition to keep.

New Platform

If you’ve enjoyed following along here, I’ve just set up a new Instagram channel for the blog. I’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes bits and little snapshots of our days.

Come and join us over there I’d love to see you!

You can find us at @50daysofRiver