Halloween in Recovery: Finding Fun Without Food Fear
For many people in recovery from an eating disorder, holidays can feel complicated. Halloween, in particular, often centers around candy, food, and parties — which can bring up stress, pressure, or even fear. But Halloween doesn’t have to be about food to be meaningful. It can be a chance to reconnect with joy, creativity, and community in ways that feel safe and supportive.
If you’ve ever wondered how to celebrate Halloween without the stress of food being at the center, here are some ideas to help shift the focus from fear back to fun.
Decorating With Personality
Turning your space into something themed, cozy, and playful can spark creativity and pride. Whether it’s carving pumpkins, lighting scented candles, hanging up string lights, or setting up a silly skeleton in your living room, decorating allows you to participate in the holiday in a hands-on way that has nothing to do with food.
Tip: Invite a friend over to decorate together —> It’s a fun way to build connection without the pressure of a food-centered gathering.
Movies That Set the Mood
Halloween has one of the best movie lineups of the year. From classic scary films (think: Insidious, Annabelle, The Conjuring) to lighthearted family favorites (ahem: Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, Casper), movie nights are a great way to immerse yourself in the season without focusing on candy.
Not sure where to start? Here are some more recs:
Lighthearted: Hotel Transylvania, Frankenweenie, or Goosebumps
Classic Scary: Psycho, Halloween, or The Shining
In-Between: Beetlejuice, Coraline, or Ghostbusters
Make a new tradition —> Try “31 Nights of Halloween” with a different movie each week in October.
Creative Crafts
Crafting can be grounding and joyful. Try painting mini pumpkins, making Halloween wreaths, or even DIY costumes. Creative activities help shift focus away from food and toward self-expression.
Bonus: Crafts can double as décor —> so you get twice the enjoyment from the same activity.
Costumes Without Comparison
Costumes can sometimes feel stressful because of body image concerns, and they don’t have to be about comparison. Choose costumes that feel fun, silly, and extraordinarily comfortable instead of focusing on how they fit. Dressing up with friends or even pets can create laughter and playfulness, all important parts of recovery.
Cozy Costume Themes: Pajama Party (coziest PJs), Harry Potter (robes only), Spa Day (also robes, add slippers), Tourist (Hawaiian shirt, sunhat, fanny pack), Gardener (overalls, sunhat) - just to name a few!
Building New Traditions
Recovery is often about creating new rituals that feel values-aligned and authentic. Halloween can become a time to celebrate creativity, connection, and fun on your own terms. Whether that’s hosting a movie night, decorating your porch, or crafting with friends, the holiday doesn’t have to be about food to be meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Halloween can bring up old fears, but it can also be reclaimed as a time of joy. By shifting the focus to decorating, movies, crafts, and costumes, you can create new memories that honor both the holiday and your recovery.
If you’re wanting some extra support for you or a loved one as we enter what could be an extra-scary season, the Autonomy Therapy team is here for you. Schedule a complimentary 15-minute call with a member of our team or fill out a contact form to start your journey with us today!
