Ghosting - Spooking

Ghosting is fast becoming a popular Halloween tradition in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and other countries as well. Depending on your location, the new custom may be known as "Ghosting," or "Boo-ing" but the concept is the same.

Ghosting is a fun way to spread the Halloween spirit amongst friends and neighbors. This activity can begin any time in October but the first or second week of the month is the best, allowing sufficient time for the entire neighborhood to be "ghosted."

Typically, you will need to "ghost" two people or families. You can do this with the following items:

* Two Halloween goodie bags or brown paper sacks filled with treats.
* Two pictures of a ghost or tissue paper ghosts.
* Two letters stating that "you've been ghosted (or boo'd)" with simple how-to instructions to carry on the tradition.

After you have assembled your (two, separate) treat bags, ghosts, and letters, you should deliver them after dark to your target families by dropping one on each porch, ringing the doorbell, and running. You should remain anonymous, so don't get caught. If you're a child, it's important to be safe and take an adult with you.

Letter and Instructions

You can compose your own letter, along with quick instructions, or add an elaborate Halloween poem. Whatever you decide, the instructions should be clear. Two more families will need to be ghosted (or booed) within two days in the same manner in which you've been ghosted.

Along with the "scare" kit, leave a ghost or "boo" that should be left on the door. This will "mark" the recipient, allowing others to know that they've already been hit. Below is an example you can use, with the poem and instructions combined:

Poem

You've Been Ghosted!

Late last night, we left you a treat. The tradition is fun, one we hope you'll repeat.

Take the ghost and pin it on your door, to let others know, you need ghosted no more.

Now it's your duty to pass on the surprise, to two more families, we must advise.

Gather some treats and deliver them soon, within two nights, under the light of the moon.

Include a ghost with each package you give, along with this poem for the tradition to live.