Beyond the Veil: A Personal Tale of Horror, Inspiration, and Haunted Hearts
Image by Strasse-Steine
Introduction: A Love Affair That Began in My Teenage Years
Ever since I was a teenager, Halloween has been more than just a holiday—it’s a celebration of magic, mystery, and boundless creativity. Growing up, I eagerly anticipated October, when the nights grew darker and the air was thick with excitement. I remember rummaging through my closet, eager to craft the perfect costume—whether I was the Reaper's granddaughter, Frostbite's cousin, or Zipper Girl.
My love for horror stories, especially those with a psychological edge, began early. I wasn’t drawn to gore or flashy special effects but to stories that played with the mind, evoking suspense and deep fears. I devoured books by Stephen King and other masters of psychological horror, which profoundly influenced my appreciation for storytelling and spooky atmospheres.
Halloween, for me, was a time to indulge in this passion, to tell stories through costumes, movies, and decorations. I adored creating a new character each year—transforming myself into something entirely different, something that told a story and sparked my imagination.
Transformed into Ms Peacock
The Creative Spirit of Halloween: Frostbite’s Cousin
One example was when I created “Frostbite’s Cousin”— A whole character emerged after I designed a costume, with a mirrored sequined top that inspired me to think of snow ghosts, winter witches, and frostbitten monsters. Every year, I poured hours into crafting costumes and decorations, often starting months in advance. I loved the anticipation—the planning, the gathering of materials, the painting and assembling—all leading up to that special day.
Preparing my costume was more than just dressing up; it was an act of storytelling. I would spend months dreaming up my next character, sketching ideas, and making everything by hand. Halloween was my creative canvas, and I wanted each character to be unique, to surprise and thrill.
Image by Real Simple
A Love of Horror and the Thrill of Transformation
My obsession with horror stories—particularly those with psychological depths—started early. I loved stories that unsettled and disturbed, not through gore but through the manipulation of perception and emotion. The works of Rice, King, and other masters explored fears lurking beneath the surface—loneliness, paranoia, and the fragility of the mind.
Watching horror movies became a cherished ritual. I’d spend weekends binge-watching classics like Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, and The Exorcist, but I cherished those that built atmosphere and suspense rather than just relying on blood and effects. To me, the best horror stories challenge the mind, evoke deep fears, and leave a lingering sense of unease.
What thrilled me most was creating a new character each Halloween—an extension of my artistic and storytelling passion. I would design a new persona, sometimes inspired by my favourite stories or just a wild idea that fascinated me. I prepared these characters months in advance, eagerly awaiting the day I could unveil my latest creation.
Image by BBC2
The Magic of Halloween: More Than Just Costumes and Films
Halloween isn’t just about dressing up or watching movies for me; it’s a celebration of imagination, community, and personal transformation.
Every year, I dedicated myself to making Halloween special. I’d host movie marathons and decorate my home with eerie touches. My favourite part was seeing how each person expressed their creativity—costumes, decorations, stories—adding to the shared magic of the season.
Zipper Girl (had an allergic reaction from the stuff I put on my face the next day 😵)
The Impact of Life’s Changes and Heartfelt Reflection
After my parents’ passing, I found myself hesitating to continue this beloved tradition. The creative process that once brought me so much joy suddenly felt distant, replaced by grief and a sense of loss. The anticipation and excitement of preparing costumes months in advance faded, and I struggled to find the spark to create again.
For a time, Halloween felt like a shadow of what it once was—a reminder of happier, more creative days. I felt my passion wane, and I wondered if I would ever reclaim that part of myself.
But through reflection and healing, I hold onto hope. I plan to pick up my costume materials again, design a new character, and rekindle that creative flame. Halloween is more than a tradition—it's a part of who I am, and I know I will return to it when the time feels right.
I'm in that zombie mess! Spot me and you win a prize!😂
Looking Forward: Hope for the Future
While I haven’t yet resumed my annual tradition of creating a new character each year, I carry the hope that I will in the future. Halloween remains close to my heart—a symbol of creativity, storytelling, and transformation. I believe that, with time, I will once again find the joy in crafting characters, decorating spaces, and sharing spooky stories.
In the meantime, I cherish the memories of my past creations and look forward to what I can achieve someday. Halloween’s magic—psychological, spooky, and inspiring—is something I look forward to re-embracing.
Meet Matina! (A mesh of Madonna and Tina Turner) 💫
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your Inner Monster and Whatever Comes Next
Halloween isn’t just about costumes or scares; it’s about celebrating your imagination, confronting fears, and expressing your true self. For me, creating a new character each year was a way to explore different facets of my personality and storytelling passions.
Though life’s challenges have paused that tradition, I remain hopeful. I know deep down that soon, I’ll once again bring a new character to life—an extension of my creative spirit and the magic that Halloween offers.
Thank you for sharing a part of my haunted heart. I hope your Halloween is filled with wonder, creativity, and the courage to embrace all parts of yourself—whether old traditions or new beginnings.
Zombie Fever
A Warm Disclaimer: This is a personal reflection on my love for Halloween, storytelling, and the journey through grief. Everyone’s path is different, and I encourage you to honour your own feelings and traditions. Whether you’re creating costumes, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the season, do what feels right for you. Halloween is about expressing yourself and celebrating the magic—whatever that may look like.
