Bravely Bohemian

Breathe Deep, Be Brave

Understanding Fear in Yourself and Others

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As I get older, I’ve come to realize how much people operate from a space of fear. People use fear as a reason to protect themselves from being hurt and as a way to keep from moving forward. While everyone carries various levels of fear in their lives, it doesn’t have to define you.  Once you identify it, fear can become a choice. Understanding fear is the first part. Then, what you decide to do with that fear keeps you stuck or helps you move forward spiritually.

I am a big believer in the universe giving us opportunities to learn and grow as spiritual beings. The universe will keep giving you certain types of experiences until you learn to handle those situations in new ways. Often, it’s much later before you are able to look back and understand the lessons. But they are usually there if you choose to look.

Louisa May Alcott_quote_I’m not afraid of storms

Understanding Fear

There are two different types of fear to practice observing: fear that is your own and then fear that is someone else’s.

Start by taking a self-inventory. Write down the biggies, like fear of heights, fear of flying, and/or fear of public speaking.  Then commit to digging deeper. If I am really truthful with myself, here are some that are on my list:

*Fear of rejection.

*Fear of not being enough.

*Fear of being misunderstood.

*Fear of failure.

*Fear of being judged.

*Fear of not being worthy.

As you continue to write down your list, breathe deep and be brave. This is an opportunity for discovery. While you may be aware of the first few on your list, as you continue to write, you will start to go deeper and may surprise yourself with what comes up. Your initial response may be to reject some of what comes up: ”That’s not really me” or “That can’t be true.” Write everything down, no matter how surprising or painful. Some part of you deep down is wounded and needs to have a voice.

Next, take a few more breaths and then read through your list. How do you feel as you read through each fear? Note which ones are most painful. The fears that are deepest and most painful are usually your strongest triggers when life gets tough.

Quote by Thich Nhat Hanh_The Only Way to Ease Our Fear

Discover Your Triggers

What do I mean by triggers? Let’s go back to human evolution. Everyone has heard of the fight or flight response. A caveman or cavewoman is out hunting and gathering and happens upon a large predator. The predator spots them and there is a moment of immediate tension and adrenaline. The body floods both creatures with a chemistry that tells the brain it is time to fight or run like your life depends on it to safety.

Have you ever experienced the full intensity of the fight or flight response? Maybe in a true emergency, such as right before a car accident? Or in a semi-controlled environment, such as right before you leap if you’ve ever bungee jumped? Those are life-changing moments that stay with us.


And that’s the point, there are all sorts of things that stay with us in our lives. We are experiential beings. As humans evolved, we’ve learned to use aspects of the fight or flight response on a regular basis. Some experts call it the pain or pleasure principle. From the beginning, we learn what brings us pleasure and what brings us pain. Our evolutionary programming jumps into gear to help us try and avoid anything that brings pain. Our brains store memories around painful things so that when we encounter similar situations in the future, the brain kicks in and says, “Wait! This was painful last time! Stop! Don’t go there! Beware! Be afraid!” We often bury these experiences deep and pile other examples of pain on top of them to the point where we aren’t even aware of these feelings anymore. Until something triggers the fear response again.

Like I said earlier, the universe loves to test you to try and keep you growing deeper into your spiritual self. What is the saying? We are spiritual selves having a human experience?

I was recently tested, and have been reflecting on the list of fears I noted for myself above. A person I very much respected turned on me, told me some harsh things about myself and really crossed my boundaries. What made the situation extra painful was that I did not expect it. The situation kicked up all kinds of triggers for me. Let’s just say I had to really breathe deep and be extra brave to walk through the last few weeks. I am still reflecting on some of what was said and reconciling what I experienced with who I know I am.

Learn From Your Triggers

So that’s the next part of the lesson: be aware when something triggers you. If you are truly aware when it is happening, then you can choose how you will react. When you find yourself in a situation where you feel afraid, you can choose whether to proceed or hold back. When someone provokes you into an argument, you can choose to participate or not. You can hear what is being said and decide if it has merit or not. You can choose to defend yourself or just watch the other person go into a dither without having to lose your power. Some situations are just about unavoidable. However, you can control much of it by being proactive instead of reactive.

I don't let go of my thoughts_quote by Byron Katie

When you look back at the situation, figure out what you can learn. What triggers came up? How did you handle the situation? What did you do poorly? What can you improve upon next time you are in a similar predicament? If you were triggered by another person, is there merit to anything they were saying? Or were they just coming from a place of their own fear?

Dealing With Other People’s Fears

So now we’ve come to the other type of fear that is worth observing- other people’s fears. As humans, we tend to be quick to point out things in other people. And we can often be mean about it, focusing on where we think other people are falling short, instead of building them up. For most of us, it takes practice to be positive and find the good in each other.

People act out, say negative things, become competitive or behave passive-aggressively when they are coming from a place of fear. Part of them is frightened that there isn’t enough___ (fill in the blank- love, power, money, basic resources, etc.) to go around.

Knowing people are coming from a place of fear gives you the opportunity to step back and breathe in the moment of intensity. It’s hard to do and takes practice.

Sometimes people need to be heard and it’s best to let them vent. Knowing that they are coming from fear and pain, gives you the option to have empathy towards that person. If the situation becomes personal, you have the option of defending yourself (which often doesn’t work in the heat of the moment) or telling the person, “I’m sorry you feel that way.” By using this phrase you acknowledge what they are saying but you don’t lose your power. It’s a neutral phrase, so practice keeping the energy neutral as you say it.

You can also always breathe, ground yourself and then choose to remove yourself from the situation. There’s no reason you need to stand there and take it. That doesn’t mean you have to go storming off. It’s usually best to just quietly announce that the situation has become heated and you are leaving now but are willing to readdress the issue when things are calmer. Sometimes you do have to be firm with the other person and tell them you need some space to think, then do what you need to do to take it.

Understanding Fear as a Mirror

Another thing you may notice is that people often point out in others things that mirror places of pain within themselves. It’s so much easier to point to people and say what their faults are than look within and take true inventory of ourselves. The universe surrounds us with people we can learn from, and the closer the relationship, the more reflective they can be. In other words, those close relationships will often trigger things within you until you choose to learn and grow. Knowing this gives you power to handle things better in your life.

Eleanor Roosevelt Quote_The purpose of life

When you are in a quiet space, think about what the other person said in the heat of the moment or complains about in less heated times. It may be comments about you, someone else, or just in general. First, if directed at you, see if there is any merit to the words and if there is anything you can do to improve yourself. Now reflect on the person who said them. Why are these points of pain for that person? What can you do to acknowledge and support their points of pain and help them to grow through them?

However, you have to tread very carefully here. Just because you are aware of the patterns doesn’t mean the other person is aware or willing to work on things. Timing is everything. And you don’t want to enable them. You CAN’T FIX the other person. But you can be gentle and have empathy for where that person is at in their lives. And you can always work on yourself.

At a quiet, neutral time, you can try saying something like, “The other day you seemed very upset about ____. Is there anything I can do to help you feel more supported? I just want you to know you are not alone.” If the other person triggers and immediately gets angry, you’ll know they are not ready to acknowledge their pain and fear yet. Sometimes people will want to talk about what happened and your acknowledgment will provide an opportunity for healing and forgiveness.

Understanding Fear Changes Your Life

While you can never completely overcome fear in your life, you can learn to recognize it in yourself and others. Recognizing that you or someone else is operating from a place of fear gives you the power of choice in any given moment. Fear can hold you back, but choice can propel you forward. Fear gives you many opportunities to grow as a spiritual being and have empathy towards others. The next time fear enters your life, I encourage you to breathe deep and be brave. You may surprise yourself what you learn.

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A Ghost Photography Book Review: The Apparitionists: A Tale of Phantoms, Fraud, Photography, and the Man Who Captured Lincoln’s Ghost

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If you ever peruse Victorian photographs on Pinterest or the web, you probably have stumbled across one of the most famous pictures of ghost photography- Mary Todd Lincoln being consoled by the ghost of her husband, Abraham Lincoln. The picture is creepy, yet somehow draws you in. It is a photo of mourning, yet comfort at the same time. The photo has a universal quality to it. Don’t we all want to know that our passed loved ones are still near and watching over us, even to this day?

Lincoln's Ghost_Photograph of Widowed Mary Todd Lincoln
Mary Todd Lincoln being consoled by the spirit of Abraham Lincoln in famous ghost photograph by William H. Mumler. From the collections of Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne, Indiana

The ghost photograph of the Lincolns was taken by William H. Mumler around 1869. Mumler was an early dabbler in the art and science of photography just as the invention arrived in the United States from Europe. The new book, The Apparitionists: A Tale of Phantoms, Fraud, Photography, and the Man Who Captured Lincoln’s Ghost by Peter Manseau takes us on a fascinating journey through the 1850s to just after the Civil War when photography becomes all the rage in the United States.

The Apparitionists: A Tale of Phantoms, Fraud, Photography, and the Man Who Captured Lincoln’s Ghost

For the first time, people could capture and preserve- in the moment- images of their loved ones and hold them close even after that person passed away. Until that time, people of means maybe had a painted portrait or two created during their lifetime. For most people, images of their loved ones simply faded away with memories.

Photography, especially in the early years, was certainly a grand science experiment. First, the desired image needed to be captured on plates, then developed with a series of chemicals, followed by the printing of the image. The process was often dangerous, depending on the chemicals used, and time-consuming. In the early days, people had to sit without moving for several minutes so that there was enough time for the exposure to take place. Preparation of the camera plates and development of the photos also left lots of room for human error.

Whether he meant to be or not, William H. Mumler became one of the most famous and sought-after photographers of his time. Mumler appeared to have a gift- he caught spirit images in his photographs. How he did it, he never revealed. But most likely, he manipulated his camera plates and chemicals to expose such images into his portraits.

With such massive loss of life during the Civil War, coupled with the affordability of photography during the 1860s – almost every soldier had a photo taken of himself in uniform before heading off to war to leave with loved ones- people turned to photography to help them grieve. And Mumler one-upped this by capturing the spirits of those loved ones they were grieving.

In The Apparitionists: A Tale of Phantoms, Fraud, Photography, and the Man Who Captured Lincoln’s Ghost, Manseau explores the role of the Spiritualism Movement in America, which also helps explain people’s obsession with ghost photography. As we recently explored in the post about the Erie Canal, Spiritualism started in Upstate New York. People wanted to know their passed loved ones were still close and helping to guide their lives. Contacting the dead through mediums and séances became all the rage. Many of these activities were acts of showmanship and sleight of hand, but people didn’t care. They desperately wanted beliefs to hold onto. Spirit photography easily found its place among such believers.

Yet many people set out to prove Spiritualism practices such as Mumler’s ghost photography as fraud. Numerous people, including competitor photographers, came to Mumler’s studio to try and spot his manipulations. Articles for and against ghost photography were written about in popular magazines of the day.

William Mumler Trial_Harper's Weekly_May 6_1869
The front cover of the widely read Harper’s Weekly from May 8, 1869 describing the Spirit Photography trial of William Mumler in detail.

All of this activity came to a head in 1869, when William Mumler gets charged with fraud and finds himself in the center of a lengthy and expensive court case. Most of the case was dramatically published in Harper’s Weekly. Manseau walks the reader through many of the transcripts of the trial. The trial takes numerous turns as witnesses argue not just whether William Mumler is guilty of fraud but whether ghosts are real and Spiritualism, in general, is reputable. Even P.T. Barnum, the ultimate showman of the time, steps in as a witness.

While a trial like William Mumler’s would certainly be thrown out of today’s courts, in 1869, the case received national attention. It is a curious look at how the court was conducted in Victorian America and leaves a lot to be desired.

I will leave the rest of the whodunnit and how, plus the outcome of the trial for you to find out when you read the book. The Apparitionists: A Tale of Phantoms, Fraud, Photography, and the Man Who Captured Lincoln’s Ghost is an incredibly interesting read well worth your time.


Vote! How to Find Out What’s On Your Ballot on Election Day

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So it’s that time of year again- Election Day! Time to do your civic duty and get out there and vote for your elected officials, plus state and local referendums. In fact, today marks the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in New York State, so a huge thank you goes out to all of the very bohemian-thinking women in the 1800s and 1900s who worked so valiantly over the years to make their voices heard.

I VOTED_100th Anniversary_Voting_Women_NY

That being said, I groan on almost every election day because it’s always such a pain to remember my voting district, to find out who is running for what and what on earth all of those people stand for. Then there is always a surprise or two on the ballot, like this year, voting yes or no on whether New York State needs to have a constitutional convention. Huh? Um, why?

So good news! For those of us who don’t like surprises at the polls, there are some great tools online to help you have a smooth, educated voting experience.

Am I Registered to Vote?

The easiest place to go to confirm you are registered to vote is to visit Vote.org. If you are not registered you can easily register to vote in less than 2 minutes.

Confirm My Voter Registration

Where Do I Go to Vote?

We like HeadCount.org’s Find Your Polling Place tool. Simply scroll down, enter your address, and the site gives you the address and a map of where to go to vote.

Where Do I go to Vote?

What’s on My Ballot?

To find out what’s on your ballot, we suggest using the Vote411.org site developed by the League of Women Voters. Here are the 4 easy steps:

1. Type in your address and hit enter.
2. Next, under On Your Ballot, click the green button that says “Get personalized information on candidates and issues.”
3. You may be given the option to click on additional city or county jurisdictions.
4. Then click “Go to my races.”

Just like that, Vote411 will create a personalized voter guide with your specific ballot information. Simply click on each ballot item to see details.

What's On My Ballot Tool Vote411

The Vote411 voter guide is great because it allows you to see exactly who is running for what and read background information on most of the candidates. Referendums are also listed and include unbiased pros and cons of the issues. You can even practice voting and print out your choices to take with you to the polls.

Of note, some local candidates and referendums do not have background information listed, so you may need to rely on your local newspaper to learn more. However, these websites will save you a ton of time before you go to the polls to vote in today’s elections.

Happy voting and if you are from New York State, be sure to pick up your 100 Year Anniversary sticker and proudly proclaim you voted!

I VOTED_100th Anniversary_Voting_Women_NY


Lessons I Have Learned From Being a Country Mouse, City Mouse and Suburban Mouse

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Being a Country Mouse_City Mouse_Suburban Mouse

I consider myself very fortunate to have grown up as a country kid in the gorgeous Finger Lakes Region of Central New York State. It’s probably why I have such a bohemian lifestyle now. If you’ve never been to the Finger Lakes, it’s a mostly rural part of the state filled with 10 long lakes that look like fingers. The lakes are surrounded by rolling hills containing hundreds of wineries, bed-and-breakfasts, farms, orchards, gorges, waterfalls and picturesque little towns filled with restaurants, shops, colleges, and museums. Not far away, you will also find the cities of Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, the remnants of the famous Erie Canal, Lake Ontario to the North, Lake Erie to the West. And of course, Niagara Falls and Canada are nearby.

Fingerlakes Skaneateles Lake Winter Sunset
Winter Sunset, Skaneateles, NY in the Fingerlakes Region

Growing Up as a Country Mouse

Growing up, we lived in the middle of nowhere on ten acres of land surrounded by fields and woods. We had an incredible view of the surrounding hills. My dad always wanted to try farming as a hobby, so he planted a huge garden and as well as an orchard of over 500 apple trees. We made our own Maple Syrup in Winter. We ice skated on frozen ponds. My folks even caved and let us get horses, rabbits, cats and a dog. My childhood was pretty idyllic.

White Rabbit and Karen McMahon in the 1980s.
I am about 8 in this picture.

Over the years, I have lived in the country, in cities, and in suburbia, as well as traveled extensively around the U.S. Living in the country is by far my favorite. However, each place I have resided in has given me lessons, memories, and insight.

Living in the City

Most people have no idea, but my parents grew up in the Bronx, so the vibe of New York City is quite ingrained in me. We have had ancestors living in New York City since the early 1700s. Yes, pre-revolutionary times! So there’s some definite culture that has been passed down through the generations.

While I have never lived in New York City, we certainly visited often while I was a kid. I feel at one with the essence of New York as soon as I set foot in Manhattan. I love talking to my parents about their memories of growing up in the city in the 1930s through 1950s, and their many visits in the 1960s through 1990s. By the 1970s, they had my sister and I in tow, and we often visited the city for my Birthday over Memorial Day Weekend. I have many happy memories visiting the Bronx Zoo, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of Natural History, wandering through Macy’s, and sitting in Central Park. I remember my fascination with all of the tall buildings, the taxis everywhere, Grand Central Station, the Subways and the general intense hustle and bustle of the city.

Times Square NYC
Times Square, New York City

I did choose to go to college in an urban setting and lived in Troy, NY. My first job in state politics took me on a daily commute into Albany, NY. I remember at first wondering if I would ever get used to the constant drumming noises of city life. Even at night, I could still hear the sounds of the highway nearby, police sirens, and sometimes gunshots (the neighborhood was not the safest). And of course, I lived near the path where drunken students loudly stumbled home from the local bars in the wee hours.

I learned how to use the bus system to commute. It was often simpler than hiking the several blocks to my car and then trying to find parking at the other end when I got to work. I even remember the smell of the pollution coming from the buses, trucks and all those cars on the streets and highways.

While I eventually became comfortable with city living, it was a far cry from the way I grew up out in the country! It took some adjustment time. My dorm room looked out onto a historic park across the street. I was forever thankful to look out on those trees and paths and set foot in the park on the way to professors’ offices. I think even then, I longed for open space.

Living in Suburbia

When I met and married my husband, we bought a house in suburbia. At the time, we had a thriving family business and we were traveling regularly. So my criteria were that the house was 1. Comfortable and cushy; 2. In an area where we could easily sell if we needed to move elsewhere for work; and 3. CLOSE to the airport because my father-in-law always insisted on booking us on the early flights. (We manifested all three including being only 15 minutes from the airport).

While our home and neighborhood are very lovely, I started calling our location “Suburban Hell” and “Anywhere U.S.” I have come to the conclusion that I prefer either living in a city or living in the country. I just don’t care for the in-between of suburban living.

It’s been hard to identify why my soul is just not completely relaxed here. I think in a city, there is constant noise which creates a particular on-going rhythm. In suburbia, the neighborhoods have a look like we are living in a community, but after 16 years, we only know a handful of the several hundred neighbors in our development. I am also very energetically sensitive to the world, so my higher self-tunes into the shutting of car doors, conversations or arguments of people walking by, vehicles coming and going, lawn mowers, phones ringing, dogs barking, etc. For me, the noises and movements are just separate enough to be distracting and energy draining.


Becoming a Country Mouse Again

That being said, we are considering moving into the country again. My husband, Al, grew up in the mountains of Northern Pennsylvania and remembers many hours of happily playing in the woods with his brothers and friends. He always feels a sense of peace when he visits his childhood town and the surrounding mountains. That’s how I feel too when we walk around my parents’ property.

Central_New_York_Fingerlakes_View
The view where I grew up.

We are casually starting to look for a new home on the other side of Syracuse from where we are now. We have our eyes peeled for a house that has personality and is surrounded by a chunk of land. We are hoping for minimal neighbors, a very private yard, and land ideally consisting of woods or fields.

And of course, we would love a view of the rolling hills found in the region. Central New York sunsets can be amazing! I think more than anything, I am hoping for true soul-deep peace and quiet around me. And I know that I am most happy when I can set my feet on grass, be surrounded by old trees and breathe in fresh air. (Can you tell I am an introvert?)

While my husband keeps asking whether I want to own horses again (probably not for the sheer amount of work involved), I am very thankful for the experience our parents gave us to appreciate our wide-open surroundings. Life is short and it is important to live where your soul is most happy.


6 Ways to Celebrate the Day of the Dead

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The Mexican Holiday, Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is becoming more and more popular around the world. The Day of the Dead is typically celebrated on November 1 and 2, just after Halloween in the United States. Day of the Dead costumes and decorations can now be found in most stores mixed right in with Halloween costumes. So before the 2 holidays blur any further, let’s take a look at what the Day of the Dead celebration is all about.

6_ways_to_celebrate_the_day_of_the_dead

Halloween vs. Day of the Dead

In the U.S, we are used to spooky graveyards, where unsettled spirits haunt anyone who comes near. But in most cultures, people celebrate the dead in a more positive light. In fact, even in the U.S. during Victorian times, most families spent their Sundays in cemeteries picnicking near the graves of their loved ones. That’s why so many cemeteries are designed with park-like surroundings.

The Day of the Dead is a positive celebration, a way to honor ancestors. Día de Muertos is hundreds of years old, with its origins most likely coming from Aztec ritual. It is believed that once a year, ancestors come back for 2 days to spend time with their families. To honor their presence, people decorate their ancestors’ graves, build beautiful altars in their honor and cook their favorite foods. Celebrations also include parties and parades. The Day of the Dead is a holiday that is colorful in every way!

dia-de-los-muertos-skeleton_with_marigolds

How to Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Want to get into the spirit of the Day of the Dead and honor your ancestors? Here is how to get your Día de Muertos celebrations started:

day_of_the_dead_altar

1. Put Together a Colorful Day of the Dead Altar (Ofrenda)

In Mexico, people usually decorate family gravesites and often create an altar, or ofrenda, in their homes to honor their ancestors. Altars like the one in the photo above can be elaborate works of art or simple and very personal. Start by finding a location in your home for your altar, such as a corner table, desk or fireplace mantle. Add a colorful tablecloth or table runner. Next, add photos of the person or people you want to honor. To get into the Mexican Spirit, you may want to place your photos in beautifully crafted tile frames like these. Then place personal items that were owned by your relatives in their lifetime on the altar. Or use items that make you think of your family members.

Next, place Day of the Dead decorations like marigolds, skull figures and paper banners on your altar. We will discuss how to make these items or where to buy them below. Some people also add their ancestors’ favorite foods and drinks to their altar to encourage their spirits to stay near. And finally, candles and incense make great additions to your altar.

day_of_the_dead_pumpkin_altar

If you have more time to be crafty, check out the directions for making this Day of the Dead Carved Pumpkin Altar at Michael’s. The altar is made out of the fake carvable pumpkins, so you can use the altar year after year. Or if you enjoy getting a bit messy with pumpkin guts and/or paint, you can use real pumpkins and create a perishable masterpiece.

paper_picado_day_of_the_dead

2. Decorate with Paper Banners (Papel Picado)

Papel Picado, or specially cut Mexican paper banners, are a festive way to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Traditionally Papel Picado are intricately created by Mexican artists. With a little bit of practice, simple paper banners are easy to make. You can also find free printables such as this one from LiveColorful.com. Make sure to have bright colored paper on hand or markers to color in the designs.

Want to purchase Papel Picado for your altar or Day of the Dead party? Affordable paper or plastic banners are available on Amazon.com in a variety of sizes and colors.

Day of the Dead Marigold Flowers and Petals

3. Celebrate with Marigolds (Cempasúchiles)

Look how gorgeous this fountain looks decked out in orange Marigold flowers and petals. Marigolds, or Cempasúchiles, are the main flower used in decorating for Day of the Dead. You can grow your own to add to your altar, though beware, Marigolds have a very strong odor if you are using them indoors. Many people also use paper Marigolds. You can purchase paper Marigolds in orange and yellow from a party supplier.

Paper Marigolds are also really easy to make. We like the directions on this tutorial from Tinkerlab.com.

make-your-own-paper-marigolds

4. Decorate with Sugar Skulls (Calaveras)

Sugar Skulls, known as calaveras in Spanish, have become an essential part of Day of the Dead celebrations. Decorated skulls, literally made out of pressed sugar, are placed on altars to represent the ancestors being honored. Of course, you can now find Day of the Dead skulls made in all sorts of materials which are fun to collect. Check out these Sugar Skulls to get your collection started.

shop-day-of-the-dead-sugar-skulls
If you are interested to making real sugar skulls, we suggest using the directions and sugar molds from MexicanSugarSkulls.com.

We also love this do-it-yourself sugar skull painting kit, which makes a great gift.

diy_skull_painting_set_

5. Dress to Impress (Disfraces)

Day of the Dead is your opportunity to dress up in stylish skeleton costumes, or disfraces. Check out these great costumes for men and women at Amazon.com. Many qualify for 2-Day Shipping with your Amazon Prime membership. And don’t forget to pick up a Day of the Dead makeup kit.

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If you know how to sew, Simplicity offers a beautiful sewing pattern for DIY Women’s Day of the Dead costumes.

simplicity-day-of-the-dead-costume-pattern_

6. Host a Traditional Day of the Dead Party Instead of a Halloween Party (Día de la fiesta de muertos)

Hosting a Day of the Dead party, known as Día de la fiesta de muertos in Spanish, is both fun and educational for your guests. You can find lots of fun Day of the Dead party supplies at your favorite retailer or make your own.

day-of-the-dead-party-supplies_

Encourage your guests to come dressed as Day of the Dead skeletons. Ask guests to bring photos and favorite mementos to honor their ancestors. Create a community Day of the Dead altar and ask guests to add their mementos to it. Ask your guests to share stories about the relatives they are honoring. Explain the traditions on the Day of the Dead and encourage guests to take part in activities such as painting or carving sugar skulls on pumpkins, face painting and making paper marigolds. Serve popular Day of the Dead treats and drinks. Here are some great recipes to get you started.

More than anything, surround yourself with colors and enjoy this very festive holiday in a way your ancestors would appreciate!

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