(How to stay spooky when the world turns saccharine)
The fog machines are drained, the actors have finally washed off the fake blood, and the chainsaws are tucked away for a long winter’s nap. But for a haunted attraction owner, the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” can be the most terrifying of all—and not in the way we like.
Whether you’re currently running a Krampus-themed haunt or you’re trying to navigate a family dinner without accidentally scaring your mother-in-law, transitioning from the “Screams” to the “Seasons” is a challenge. And honestly, we get it! At HauntPay, our team lives for the season of creepy crawlies and jump scares. Transitioning to all that joy and wonder can feel…well…unnatural.
Here is our survival guide for keeping your sanity when everything is suddenly covered in glitter and twinkle lights.
1. Read the Room (Before You Scare the Room)
We know your “death crawl” is world-class and your jump-scares are legendary. But before you decide to jump out from behind the Christmas tree to terrify your toddler nephew, remember: not everyone has a haunt-ready heart.
Our Holiday Survival Tip: Read the room. If your family loves dark humor, feel free to hide a tiny skeleton in the nativity scene. If they prefer Hallmark movies and hot cocoa? Maybe keep the “corpse paint” in the vanity drawer until New Year’s.
However, toning down the spooky and macabre for family holidays doesn’t mean abandoning your true self! You don’t need to pretend to love all the warm & fuzzy stuff if you don’t. Try to embrace the parts of the winter holidays that you can and save the blood & guts for another day.
2. Manage the “Holiday Haunt” Burnout
If you’re one of the brave souls running a holiday-themed haunt, you’re pulling double duty. You’re dealing with holiday crowds and haunt logistics.
Our Holiday Survival Tip: Don’t let the Krampus take over your soul. Even a holiday haunt owner needs a “Silent Night.” Schedule a night where no tickets are scanned, no masks are donned, and the only thing you’re managing is the TV remote.
3. Combat the “Saccharine Overload”
If all the caroling and candy canes feel a bit too sweet for your dark tastes, remember that you don’t have to go full “Elf.” It’s okay to stay true to your spooky self.
Our Holiday Survival Tip: Add a little “Halloween” to your “Holidays.” Swap the traditional wreath for one made of black feathers, or trim the tree with vintage Victorian ghost photos. You can embrace the spirit of the season without losing your edge. Think The Nightmare Before Christmas, not Frosty the Snowman.
4. Resist the Urge to “Direct” the Family Dinner
When you spend months directing actors and managing “scare zones,” it’s hard to stop being the boss. You might find yourself wanting to fix the lighting at the dinner table or tell your brother his “performance” during the gift exchange lacks motivation.
Our Holiday Survival Tip: Your dining room is not a set, and your relatives are not paid actors (even if they act like it). Take off the director’s hat and just be an attendee. If the “lighting” is bad, just close your eyes and have another cookie.
5. Remember Your “Why”
Whether you’re scaring people in October or sipping eggnog in December, your goal is the same: creating an unforgettable experience. Take a moment to appreciate the “dead time” (pun intended). This is your chance to recharge your batteries so you can come back bigger, badder, and bloodier next season.
A Final Note from HauntPay
You’ve survived the haunt season, and that’s the scariest thing most people will ever do. Now, it’s time to survive the holidays. Whether you’re celebrating with a “Ho Ho Ho” or a “Ho Ho Horror,” we hope it’s a killer one.
Stay Spooky, The HauntPay Team
