Halloween, the spookiest night of the year, once again will bring out the ghouls, ghosts, and witches in all their frightening glory. To celebrate, our market research company is shining a spotlight on the intriguing statistics that defined this haunting holiday.

From the top costume choices to the candy favorites that made trick-or-treating a sweet success, here are our favorite Halloween statistics for 2024. 

Top Halloween Statistics

• Up to 94% of Americans are planning to celebrate Halloween in 2024.

• Spending for Halloween 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion dollars. 

• Spirit Halloween will open 1,525 new locations this fall. 

• Up to 97% of Americans will be giving out Halloween candy. 

Overall Halloween Spending Habits

• Spending for Halloween 2024 is expected to reach $11.6 billion dollars.

        While this is still a massive figure, it’s a bit of a drop from last year’s spending which was $12.2 billion dollars. This year, shoppers are planning to spend $103.63 dollars on festive items, which is also down from last year’s $108.24 dollars. 

• Up to 94% of Americans are planning to celebrate Halloween in 2024

        With most everyone celebrating in some way, it’s a good thing a certain classic costume retailer is opening new locations across the country (you have to keep reading to find out)…

• 47% of shoppers are getting their Halloween shopping done early this year. 

        This is up 10% from five years ago, and signals consumers are wanting to avoid chaotic last-minute shopping trips. The biggest fans of Halloween spending are those aged 25 to 34, with 56% of them starting their shopping before October even hits. That’s dedication. 

• It’s believed that the global market size of Halloween costumes will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 0.5% from 2023 to 2030.

       And to the most fun part: what costumes will be popular this year? Based on some of the movie releases this year, popular costume themes may include Beetlejuice, Wicked, Deadpool, and Wolverine. 

• Spirit Halloween will open 1,525 new locations this fall. 

        A Halloween institution! It’s believed the new locations will be hiring a total of 50,000 seasonal employees to cover needs.

• A brave 72% of consumers would consider buying a haunted house
  Looks like they haven’t seen enough horror movies. Speaking of haunted houses, the annual revenue for haunted house tours and related festivities is over $300 million. 80% of these attractions are hosted by charity organizations.
  
• IT: Chapter One was one of the highest-grossing horror movies of all time at $123.4 million dollars
  Other eerie money-makers throughout the years include The Sixth Sense ($672 million), The Exorcist ($441 million), and The Nun ($365 million). Earnings aside, some of the scariest horror movies based on the viewer’s heart rate include Sinister (86 BPM), The Conjuring (86 BPM), and Paranormal Activity (82 BPM). 

Halloween Candy Statistics 

Let’s be real, the candy was always the best part about celebrating Halloween as a kid (and we think it still is). But when it comes to which house has the best candy, that’s a whole other level. 

Whether you enjoy chocolates or sugary candies, everyone has a staunch opinion on which sweet treat is number one. Check out these candy-related Halloween statistics we found…

• Up to 97% of Americans will be giving out Halloween candy. 

       That’s the spirit! And of that figure, two thirds say they give out two or three pieces of candy to trick-or-treaters. Common candy favorites include gummies, lollipops, and chocolate.

• In the past, Halloween candy spending has gone over $3 billion dollars
  Each year, the typical household will shell out $25 on Halloween candy – equating to over $2 billion dollars. But where’s the best spot to buy all this candy? Wal-Mart comes out as the most popular location to grab treats, with Target following closely behind.
  
• Preferred candy varies from state to state
  No shocker here, but Reese’s was number one for many states…but not all. In Arizona, Skittles comes out as number one. Michigan loves its Starbursts, and Montana goes crazy for Hot Tamales.
  
• Cotton candy was invented by a…dentist?!
  It’s true. A more niche Halloween treat, cotton candy was created by dentist William Morrison in 1897. However, the sweet treat went by the name of “Fairy Floss”–not cotton candy–in its early days.
  
• Tootsie Pops take between 364 to 411 licks to finish
  There was always at least one of these in our trick-or-treat bags. Believe it or not, Tootsie Roll Inc. actually has licking machines to test how many licks it takes to get to the soft center.

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Halloween Celebration Statistics

Whether you prefer a laid-back Halloween, handing out candy at home, or heading out to a costume party, there are many different ways to celebrate the day. 

• Up to 94% of Americans are planning to celebrate Halloween in 2024

      With most everyone celebrating in some way, it’s a good thing more Spirit Halloween locations are in the works!

• 47% of people wear costumes to celebrate the day
  We already gave you some ideas for costumes. Let’s not forget parties, though. Below are a few fun themes that everyone can enjoy:
  • Murder mystery
  • Nightmare Before Christmas
  • Pumpkin carving
  • Horror movie night

• Americans spend roughly $804 million on pumpkins
  Ready to hit the patch? The average price of a pumpkin comes out at around $5, which is up by 11% in 2022.
  
• Trick-or-treating goes way back to the 1600s
  Referred to as “guising” back in the day, children in Scotland and Ireland would dress in costume and ask neighbors for candy. Adaptations of this now-classic tradition began in the US in the early 1900s. 

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Final Thoughts

Do you feel Halloween-ready yet from these Halloween statistics?  A chance to get festive each year, this holiday provides those who celebrate with the opportunity to dress up and eat plenty of candy. 

While down slightly, spending stats for Halloween this year are high and will likely continue to be so for the years to come. While some Americans may be cutting costs by recycling costumers or reducing decorations, the spirit of this classic holiday is still very much alive! 

By: Lark Allen, https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/2022-fun-sized-halloween-statistics/

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

It won’t be long before the streets of your neighborhood are filled with children, and some parents, will be costumed and carrying bags and buckets for Halloween treats!  Since many homeowners don’t regularly use the front entrance to their home, they may not think about all the little feet that will be tramping up the path to your door.  Make sure everyone has a safe trip for their candy by following these tips before October 31! 

• Do your own walk-up to your front door, and examine everything, including the driveway and front steps.  Make sure there are no loose pieces or large cracks that can cause anyone to take a tumble.  Porch railings should be secure. 
• Yard decor should be fixed securely so the wind can’t blow it over, or curious little hands cannot pull it down. 
• Battery-operated LED tea lights are inexpensive and much safer to use in place of lighted candles.  Many options are available for LED’s, including a flickering light that is perfect for your jack o’ lantern. 

• Speaking of lights, make sure that not only is your porch light switched on, but that the path you’ve created is well-lit. 
• Decor that hangs from the trees is scary and fun, so make certain they are hanging at least ten feet from the walkway, making certain they don’t obstruct anyone’s view. 
• Take an afternoon close to Halloween to be sure any shrubbery, trees or edging isn’t in the way of where trick-or-treaters must walk.  Inspect for loose branches in nearby trees and remove them. 
• If you have room in the garage, consider parking the car there.  The folks that are coming and going would likely appreciate the extra room to pass others. 
• A constantly-ringing doorbell or persistent knocking can cause your pets some distress and a lot of barking.  Confine them to a room, or even better, to their crate.  Check out these other great tips about your pets and Halloween from the ASPCA. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

In most parts of the US this time of year, there is a lot of groaning by kids who are heading back to school, and some parents as well, because they dread the busyness of the school being in session.  Take the dread out by getting organized and staying organized so that it becomes a routine for you and your kids. 

• With sales and coupons abounding at every store this time of year, we usually end up with more school supplies than we need.  Have a dedicated storage spot for everything for easy access when it’s time to replenish.  Donating some of those extra supplies to the school or organization who help kids in need is a good thing, too. 
• If your school requires uniforms, go through old ones, and if they’re not worn or stained, take them to your school office so other students have a change of clothing in case of spills or accidents.  
• Getting ready for school begins the night before.  Set a bedtime, get a good routine going, and stick to it.  It can help reset your child’s body clock so that even when things get busy, they’ll be ready for sleep at their set time. 

• Even if they haven’t yet learned to tell time, get your child an alarm clock.  Set the alarm and help them be responsible for getting themselves up.   
• Have all their school clothes for the week hanging on a wreath hanger on the back of their bedroom or closet door or folded on their dresser.  This way, they can decide what to wear each day without staring at a closetful of clothes. 
• Let the kids pitch in with lunch prep.  Have their lunchboxes, storage containers, plastic bags and drink containers all in one easily-accessed spot in a kitchen cabinet. Good Housekeeping has a video with some great tips for packing up lunches. 
• Breakfast on the go can be so much more than a toaster pastry and juice box.  Mique from Thirty Handmade Days has compiled a list of links of 31 healthy make-ahead meals that kids will love! 
• Whether you have a mudroom or not, place some baskets or totes near the door for shoes, bookbags and sports bags.  It certainly helps with “I can’t find…” when it’s time to get them out the door. 

• After-school routines can vary, with extracurricular activities, sports, and lessons.  Keep a white board in a prominent place and have everyone’s schedule listed by days of the week.  Have the kids go over their schedule the night before so they’ll be prepared for their activities the next day. 
• Sometimes children come home from school and can’t wait till dinner and want to eat a full meal.  Have some snack bags of sliced fruit or veggies keeping cold in the fridge.  Add some fruit dip or ranch, and they’ll have a yummy snack that will tide them over until meal time. 

Getting in a routine doesn’t mean there won’t be mishaps or struggles or lost socks.  Go with the flow and remind the kids of the importance of putting things in their place or having things ready to go.  When they see you getting things ready beforehand, they’ll pick up your habits, get used to it, and it will soon be second nature.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Independence Day, better known in the US as the Fourth of July, will soon be in full swing with barbecues, backyard games, and fireworks. It became an official holiday in 1870, when Congress approved several national holidays. Here are some other little-known facts about our favorite Summertime holiday: 

America’s Independence 

• July 2 is the actual date that Congress voted to cut ties with England, but July 4 became the official date when all changes to the wording of the Declaration of Independence was finalized and accepted by all members. 

• Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence on a laptop.  A laptop desk, that is.  It is still on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 
• The first Independence Day celebration was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 8, 1776 after the first public reading of the Declaration, with bands and ringing of bells. 
• To protect the lives of the signers of the Declaration, their names were withheld from public knowledge until independence from England was certain.  Otherwise, the men would’ve been hanged for treason! 
• John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the only signers of the Declaration who later became President, died hours apart on July 4, 1826. 

Holiday Celebrations 

• In the years after 1776, July 4th was celebrated with booming cannons and artillery fire.  Once the use of these became impossible because of their age and condition, fireworks took their place. 
• The National Retail Federation tells us that in 2017, Americans spent an estimated $850 million on fireworks alone! 
• Legend has it that the first hot-dog-eating contest was held among friends at Nathan’s at Coney Island on July 4, 1916 to settle a dispute.  The contest is now a national affair and is broadcast live on ESPN! 

• Red, white and blue are out modern-day colors of choice for decorations, but George Washington had his troops adorn themselves with greenery in their hats to celebrate the independence anniversary, reports James Heintze in his book, The Fourth of July Encyclopedia. 
• Bristol, Rhode Island boasts the longest continuous Independence Day celebration, with the first observance in 1785.  The modern-day events include a parade, an orange crate derby, and a drum and bugle corps competition. 

Even if you’re traveling abroad, you’ll find Fourth of July decorations and fireworks available world-wide, thanks to Americans who settled in foreign countries in years past, and our many soldiers who are stationed at bases in other countries, according to International Business Insider.  It’s a celebration that is heard around the world! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Living in a small home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or functionality. With careful planning and creative design solutions, you can make the most of every square foot and create a comfortable and inviting living space that meets your needs. Whether you’re downsizing to a smaller home or looking to maximize space in your current residence, here are some smart layout ideas to consider:

1. Embrace Open Concept Living:

2. Utilize Multi-Functional Furniture:

3. Optimize Vertical Space:

4. Create Built-In Storage Solutions:

5. Opt for Multi-Purpose Rooms:

6. Maximize Natural Light:

7. Optimize Traffic Flow:

8. Consider Scale and Proportion:

With smart layout ideas and creative design solutions, you can make the most of your small home and create a space that is functional, stylish, and inviting. Whether you’re maximizing storage, optimizing traffic flow, or embracing open concept living, there are endless possibilities for transforming your small home into a comfortable and beautiful sanctuary.

Ready to get started? Assess your space, prioritize your needs, and experiment with different layout ideas to find the perfect solution for your small home. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can create a space that feels spacious, organized, and uniquely yours.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

By: Homekeepr

When we’re enjoying the warm weather, our pets usually are, too.  When we’re spending time outdoors with family and friends, we usually include our pets.  Keeping our furry family members safe should always be a priority, and these tips may be a refresher course for some, but it never hurts to make sure all our loved ones are kept out of harm’s way. 

In the Backyard 

• Fencing should be examined to make sure there are no gaps at the bottom, and that all materials are in place and secure.  You don’t want Fluffy taking a neighborhood excursion by himself. 
• The garden and landscaping bring us great satisfaction, and animals like to take a bite of growing things occasionally.  Check these lists for cats and dogs from ASPCA to make sure you keep your pets from chewing on them. 
• Keep any swimming pool chemicals and mechanical lawn tools sealed and out of your pets’ way.  Some of these products have a scent that is enticing to animals, and they wouldn’t hesitate to give them a try.   
• It may sound sensational, but if you have an animal that is a toy breed, or weighs five pounds or less, keep an eye and ear out for any predatory birds.  Owls, hawks, and eagles have been known to attack small pets, mistaking them for a wild meal. 
• Sometimes it’s necessary to leave your dog or cat outside while you’re gone for a while.  Make sure they have adequate shelter to keep them cool, and plenty of cool water to prevent heat stroke or dehydration. 
• Allowing your cat to roam in the yard is great for them, as they are natural hunters, and they find great pleasure in all the sights and sounds.  Keep an eye on them in case they see a bird they’d like to get to know better, or find a snake in the flower bed.  Protecting wildlife and your feline friend go hand-in-hand. 

Out and About 

• Does your dog go with you for exercise while you’re biking or jogging?  Some active pet owners take a water bowl with them, so they can offer a cool drink to their pet, and you can train them to drink directly from the bottle using an adaptor created especially for dogs. 
• Going fishing or water skiing?  Make sure you have a life jacket for them, as well as an overboard plan.  If you think Fido would enjoy jumping into the water, maybe you should leave them at home or at the kennel for their safety as well as your own. 
• vetSTREET offers some great tips for taking your dog to the beach.  Heat, waves, and hot sand can all play a role in just how much fun everyone will have–or not. 
• It’s vacation time, and you’d like to bring your pet with you, so call ahead for information on pet-friendly lodging, and where they can stay for events where pets aren’t welcome. Make sure you have a vehicle safety harness or seat belt for them or their carrier while you’re traveling. 

Summertime brings water fun, cookouts, and don’t forget the insects!  Keep your pets safe from biting insects, and be sure they get a flea and tick repellent treatment and heartworm prevention to avoid any diseases these insects can cause down the road. Pets need to be kept as safe as small children, so take preventive measures so you can have a fun and healthy Summer with the whole family.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Ah, the joy of stepping onto a lush green lawn, feeling the soft blades of grass beneath your feet. It’s the epitome of a picture-perfect garden! But achieving and maintaining a healthy lawn requires effort and dedication. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newcomer to the world of lawns, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide on the essential steps to a healthy lawn. So, grab your gardening gloves and let’s dive right in!

1. Soil Preparation:

Before you start dreaming of a lawn that would make your neighbors green with envy, it’s crucial to address the foundation – the soil. Testing your soil’s pH levels is the first step. Typically, a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is considered ideal for a healthy lawn. If necessary, you can adjust the pH by adding lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it. Aerating the soil by removing small plugs of soil will improve water and nutrient penetration, helping your grass roots to breathe.

2. Lawn Seeding or Sodding:

Now that you have prepared the soil, it’s time to choose your method of establishing your lawn – seeding or sodding. Seeding is cost-effective but takes longer to establish, while sodding offers instant gratification with a higher price tag. Whichever method you choose, make sure to select grass varieties suitable for your region and the amount of sunlight your lawn receives.

3. Regular Watering:

Watering your lawn may sound simple, but timing and consistency matter. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages the grass roots to grow deeper, making them more resilient to drought. Early morning is the best time to water, as it allows the grass to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of diseases. Aim for about one inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation, to maintain a healthy lawn.

4. Mowing Techniques:

Mowing is not just about giving your lawn a neat, trimmed appearance. Proper mowing techniques play a significant role in maintaining your lawn’s health. Set your mower blades to the recommended height for your grass type and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. Regularly sharpen your mower blades to ensure clean cuts, as ragged edges can lead to pests and diseases.

5. Fertilizing and Weed Control:

To keep your lawn vibrant and healthy, providing it with essential nutrients is crucial. Applying a balanced fertilizer, tailored to your grass type and soil conditions, will give your lawn the boost it needs. Follow the recommended application rates and timing on the fertilizer package. Additionally, tackle those pesky weeds promptly. Regularly inspect your lawn for weeds and use a suitable herbicide or opt for natural weed control methods to keep them at bay.

Achieving a healthy lawn is a journey that requires time, effort, and a little bit of know-how. By following these essential steps – from soil preparation to regular maintenance – you’ll be well on your way to having the lawn of your dreams. Remember, a healthy lawn not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also provides a relaxing environment for you and your loved ones to enjoy. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your gardening hat, and embark on this rewarding endeavor. Your healthy lawn awaits!

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

By and photo credit: blog.homekeepr.com

Let’s face it, many times when folks visit the islands they tend to not want to come home from such places.  This is the case typically because the beach is a very relaxing place to be with all the warm air, salt water and sunshine.   What if you could decorate your home to have an island feel?  There are ways to go about turning your home into a tropical oasis.  A few of those ideas are listed below for you.

1. A good way to get started making your home feel like an island paradise  is by beginning to think outside of the box.  Do not be afraid of using bold colors in rooms in which you want to transform.  You can choose bold teal colors that mimic the look of the ocean for your family room then perhaps you can use some wallpaper in your kids’ bathroom that has sea creatures on it.  Don’t worry, as long as you keep it classy, not tacky, you will be able to get away with doing all sorts of wild colors and designs to achieve your beach house feel.
2. Another way to decorate your home to have an island feel is to add some accessories throughout the house that help you achieve the look. Throw pillows with sand dollars and seahorses on them are a great start.  You can even use seashells you have gathered on your trips to the ocean to decorate with.  Putting some seashells in glass vases with a bit of sand in them is a great way to achieve beach décor.
3. One way to give your home an island feel is to use a lot of candles that are scented with tropical scents.  Lighting these daily will help you to feel like you are on vacation when you are sitting in your own home.
4. Lots of ceiling fans throughout your home is another way to create an island oasis inside. You can also use ceiling fans outside on your porch area to take the feel outside.
5. Wicker and rattan is your friend if you want your home to feel like an island. Use it liberally.
6. Using a lot of tropical plants to decorate the inside of your home is another good way to get the island feel you are searching for.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Just hearing or seeing the date, February 14^th, conjures images of hearts and flowers in our minds. Valentine’s Day.  A “holiday” named for St. Valentine.  A day set aside each year to celebrate love.  But how did Valentine’s Day begin?  And who is St. Valentine?

Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day got its name?  While it is believed that the name came from a saint, the origins of how it became attached to a day to celebrate love are a bit of a mystery. One legend claims that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.  When the Emperor during that time decided that single men made superior soldiers than those with wives and children, he outlawed marriage for young men.  Valentine felt this was unjust, so he defied the Emperor and continued to secretly perform marriages for young lovers.  Another story contends that Valentine may have sent the first “valentine” letter while imprisoned in a Roman prison.  He allegedly fell in love with a young girl, possibly the jailer’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement.  It is said that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine”, an expression that is still used today.  While we may never know the true story about St. Valentine, the common theme throughout these stories is that he was sympathetic, heroic, and most significant…a romantic figure.

The origins of Valentine’s Day began with a pagan festival during the month of February. By the end of the 5^th century, February 14^th was declared Valentine’s Day by Pope Gelasius. It wasn’t until much later that the day became associated with love.  During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in England and France that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the date should be celebrated as a day of romance. While Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400.  The oldest known Valentine known of was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.  It is also believed that King Henry V hired a writer to compose a Valentine note to a woman he admired.

It is believed that people began exchanging hand-made Valentine’s in America in the early 1700s.  By 1840, a woman named Esther Howland was selling the first mass- produced Valentines in America. Known as “the Mother of the Valentine”, she created elaborate cards using real lace, ribbons and colorful paper. Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, and estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making it the second largest card sending holiday behind Christmas.

While exchanging, cards is the most common way to observe Valentine’s Day, there are numerous other ways that people celebrate love on February 14^th.  Check out this list of unique gifts/activities that go beyond cards, candy and flowers!

• Get a couple’s massage. What could be better than escaping the stress of every-day life together and spending time together in a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere?
• Take your sweetheart on a scavenger hunt. Ask him/her to answer riddles to find the clues to items that you placed somewhere around town. The last item should give instructions that lead to your Valentine’s Day activities.
• Make a meal with symbols of love. For example, write “I love you” with string beans, make a pizza in the shape of a heart or go on a picnic and use a cookie cutter to make heart shapes sandwiches.
• On individual notecards write all the reasons you love your partner and place them in a small photo album. You can put photos of times spent together in the album as well.

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Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Here are some fun activities to keep the kids busy while staying inside at home or away from home so they can’t cry “I’m bored!” 

• Empty water bottles and a soft ball or a ball of yarn make for a fun game of bowling! Set the water bottles up and start rolling! 
• The cardboard tubes from paper towels and toilet paper can be used for several projects, including a marble run, bird feeders, and even STEM activities! 
• Different sized plastic storage bowls and a rubber ball can provide lots of fun by creating a bouncy maze.  Set up a path with the bowls, and make a game of bouncing the balls to land in each bowl. 

• Have a family competition using straws and pom-poms or cotton balls.  Using a smooth surface, place the pom-poms side by side and blow on them with the straws.  See who can get them to the finish line first! 
• Empty food boxes are great oversized blocks for building towers and forts. 
• A simple thin ice game can be played by placing a tissue over a large mug and securing it with a large rubber band, leaving the tissue as tight as possible without tearing.  Place a quarter on the top, and roll a die.  The roller must poke as many holes in the tissue with a sharpened pencil, trying not to send the quarter “through the ice.” 
• Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube channel has tons of videos to choose from with different themes.  This is a fun activity to get the kids to chill and have fun at the same time. 
• The older kids don’t have to be left out.  Check out these great ideas for tweens ranging from art to math to STEM activities from whatwedoallday.com. 
• Many museums offer hands-on exhibits for children, and even free admission if the kids are under a certain age.   
• Go roller skating or take advantage of the cold temps and hit up an ice skating rink.  Grab a hot chocolate afterwards at a local coffee shop. 
• Find a family-friendly Escape Room studio in your area and spend the afternoon working together to get out! 
• Many local artists are offering inexpensive paint-and-take sessions for kids and families.  Search on Facebook or your local arts councils for this memory-making venture. 

Don’t let cabin fever rule in your home.  Whether you choose to stay inside and play some DIY games, or get outside and enjoy some local indoor activities, Wintertime doesn’t have to be boring.  

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