What about Coco? Not the warm one with whipped cream on the top!

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🎃 Feliz Halloween & Happy Día de los Muertos! 💀

In the United States, this week is all about costumes, candy, and spooky fun! Kids everywhere are gearing up for a night of trick-or-treating and sugar-filled excitement. But in other parts of the world, celebrations look a little different.

Growing up in Mexico City, we didn’t celebrate Halloween — we celebrated Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). One of my favorite movies, “Coco,” captures this beautiful tradition so perfectly. The first time I watched it, I sobbed like a baby! My grandma’s nickname was Coco, and even though she’s been gone for more than 25 years, she’s still a big part of my heart and childhood memories. And the grandma in the movie, reminds me of my Great-Great-Grandma, she was very short and child like. I remember playing with her! Mi Abuelita Catita.

What I love about Coco is how authentically it shows our Mexican culture — from the famous chancla (the flying sandal, lol!) to the colorful family “ofrenda” that honor our ancestors. These ofrendas are filled with photos, favorite foods, candles, and flowers to welcome the spirits of our loved ones back for a short visit.

So while everyone here is preparing for a sugar rush on Halloween night, I’ll be enjoying my pan de muerto (bread of the dead) on November 1st and 2nd — a sweet, fragrant bread that’s part of our traditional celebration. Including Chocolate Abuelita!!!!

If you haven’t seen Coco, this is the perfect week to watch it and learn about a beautiful tradition that celebrates love, remembrance, and family. ❤️

👻_{We’d love to see how you celebrate this season!}
🎉 _{Share your favorite Halloween costume or Día de los Muertos ofrenda and tag us — let’s honor loved ones and spread joy across cultures! #TheAutismPassport or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TheAutismPassport/}

These are pictures of my ofrendas in past years. The tree with pictures, has pictures of family members who have passed away, each year I put it up. We include people we love and have passed away. The middle picture shows a pan de Muerto. The picture on the right shows genealogy fan charts above the ofrenda. It has several generations of ancestors.

BONUS: If you live near by, respond to this email TODAY and I will give you a Pan de Muerto!!!!! If you live far away, I can mail you one but it may not be as fresh. Just reply and let me know you want one! I’ll either bring it to you or mail it to you (make sure I have your mailing address though) LOL. I’ll even send you one Chocolate Abuelita tablet.

🌎 Celebrating Ancestors Around the World

In many cultures, honoring ancestors is a way to keep memories alive and celebrate the lives of those who came before us. While Halloween and Día de los Muertos are well-known in the Americas, other countries also have fascinating traditions to honor the departed. These celebrations often include visiting graves, offering food, lighting candles, and creating festive altars or ceremonies.

Here’s a list of some of the countries that celebrate Día de los Muertos or similar in November. Each festival is unique and offers travelers a meaningful way to explore local culture and history. Information found in sources like Wikipedia etc.

This link will take you to a page with pictures and more details than I could fit in this page. It is fascinating how Day of the Dead is celebrated. https://www.the-independent.com/travel/americas/day-of-the-dead-mexico-celebrations-bolivia-guatemala-haiti-el-salvador-a9177421.html

💡 Quick Tips

• Check local dates and customs before visiting — some festivals have specific ceremonies only open to locals.

• Many celebrations mix solemnity and joy — perfect for travelers interested in meaningful cultural experiences.

• Capture respectful photos, engage with locals, and learn about the symbolism behind each ritual.

📸 Share your favorite ancestor celebration or a festival you’d love to experience! Tag us and inspire others to explore these beautiful global traditions and contact me so I can let you know how I can help you travel to these places!

🎃 Sensory-Friendly “Halloweening”

I would be lying if I said I fully understand the magnitude of the sensory overload that children and individuals with autism go through every Halloween. Many want to join the fun—dress up, go trick-or-treating, and be part of the excitement—but the loud noises, flashing lights, sugar overload, and long walks can make it an overwhelming experience.

So how can we make Halloween enjoyable and inclusive for everyone? Here are a few thoughtful ideas:

👕 Clothing

Let’s start with costumes! It may be a little late to change plans if one’s already made or bought, but as parents and caregivers, you know your child best. Choose soft, comfortable materials and avoid scratchy fabrics, masks, or tight accessories. Go with your gut — and it’s perfectly okay if they only wear part of the costume, or none at all.

🔊 Sounds & Lights

Try adjusting your “Halloweening” schedule. Go early, before it gets dark and noisy. Visit just a few familiar homes — sometimes 3 to 5 houses are enough for little ones. Some families even flip the script: they come home early and hand out candy instead of going door to door. It’s still festive but with more control over the environment.

🍬 Candy Boundaries

Ah, the great candy debate! Between sugar rushes and dietary restrictions, it’s a balancing act. Some parents set clear candy limits or trade candy for rewards — like small toys or even a few dollars (yes, some dentists actually buy back candy!). The goal: make it fun while keeping it safe.

🎬 Alternative Ideas

Not every Halloween has to involve trick-or-treating. Try kid-friendly spooky movies, a small themed gathering, or even a Halloween craft night with friends. These alternatives can still capture the spirit of the season without the overwhelm.

Here’s a link for some fun crafts! MyAutism.org — 15 Sensory-Friendly Halloween Crafts Craft ideas that double as sensory experiences (bins, pumpkin painting, slime), great for a calmer Halloween at home.

For many families, Halloween is a mix of excitement and challenge — and that’s okay. 💛 Big hugs to all the parents, caregivers, and friends who go with the flow, adjust on the spot, and help make this day “spooktacular” in their own way.

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