Halloween is always one of the best times of the year at our house.

When you're a kid, there's nothing better than being encouraged to go out and stuff your face with as much candy as possible. For adults, handling out candy reminds us of what it was like to be a kid.

When Halloween falls on a Monday, it can put a bit of a damper on the whole event. It's hard enough to get the kids to bed on time. And I'm sure all you teachers out there would rather not have a bunch of tired kids in class. But that's the way it goes.

Since Monday may not be the best day to have a big Halloween celebration (other than trick or treating of course), here are a few other ideas for the weekend before.

October 28 - 29
Ghosts of the Past
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Encounter intriguing historical characters from New Mexico's past during two mysteriously entertaining evenings. Visitors will take indoor or outdoor tours where they will interact with these historical characters. It's fun and educational for the whole family. Advance tickets are $3 for adults and $1 for children. Tickets on the day of the tours are $4 for adults and $2 for children.

Learn more at: http://www.nmfarmandranchmuseum.org/news.php?id=230

October 29 - 30 & November 2
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Oct. 28-30 (Friday-Sunday) Noon to 7pm on the Plaza
Nov. 2 - Candlelight procession 6:30pm.

Featuring food, drinks, crafts, entertainment and altars, the Dia de los Muertos celebration honors All Saints Day. Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday that synthesizes indigenous cultural beliefs of honoring the dead with the Catholic Church's All Souls Day.

Predominately observed in Latin America and the Southwestern United States, similar holidays honoring the dead are practiced throughout the world. The Dia de los Muertos holiday brings together friends and families as they pray and remember the lives and souls of those that have died. Celebrated on November 2, many believe that on Dia de Los Muertos is the best time for departed souls to visit the living.

I hope everyone has a great Fun Filled Halloween Weekend... and Monday!