I caved. I always said I wouldn’t get out my fall/Halloween decorations until at least mid-September. However, on Labor Day Monday, I just happened to be in the basement looking for something when I came upon an autumn-inspired wreath I had tucked away last spring.

Then I delved a little deeper into the stuff on the basement shelves and located some pumpkin decorations and assorted Halloween junk. I couldn’t help myself. They all called to me to be released from their dusty hibernation and resume their assigned places on the porch and throughout the house.

I have to admit that the pumpkin statue on the porch looks a little odd next to the still-blooming impatiens and hummingbird feeders. Summer hasn’t quite let go despite the leaves beginning to turn colors around the property.

It’s funny how that happens in our area of the country. You can go through three seasons of temperatures in one day. A cold morning gives way to a chilly lunchtime and then the sun heats things up into the 80s. It’s all part of the charm of Appalachia. It can be frustrating sending the kids off the school in a winter coat that ends up being forgotten on the playground fence.

A quick drive around the town tells me that I am definitely not alone in my pre-fall decorating. Mums are everywhere now. Giant blow-up Halloween ghosts and ghouls are haunting yards throughout the valley.

I could do without the enormous webs and spiders climbing a few houses I have driven past. Those are things of which nightmares are made.

It’s amazing the size and scope of Halloween decor now being offered at local stores. Beware when you head into Menard’s or Lowe’s. Both stores have spooky displays of oversized monsters that could scare the wee ones. Some of those ghostly creatures will jump out at you just for walking past. It can be unnerving. The prices just might put a scare into you as well.

As for costumes this year, some observers of such trends suggest there will be a return to classic characters including the Addams Family and Beetlejuice. Of course, replaying all of the “Halloween” movies will keep the Jason character alive and well on screen and in costume stores.

Not all Halloween observances need to be scary. There is talk of non-frightening pink-themed celebrations and Taylor Swift costumes. Ready or not, here it comes.

Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.