The Power of Imagination
Victoria Gwilt, LCMHCA
Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” might be a Christmas song, but you can find me singing it from September to November. It’s a holiday dedicated to dressing up and becoming something different — the ultimate celebration of imagination.
While I love a good costume, imagination and pretend play hold far more value than we often realize. They’re actually good for our brains and emotional health. Beyond the costumes, pretending to be someone else can strengthen our ability to see from another’s perspective — to imagine what someone might be thinking or feeling. These are the building blocks of empathy. Imagining how another person feels lays the foundation for compassion. For children, role play is an essential part of emotional development; for adults, it can deepen relational understanding.
Imagination offers a safe space to explore big emotions — fear, sadness, excitement, anger. Through play, children can act out and practice experiencing these feelings. What might playing the scary monster do for a child who’s afraid of them? For adults, imagination can be a mindful tool — guided imagery or visualizing a “happy place” can bring calm and emotional regulation. Imagination helps us take ownership of our emotions, offering permission to explore sensations we might usually avoid.
It also nurtures resilience and problem-solving. For a child, the first day of school might feel overwhelming. But what about for a superhero? We can imagine a superhero feeling brave — recognizing fear but taking the leap anyway. Pretending to have that same bravery can eventually make it feel real. Imagination opens the door to flexibility, hope, and new ways to problem-solve.
And of course, imagination inspires play, storytelling, and creativity — all of which bring people together, strengthen relationships, and spark joy. Pretend play isn’t just for children. Adults can embrace it, too. Join your child in imaginative play and show them that creativity has no age limit.
For younger ones, try asking playful questions like, “What does a dragon do after dinner?” or “Do monsters clean their rooms?” For teens, encourage creative hobbies, visualization, or journaling.
As the costumes and decorations come down after Halloween, remember — imagination doesn’t have to go with them. Use it as a springboard for growth, curiosity, and connection. Ask yourself: What’s one way you can keep imagination alive after Halloween?
The answer doesn’t have to be spooky.
Ready to spark some creativity at home? Our free Mini Stories handout guides kids and teens to craft a bite-sized Halloween tale — silly, spooky, or anything in between! It’s a fun way to connect, encourage imagination, and maybe even share a few laughs together.
