When Amanda woke to find her family’s Halloween decorations in ruins, she knew it wasn’t the work of mischievous kids. Every smashed pumpkin and torn banner felt personal. As she pieced together the clues, one chilling thought refused to fade: who would want to destroy her joy?

Every October in our house feels like magic.

I’m Amanda, 36 years old, and mom to three incredible kids?Lucas, who’s eight and full of questions about everything, Emma, my six-year-old dreamer who sees wonder in the smallest things, and Ben, my wild three-year-old who’s still figuring out this whole world.

My Halloween Decorations Were Destroyed Overnight — and I Knew Exactly Who Was Behind ItMy Halloween Decorations Were Destroyed Overnight — and I Knew Exactly Who Was Behind It

Kids playing in a room | Source: Pexels

My husband Jake likes to tease me, saying I turn our home into a “Halloween wonderland” every single year, but honestly, I can’t help myself. I just want my kids to feel the kind of joy I used to dream about when I was their age.By mid-October, our yard becomes the neighborhood’s favorite destination. Glowing pumpkins line the walkway from the sidewalk to our front door, paper bats dance across every window, and soft orange lights wrap around the porch columns like they’re giving our house a warm hug.