Ghosts, ghouls, and cobwebs create scenes of playful dread as the frost of October sets in and Halloween draws near, turning many streets into frightening landscapes. Every year, Salena Webb, a mother of four in South Carolina, turns her yard into a frighteningly festive area for her neighbors to enjoy because she loves Halloween.
She went all out this year, creating a realistic graveyard scene with skeletons carrying a casket, elaborate spiderwebs, and hanging ghosts. But she shifted her focus from fear tactics to an unanticipated act of compassion after receiving a straightforward request from a neighbor.
As Salena was finishing off her display, rearranging the skeletons, and creating the eerie image in her front yard, her story starts. Her diligence and meticulousness had not gone unnoticed. As they drove by, local families, particularly those with young children, would stop to admire the arrangement, and the spooky decorations soon gained popularity in the area. However, she received a request from a neighbor one evening that would give her Halloween preparations a new direction.
Longtime neighbor the man stated that his old father had just received a lung cancer diagnosis. According to him, the graveyard motif—in particular, the coffin—had turned into an unpleasant and disturbing memory of his father’s passing. His father would sit in their garage every day, overlooking Salena’s yard, and the image of the graveyard evoked feelings they were both experiencing. As politely as he could, he asked her if she would think about taking the casket off.
Salena made a snap decision. Considering the emotional toll her decorations might inadvertently cause on others, she remarked, “I didn’t want to add stress to someone else’s life.” She immediately made the decision to change her Halloween display after realizing that, despite its lighthearted intent, it had a profoundly different effect on her neighbor’s family.
With compassion in her heart, Salena took the coffin out of the scene and replaced it with something straightforward but happy: badminton rackets arranged to evoke a friendly, joyful atmosphere rather than a solemn Halloween display.
In order to give the front yard a more playful Halloween vibe that would be hospitable rather than upsetting, she moved the spookier decorations to the backyard.
Salena shared a brief video on TikTok detailing her decision in order to share her experience. Her caption, “Kindness is free, and compassion goes a long way,” appeared in the rapidly viral video. Her compassion and willingness to adapt were praised by many in the comments that poured in.
One reader commented, “Thank you for being so understanding,” while another said, “People like you are what the world needs.” Despite a slight language issue, Salena’s neighbor managed to express his appreciation with the straightforward but sincere words, “You’re good people.”
The tremendously favorable reaction to Salena’s act demonstrates that kindness can outshine any Halloween decorations or lights, even during eerie festivities. Salena’s story is a lovely reminder to see beyond ourselves and acknowledge the impact that our actions, no matter how well-meaning, can have on other people.
In a time when shocks and practical jokes are frequently the focus of viral moments, people were moved by Salena’s touching tale. Her choice to swap out the eerie decorations for something whimsical emphasizes the impact of small deeds of kindness. Salena’s story serves as a reminder to spread love and understanding as we enjoy the scary season and to think about how even minor adjustments in our lives can provide solace to those around us.
