Halloween is all about eerie vibes, creative decorations, and a touch of spooky excitement. It’s that time of year when neighborhoods transform with ghostly displays and haunted yard setups. Yet, despite the creepy spirit of Halloween, kindness can find a place—even in the scariest of seasons. This heartwarming story of a Halloween enthusiast who modified her elaborate setup for a neighbor’s father has taken social media by storm, showing how a small act of compassion can resonate deeply.
Salena Webb, a mother of four from South Carolina, is a Halloween lover through and through. Like many others, she decorates her yard each year to celebrate the season with her children and neighbors. Her dedication was clear in her detailed setup, which she transformed into a spooky graveyard scene right on her front lawn. With tombstones, skeletons, ghosts, spiderwebs, and even a witch brewing a mysterious potion, Salena’s display was both elaborate and eye-catching. The centerpiece of her display featured skeletons lifting a casket, adding to the creepy aesthetic. It was a festive, spooky delight for her family and anyone who passed by.
But shortly after completing her display, Salena received an unexpected visit from her neighbor. In a TikTok video shared by Salena, her neighbor, who seemed hesitant but polite, approached her with a heartfelt request. His elderly father, who had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, found the decorations unsettling, particularly the casket display. “My dad thinks the decorations are a bit scary,” he explained. Looking toward the casket, he asked her if she would mind taking that particular piece down to avoid causing any additional distress for his father.
Salena didn’t hesitate. Recognizing her neighbor’s vulnerable situation, she instantly understood the gravity of his request. With her front yard facing the garage where her neighbor’s father often spent time, she knew her display could be a stark, unintended reminder of the fragility he was facing. “I didn’t want to be a reminder of what could happen if he doesn’t beat cancer,” Salena later shared with Insider. She continued, “I didn’t want to add any extra stress to their lives.”
In a gesture of goodwill, Salena removed the casket and reimagined the display with a lighter touch. The skeletons, previously carrying the casket, were now re-outfitted with badminton rackets, symbolizing a more playful spirit. She relocated other intense decorations to her backyard, where they wouldn’t be visible from her neighbor’s view. In her TikTok caption, Salena wrote, “Taking down the casket wouldn’t hurt me, but it might help my neighbor feel a bit more at ease. Kindness is free, and compassion can make a big difference.”
Her small but significant act of kindness gained instant praise from her followers. Many commented on the video to share their appreciation for her understanding and neighborly spirit. While some viewers admitted they might not have taken down the decorations themselves, most commended Salena’s compassion. One user commented, “Now this is what being a good neighbor is all about. Kindness doesn’t cost anything. Thank you!” Another added, “This was beautifully handled. The world needs more people like you!”
Salena’s considerate gesture didn’t go unnoticed by her neighbor’s father either. To further show her support, Salena brought over a card and some balloons, a simple yet thoughtful way of extending her empathy. Even though there was a language barrier between them, Salena could feel his gratitude. “You’re good people,” he told her, conveying his appreciation in the best way he could.
This story of Salena’s selfless act has since gone viral, with viewers across TikTok applauding her for setting an example of empathy and understanding. It’s a reminder that, even during the spooky season, acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
