eh, since I live in the city, I don't get to do the bonfire much, but a bunch of special hand picked candles (turn off all the lights/electricity from sundown to sunup), offerings, and such with good close friends does the trick too? (after private mediation) and I say a blessing over each candle as I light them (I collect them over the year for such an occasion~and special candles, not the cheap crap either)

I also tend to regenerate my stones on such a night, the energy is easy to collect? family, field, livestock, hearth, and home is the general aspect of the tradition, so anything you do is a blessing to those you honor? make your offerings to those you honor, give some altar treats to the those that honor and ward you, and be blessed?

and read your cards, sometimes they can be a bit miffy due to the energies of the day?

IMO the aspect of the tradition is to be truly thankful and blessed for the preceding bountiful harvest and the embracing of the winter and the fruitfulness of the spring to come. Granted, we don't all live on a farm and live by what the field gives us anymore, but it is a time to let bygones go and feel the energy of life around you? And in today's day and age, sometimes the bountiful harvest is that we have enough to eat and look forward to the herb window garden in the spring? (we have evolved as a people/society and what we used to do does not always have bearing on us in a city life, but the inherent message is the same, honor the family, field, livestock, hearth and home) ~these are items/beings/love that we always cherish and honor in whatever form...Blessings to you!

I will be with my coven.

I am still gearing up for Mabon/Autumn Harvest, lol. But Samhain is usually a time of reflection, thanks, and celebration for me. I am planning on a bonfire this year at a campsite I share with friends. Pagans and nonpagans are welcome, as long as they are respectful of the ceremonies. Me and my fellow witches make a potluck of seasonal food & treats. We give thanks for the last year and the bounty of our personal harvests'. We light candles/lanterns for our loved ones who have passed to continue to watch over us. We also set resolutions and goals for the new cycle. Not sure of what our symbolic sacrifice will be, but luckily I have creative friends.

I always leave a plate of goodies, as a ceremonial offering to the Others when the veil is thin.I cast my circle, light my candles and I thank the Goddess and God for all of my blessings.

Then I go to work.