Halloween is fun.
October 28, 2009
I really enjoy Halloween – it is a unique holiday which has an interesting history. I like haunted houses and have been to some pretty cool ones over the years. I like the make believe of costumes. I like the parties and masquerade. I enjoy seeing the little kids come to the door dressed as princess’s, Spiderman, ninja, army guys, and all the rest. My favorite costume is probably the classic “hobo” – but today we have to be PC and call them the formerly housed. Actually, I think hobo was more of a lifestyle choice, but I digress. Halloween is also a HUGE money maker, second only to Christmas in terms of consumer spending. Adults like to fantasize as well.
The problem is that so many people dislike Halloween, and believe it to be a pagan festival or invitation to join the dark side. It reminds me of the original debate regarding the Harry Potter movies. Some parents where completely against HP, yet those same parents watch re-runs of Bewitched. Halloween teaches kids the difference between fantasy and reality, and lets them act out, if only for an evening, the feeling of being a Princess, or even a wicked witch.
Adults, lighten up! Quite spoiling everything. Let kids have some imagination and a playful holiday. You can control the outfit your kid wears, he doesn’t have to go as a vampire. Halloween is fun and can exist at that level – by pointing out all the dangers we actually encourage kids to investigate the darker side — but then knowledge is power, so it probably isn’t all bad.