Growing up, I always had an attachment to Halloween. In general, the fall season was often met with great anticipation. I couldn't wait for the costumes, the parties, the story-telling, and the atmosphere of magic in the air. I admit, even when I was probably considered too old to be trick-or-treating, my friends and I still spent hours perfecting our costumes. Then we made our way around the neighborhood, politely asking for candy and laughing about how we were never going to grow up--- at least not completely ;)
Although some of that spark of excitement has naturally dwindled in me now, I still find myself feeling a child-like joy when Halloween approaches. And honestly, is that a negative thing? Too many adults are so caught up in the mundane obligations of every day life or in how others perceive us that we forget what it's like to have fun. We forget what it's like to be fully immersed in a creative experience. We find ourselves so caught up in fitting a mold that we think we're expected to fit, that Halloween becomes one socially acceptable way to break out of that norm. We can step outside ourselves and stop worrying so much about what others think when we're able to become pretty much whoever we want to be.
For me, Halloween has always been a chance to explore creatively and to occasionally practice my acting skills. ;) Carving pumpkins, creating decorations, and planning parties are all fun opportunities that I don't get throughout the year. It can be an adventure all its own learning how to make something for a costume or discovering an interesting way to complete your costume. It can require patience to keep searching for the right ideas or the items you need, but it's always a great feeling when you complete that perfect item that you've been searching for.
Plus, once you've completed a costume you're proud of, it's honestly a blast imagining yourself behaving like that character you're dressed as. I recognize that maybe my friends and I are "abnormal," but we have a lot of fun playing games where we're able to step outside ourselves and imagine life from a different perspective. Psych research shows that those who regularly read, play imaginative games, or act are actually able to better empathize and to consider others' different life circumstances. When we allow ourselves to explore and imagine, we unlock a part of our minds that I fear is often underutilized.
Halloween also presents a unique opportunity to ponder the unknown. Personally, I don't believe in ghosts, monsters, or goblins. But I am still a fan of the mystery and the unexplained when it comes to many "scary stories." I enjoy hearing stories that make me question and consider how these legends might relate to real life. Additionally, Halloween often presents many stories of bravery and overcoming darkness. The sense of adventure and magic is always abundant. All of this can often contribute to many stories' sense of awe and wonder.
On that note, kids' excitement is contagious around this time of year! Working with kids for many, many years, I see how Halloween has a magic about it. And I know what you're thinking... But it's not just about the candy. ;) Take all the candy and special treats out of the equation, and the kids are still buzzing with excitement about all the fun stories filled with magic, the extra time they get to spend with their friends, and the idea of acting like whoever they're dressing up as. Perhaps for kids, a costume choice is even more significant, because they tend to choose to dress up as someone they truly admire. To be able to embody that person (or dragon. :-P) often brings them a sense of pride and empowerment. (Never mind the fact that little Max wants to be Darth Vader this year... Maybe I'll write a post about our weird glorification of villains another time. ;))
Most importantly, Halloween has always been a chance to connect with my friends, family, and neighbors. Halloween is probably the one night of a year when some neighbors really connect with one another, because many people do not socialize much outside. When it comes to our neighborhood, it is a great way to talk with new neighbors and spread joy.
Not trying to denounce Thanksgiving or Christmas by any means, but the remainder of the year often becomes obsessed with creating the perfect meal, finding the perfect holiday gifts, perfecting fancy decorations, etc. We get so caught up in all the rushing around and planning that we tend to miss out on quality time with those around us. Because fall and Halloween are typically more low-key, it is often a much less stressful time of year for me... Yet it is still filled with so many unique and fun opportunities to spend time with those I care about.
As the wise Shawn Hunter once said, "Gotta love Halloween. It really brings people together."
