Listen: I know it’s not Halloween anymore. It’s not even October anymore. But, in reflection of October and Halloween, I thought I would write this article. We all remember that meme, the “change my mind” meme. Well, I’m about to use it here for why Halloween is the best holiday to ever exist.
1. The Costumes
On the day of Halloween, you can literally be whatever you want. You can be a cartoon character, a real person, even an inanimate object. I have a friend here at MCLA who is being a trashcan for Halloween. A FREAKING TRASH CAN. Halloween gives you the opportunity to be whatever you want and to express yourself in many different ways. You can even make up your own costumes as well. For example, if I wanted to go as an emotion, I could. Why? Because I literally can. Let’s say I wanted to go as Anger. I wear some red things, and boom—Anger for Halloween. This is the one day a year people who are afraid to express themselves and their interests can do so and won’t be judged for it. Yes, there can be some weird costumes out there, but that doesn’t mean they are hiding. Also, you can make your OWN COSTUME instead of buying a premade one, either is perfectly fine!
2. The Candy
Don’t even get me started on the candy. This is the one time a year that my teeth will hate me, but it will be worth it. Why? Because you get to let loose. You get to treat yourself (get it? Treat yourself? I’m just trying to make a joke here) to something everyone loves. And guess what? There’s something for everyone. If you are someone who only likes chocolate, there are plenty of those. If you are someone who only likes fruity candy and doesn’t like chocolate, there are plenty of those as well. Either way, there is always something for everyone, so then everyone is happy.
3. The Decorations
In my opinion, the decorations are the best part of Halloween. They have a variety of inexpensive decorations. And even if you can’t afford it, there are a lot of DIY decorations you can do. Plus, you can have a range from cute little decorations to absolutely scary decorations that people won’t even go near your house anymore (I still would pass by it, don’t worry). Plus, if you’re someone like me, you can always leave your decorations up in your house (but maybe not outside, since other people wouldn’t understand) even after October is over. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “But why would you leave your Halloween decorations up all year long?” Well reader, that is because you can! When I was in high school, people on the street use to tell me “It’s not Halloween yet!”, “You’re wearing your costume early this year!” and a lot of things like that. After that, I just embraced the fact that I used to dress like every day was Halloween. I don’t do that anymore, but since those things always stuck to me, I now always leave my decorations up no matter what.
4. Less Holiday Anxiety
This is something that a lot of people understand. Dr. Gina Barreca from Psychology Today wrote about how on Halloween, you don’t have the anxiety you get on other holidays. For example, on other holidays like Valentines Day or New Years, there is anxiety and the feeling of loneliness, abandonment, heartbreak or alienation. But on Halloween, you don’t have to worry if you’re getting that special something from someone, like on Valentines, or if someone is going to kiss you at midnight, like New Years. All you have to worry about is what costume you’re wearing this year. Unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving, this is a holiday where you won’t have to worry about seeing those family members you may not like. Thanksgiving and Christmas are all about family and spending time with them. With Halloween, you don’t have to do that. You get to go to random people’s houses and get free candy and dress up in a costume that you can express yourself in. Maybe you might get anxiety about how scary some things can be, but to me, that is a better anxiety to have than the anxiety of being alone.
Halloween is an amazing holiday, and it’s a holiday for everyone, no matter how big or small, young or old!