When is Halloween

Why Halloween Parties Are Like Bad Cake: It's Best to Skip Them!

Not feeling the Halloween vibe this year? Here's why I'm opting out of the spooky season celebrations!

As Halloween approaches each year, many of us prepare our costumes and carve pumpkins, ready to embrace a night of thrills and chills. But let’s pause for a moment and reflect — when was the last time you actually enjoyed a Halloween party? For me, it’s been ages! The noise, the crowds, and the pressure to dress up can transform a seemingly fun night into an overwhelming experience. This year, I’ve decided to wave goodbye to the Halloween festivities and encourage my friends to join me in this rebellion against the spooky routine.

Being a college student comes with its own set of challenges, and the commercialization of Halloween adds another layer to that stress. Between the clamor of costume shops advertising their latest trends and the pressure to throw or attend the most extravagant party, Halloween often morphs into a homework assignment filled with expectations. When my peers are stressed about finding the perfect outfit or fear about social gatherings, I can't help but question if this holiday is really worth all the hassle.

Meanwhile, across the ocean in Dublin, the City Council is gearing up for a thrilling Halloween 2024 with exciting family-friendly events. While I understand the appeal of a well-planned Halloween shindig, I can’t help but chuckle at the idea of attending any gathering that might feel like an elaborate school project. Those who do partake in events often find that managing a schedule filled with spooky activities can feel like cramming for finals instead of a delightful escape from reality.

In Witham, Essex, local authorities have even put a dispersal order in place to combat anti-social behavior during Halloween. I suppose not everyone is feeling the warm glow of pumpkin spice and autumn leaves, as some people's ideas of fun can cross the line. It might be easier to wrap oneself in a cozy blanket with a bowl full of candy to hand out, rather than wade through any form of chaos designed to embody the spirit of Halloween.

As we navigate this spooky season, it's good to remember that Halloween was originally a harvest festival. Interestingly, the tradition of trick-or-treating can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where children would dress in costumes to ward off evil spirits. And just for fun, did you know that candy corn has been around since the 1880s and remains a Halloween favorite despite its divisive nature? It seems that while some of us shun the festivities, others still relish the chance to indulge among ghosts and goblins!