Halloween was once left for dead.
You may be thinking, of course, isn’t that what the holiday is about?
In 1876, the New York Times declared it as “departed,” opining that few people would want to celebrate a pagan holiday.
That same newspaper, though, acknowledged on Oct. 19, 2024 that it’s time to “eat some crow.” Due to the rise of commercialism surrounding Halloween in the 1970s, such as cheap costumes and wrapped candy, people are expected to spend $11.6 billion this year, up from $3 billion in 2005.
It’s hard to imagine an October without massive plastic skeletons dominating front yards, or carved pumpkins beginning their slow rot to nothingness, and hearing the season’s catchphrase: “trick or treat.”
Halloween is one of the few holidays where it’s OK to not take it seriously (and perhaps it’s even encouraged). It’s a time when people can dress up as their favorite superheroes or monsters at work and no one bats an eyelid. Adults and children can equally ask for candy without judgment—or not as much as usual, anyway.
The business of Halloween is strong, taking full advantage of many’s desire to experience the adrenaline rush of fear without the worry that something bad may happen. Many also spend months preparing their costumes, all just for a one-night-only debut to remember.
However you celebrate, make sure you do so in a fun and safe way. Laughing and screaming are synonymous here.
-Erik Chalhoub, associate editor
Centerpiece
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