Halloween or Not?

As we were preparing for the birth of our son, my husband and I had considered not introducing Halloween to our new son. That was rather unrealistic on our part as Halloween is one of the largest celebrated holidays in America, garnering almost $7 billion annually. Neither of us celebrated Halloween as adults, but the more I look back, I think it was selfish of us to want to take away from our son something that we enjoyed so much as children. I remember getting all dressed up in mostly custom made costumes by my mom, and going trick or treating in my community with my parents, brother and sisters, and all of our neighborhood friends. It was a great time! Although I haven't celebrated Halloween since college, I find myself anxious each year as I plan CJ's costume (Year 1: pirate, Year 2: super hero Flash), which may I boast that this year he is also wearing a custom made costume by my mom, his Granny Jane. He will be who I like to call his altar ego, Disney HD's Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil. I can't wait to see him crashing into everything with pride as he is dressed up as his favorite animated character.

The main reason that I stopped celebrating Halloween was the rise of violence. I had decided that I did not want to be a part of the insanity because it was only an excuse for people to act crazy, some committing vandalism and even going so far as committing violent crimes against innocent people. The thought of my child being a victim to another person's ignorance terrified me silly. But as I reflect back to my childhood, I know that Halloween can be a fun and safe time. By all means, with all of the media influences, Halloween has moved away from the spiritual meaning which is the eve to the Christian feast of All Saints, but like anything else holidays evolve too. As parents, we just have to do our best to keep our kid's out of harms way and to teach them that it is all in fun.

So regardless of what people choose to do, no matter what cultural, spiritual or material way, as long as it is celebrated in a safe and happy way, I guess celebrating Halloween is OK with me.