I Never Much Cared for Halloween

Summary

The author reflects on their indifference towards Halloween, which has been further diminished by the events of 2020, including personal losses and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

The author of the article expresses a longstanding lack of interest in Halloween, rooted in a rural upbringing where trick-or-treating was not common. The tradition of dressing up for UNICEF is recalled, though the author questions the organization's current existence due to potential political undermining. A poignant memory of a tragic event associated with Halloween is shared, adding to the author's disinterest. However, the arrival of grandchildren, previously restricted from enjoying the holiday by their father, led the author to embrace Halloween for their sake. Despite this, the recent years have seen a return to disliking the holiday, exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on social gatherings. The author laments the loss of normalcy, the politicization of health guidelines, and the societal changes brought about by the pandemic, concluding that the eeriness of Halloween has permeated the entire year of 2020.

Opinions

The author has historically been apathetic towards Halloween, finding it more of a chore than a pleasure.
There is skepticism about the continuation of UNICEF and its relevance in the current political climate.
A traumatic experience involving a neighbor's suicide has contributed to the author's negative view of Halloween.
The joy of Halloween was rediscovered through the eyes of grandchildren, prompting the author to participate in the festivities for their benefit.
The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened the author's dislike for Halloween, as it has for other celebrations, due to the necessary social restrictions and the broader societal issues it has highlighted.
The author perceives a general trend of selfishness and disregard for others' needs, which has been amplified during the pandemic.
The author believes that the spirit of Halloween, characterized by fear and uncertainty, has been embodied by the events of 2020 as a whole.

This is life in 2020

I never much cared for Halloween. Raised in the country. Trick-or-Treating wasn’t a thing. Once dressed as a hobo and collected for UNICEF. (Does UNICEF still exist? Or, was it one more piece of good slaughtered by Trump?) Busload of kids from a church I didn’t attend, Knocking on doors for money, sometimes getting candy. Visited an elderly couple. Hot chocolate, cookies, and quarters. The man blew out his brains an hour later. A true Halloween nightmare.

I never much cared for Halloween — Until . . . grandchildren — kids whose dad wouldn’t let them trick-or-treat or eat candy or cake or have fun. I rescued the Halloween I never liked. Costumes, ghosts in trees, pumpkins, and skeletons, candy for giving, not getting, but enough for little ones who just wanted to be part of the Halloween I never much cared for. The Halloween their father outlawed — unsuccessfully.

Now, those decorations are in a box. In a room where memories get dusty and I dislike Halloween even more than before. Two years of nothing more than candy should littles one come knocking. But, they don’t come here much. A neighborhood full of kids that go somewhere else to beg sweets. The candy bowl stayed full. Leftovers I wouldn’t touch. I never much liked cheap candy either.

Now, in this Year of Corona, the goblin is a virus that threatens lives and livelihoods and normalcy. No candy, no open door, no warm hearts. We’ll ignore the day I never much liked anyway. We’ll skip Thanksgiving and Christmas, too. Like we skipped birthday celebrations and vacations. In this year when a virus killed ordinary and extraordinary. When habits and routines became past tense. When stinginess and selfishness became political weapons. When what I want is more important than what you need. When truth became a ghost and integrity a gravestone.

In 2020, Halloween doesn’t need a day, it owned the whole damn year.

I never much cared for Halloween anyway.