Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Why I Hate Halloween

1. We have a costume parade at school every year, and most years I don't even bother with a costume. But, I always feel the pressure to come up with something so as to not be a party pooper. Today I went into a Halloween store to check out their costumes and I was disgusted with my choices. It seems that most adult women's costumes border on the p0rn0graphic and, I'm sorry, but I wouldn't be caught dead in anything like that - especially at school!!!

2. Halloween used to be a time for kids to dress up and trick-or-treat. Now, it seems to glorify the dark, gory, and macabre. You wouldn't believe some of the costumes the kids at my school have worn in years past! Kindergarteners in Scre@m costumes. Makes my stomach turn.

3. Where are the trick-or-treaters anymore? Our neighborhood was dead last year. We stayed home, carved a pumpkin, and waited for the trick-or-treaters to show. I think we answered the door a total of three times that night.

Once Michael and I have children we will let our kids celebrate Halloween. But, there will be some restrictions on what types of costumes I'll allow them to wear, and I think instead of trick-or-treating in the neighborhood we'll venture over to our church's Trunk-or-Treat carnival instead for some good clean fun.

Halloween just isn't what it used to be!

13 comments:

Michelle with a K said...

Amen to all the above Joannah!

With two preteen girls, the costume options disgust me. I think the reason your neighborhood was dead is the fact that so many parents now choose to do exactly what you plan on doing with your kids, seeking out the safe and clean options.

If you really need a hoppin' neighborhood trick-or treat experience, come on over to my place in AZ...for some reason, ours is the tract to visit. We get people driving over, parking along every available inch of curb, and hitting up our homes for goodies. These are all folks from elsewhere. So curious why this happens. Wel, I'll post some pics from our block on my blog in the next few days and you might get an idea why.

Sandra said...

I totally agree!

Kayce said...

So true! We have limits here and all must be respectable and presentable.

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Oh my GOSH! You posted the same EXAXT picture I was going to post about this crazy (and I use the term loosely) "holiday"
I have made two of my own costumes in the last week, one for hubby and one for my son.
I was looking at that add and thinking that I would not be caught dead in one of those hoochie outfits and I am not even the most modest person!

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

Okay, my friend. I'm here to give you two ideas that you can do quite easily.

1. Make and cut out numbers. Pin them all over your clothes. You will be "Someone You can Count On".

2. Buy a small airplane toy from the dollar store and carry it around all day. You will be an "Aircraft Carrier".

Good luck!! I'm supervising the high school's Halloween Dance tomorrow night and I have to dress up. Not sure what I will be, but I have to get thinking. I'm a little concerned about the kinds of costumes I may see tomorrow night...

Swampgirl said...

I agree! At school we decided to celebrate Scarecrows the week of Halloween. We let the kids dress as scarecrows and so did the 3rd grade teachers. I got to wear the same thing every year! We have decided not to take part in the city's Trick or Treat night anymore. We have been "swamped" with adults and older teens, not in costume, carrying Wal-mart bags asking for candy--Bah! Humbug! It is not fun anymore!

Anonymous said...

When shopping for a costume for my six year old, she kept picking out these scary, creepy, just plain weird costume choices. I told her that she needed to wear something a little less gothic and more appropriate for her age. Luckily, she found an adorable Cleopatra costume that we could both agree on.

Shelley said...

Fortunately, Gillian isn't interested in the least about any "sexy" looking costumes, or the gory ones. She's a traditionalist. Charlotte, on the other hand, is my little provocateur, who likes to flaunt what God gave her. I already have to have to watch out for that one. Funny how kids are all just wired differently. But it's up to us adults to lay the ground rules. Couldn't agree more.

Shelley said...

Fortunately, Gillian isn't interested in the least about any "sexy" looking costumes, or the gory ones. She's a traditionalist. Charlotte, on the other hand, is my little provocateur, who likes to flaunt what God gave her. I already have to watch out for that one. Funny how kids are all just wired differently. But it's up to us adults to lay the ground rules. Couldn't agree more.

Jill said...

I agree!! We hate halloween for this very reason. Fall festival over trick or treating any day!

sheryl said...

Oh I SO agree with you! I have a teenage boy who is all into the gory side of things. Not my cup of tea, never has been. Add to that the fact that I have a five year old who is all about fairies, princesses and everything sweet and NOT scary - which I love. You can imagine the conflict. I will be glad when it is over!

Sheryl

C's Mom said...

I absolutely agree. I used to roam free with friends on Halloween. In that day it wasn't a shade of the concern it is today and I won't let my little girl roam free when she is in the 4th grade...not by a longshot. Quite sad that the real scary things are not as obvious as the Halloween costumes would exemplify.

Paula said...

I agree as well. I don't see anything wrong with kids dressing up as little animals or princesses