By: Jessica Lynn Carter
Updated: Aug. 25, 2020
Originally Published: Oct. 22, 2014
The Halloween celebrations I recall were straightforward and enjoyable — simple costumes and abundant candy defined the experience. The distinct aroma of those inexpensive, plastic costume masks from the drugstore still lingers in my mind. I vividly remember struggling to breathe through my “made in China” mask, perhaps contaminated with who knows what chemicals. That overwhelming scent accompanied me as I hurried from house to house, clutching my flimsy orange pumpkin, its cheap handle having broken after the tenth piece of candy was stashed inside.
My mother wasn’t particularly crafty, and neither am I. However, she didn’t have Pinterest to guide her on how to orchestrate a perfect Halloween. One year, she decided to create a homemade costume for me, envisioning me as a peacock. What self-conscious fourth grader wouldn’t want to wear a leotard adorned with multi-colored feathers? After gluing on thousands of feathers, I spent the school parade shedding them like a molting bird, collecting them in a plastic bag. Despite the chaos, it was all in good fun. Halloween was always a time of joy. As kids, costumes and candies were enough to send us into a sugar-fueled frenzy, but today’s celebrations have transformed dramatically under the influence of social media and celebrity culture.
Halloween in the Past:
- Costumes: Between October 20th and 25th, a child would casually mention their desired costume, with mothers typically producing a witch hat and black dress, a simple ghost sheet, or a trip to the local drugstore for any available costumes.
- Candy: During that drugstore visit, mothers would grab a few bags of candy to distribute to trick-or-treaters, often tossing the treats together in a large kitchen pot upon returning home.
- School Parade: On the day of the school’s Halloween Parade, mothers would drop off their kids, relieved that teachers would manage the excitement of hundreds of costumed children.
- Pumpkin Carving: Carving pumpkins involved picking a couple from the grocery store, using a kitchen knife, and lighting them with old candles found in a drawer.
- Decorating: Decorating for Halloween was limited to a few sparkly witches and skeletons purchased alongside costumes and candy.
- Pre-Trick or Treat Meal: Moms would often stop at McDonald’s to ensure their child had something “healthy” before diving into a mountain of candy.
- Trick or Treating: If you were over seven, your mother would send you out with friends to explore the neighborhood, trusting the neighbors and knowing that trouble was unlikely.
- Candy Guidelines: Apples were tossed away due to urban legends of harm hidden within, while the mantra was simply to “eat the candy, kids.”
- Parental Participation: Parents handed out candy, enjoying the procession of ghosts and witches while snacking on non-organic cheese and crackers.
- Candy Overload: Upon returning home, children would gorge themselves on as much candy as they could fit into their bags.
- Photography: A few polaroids captured the night’s fun.
Halloween Today:
- Costumes: Now, parents ask their children for costume ideas as early as spring, ensuring they can accurately recreate characters from the latest blockbuster films and curate Pinterest boards for inspiration.
- Candy Purchasing: Moms often raid Target at the start of the school year to secure the best candy options for Halloween, with an emphasis on organic and non-GMO selections.
- Crafting Supplies: After candy shopping, a trip to a craft store ensues to gather materials for beautifully decorated candy baskets.
- Costume Accessories: By summer, parents are selecting elaborate “Wishworks” costumes, complete with necessary accessories, while also planning for backup costumes in case of spills.
- Professional Makeup: Parents now hire face painters to create professional looks for Halloween night and school parades.
- Pre-Trick or Treat Nutrition: Neighborhood potlucks are organized, featuring organic meals to fuel kids before their candy quest, with strict adult supervision ratios.
- Trick or Treat Containers: Customized, glow-in-the-dark Halloween bags are ordered well in advance to avoid missing out.
- Home Decor: While children are at school, parents enhance their homes with elaborate decorations sourced from local nurseries.
- Pumpkin Events: Pumpkin carving has evolved into a culinary event, complete with specialized tools and meals prepared from pumpkin insides.
- School Halloween Socials: Parents attend school events, bringing non-candy treats for bake sales and ensuring their children are changed out of costumes that might disrupt learning.
- Social Media Documentation: Every moment is meticulously documented for social media, with photos shared across various platforms.
- Candy Regulations: Parents now limit candy intake, taking charge of the haul and allowing only one piece per day to maintain health standards.
Happy Halloween!
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Summary
Halloween has transformed significantly from a simple childhood celebration of costumes and candy to a meticulously planned event, influenced by modern parenting trends and social expectations. Where spontaneity and simplicity once reigned, today’s festivities are characterized by elaborate preparations, health-conscious choices, and a strong emphasis on social media documentation.
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