When I was younger Halloween was a time of the year that I dreaded. As someone who gets spooked very easily, Halloween was just not something I looked forward to. Also, my family did not celebrate much on Halloween. My sister and I were not huge fans of the holiday, so my family didn’t feel the need to go all out on celebrations. Growing up, my family and I would give out candy to trick or treaters, but I think my sister and I only went trick or treating once. We did dress up, but more so when we were very little. But even giving out candy to trick or treaters was nerve racking for me as a child because I would get scared when people would show up in scarier costumes. I will say it was really cute when little kids would show up dressed like superheroes, princesses, or animals, but then here and there I would get jump-scared by someone in a scary mask.
Don’t even get me started on Halloween decorations. My next door neighbor would go all out decorating their house for Halloween. I remember, the one time I did go trick or treating, I stood on the sidewalk in front of their house and refused to walk closer to their door because of how scared I was. My neighbors ended up having to walk to me to give me candy. Even at stores, I remember being so scared when I would have to walk past the animatronic Halloween decorations. I feel like during the Halloween season, I was always on edge. I just couldn’t understand why so many people genuinely enjoyed this holiday and looked forward to it. The only good thing that I got out of Halloween was the candy.
When I got to college, my perspective about Halloween changed. My freshman year I didn’t do anything because it was during COVID. However, sophomore year is when I realized how exciting Halloween could be as a college student. In early October of my sophomore year, my friends and I decided to go as The Purge. Planning a group costume and seeing how coordinated we all looked together was so much fun! This was probably the first time that I was looking forward to Halloween because I couldn’t wait to dress up. In years following, I found myself eager to plan group costumes and the great thing is that the possibilities are endless! In Junior year, my friends and I decided to go as D.C. Superheroes and I was Wonder Woman. This past Halloweekend, my friends and I were race car drivers. I just loved how each of our costumes were unique, but still fell under the same theme. Another appeal of Halloween is the opportunity to hang out with friends. Whether it’s going out to a party or staying in for a chill night, both are so much fun to do with friends. Halloween usually falls after midterms at Jefferson, so it’s the perfect time to relax and spend time with your friends.
While Halloween was a holiday that I dreaded in the past, it is now one that I get really excited for. Unlike when I was younger, there isn’t much candy involved with Halloween now, so I can’t say that I look forward to Halloween for the candy. Of course, I have grown up a bit, so I’m not as spooked by things like when I was younger. I still get spooked by some things, but Halloween is the one time of the year that I will accept getting scared and maybe watch a horror movie (just nothing too scary). I think now that I’m older, I can appreciate Halloween as a time to dress up in creative costumes and have a good time with my friends!