Ahh, Halloween. It’s the one day a year where even the loneliest person’s doorbell rings again and again, if only by thieving little children who only want you for your fun size. When I was a kid, I used to think that Halloween was about being as monstrous as possible—think haunted houses, creepy costumes and stuffing your hands into bowls of Jell-O that adults tried to pass off as brains.
A few years later, it was all about the collecting as much refined sugar as I could from my neighbors and shoving it into my face.
I probably trick-or- treated a year or two too long, but hey—free candy!
Most of us completely exasperated our parents for the first two weeks of November. Sometimes I question the wisdom of making October ADHD Awareness Month, given that every parent is reminded of the symptoms just in time to watch their fourth grader become a poster child.
I’m only half kidding when I say I’m sure there were a few of us who got stuck on medication as a result of poor timing and the Hershey Company.
Halloween’s much the same even 10 years down the line.
People still peacock in their costumes at themed parties and exhibit much of the same bad behavior; that much is totally expected at a seasonal social event.
Sugar might not be the culprit anymore, but I digress.
Everyone’s in good spirits, it’s a carefree holiday in the same vein as Cinco de Mayo. Sure, it may be a little kitschy and commercialized, but we celebrate that rather than pretend there’s some deeper sentiment behind it—looking at you, Valentine’s Day.
It’s a great time to meet new people and kick back with old friends alike. It’s early on in the school year, but it’s the last chance to let loose before midterms come bearing down.
Everyone’s got an easy in and a conversation starter with whoever catches their eye, and even the quiet guy gets his time to shine when he busts out a perfect replica of the Iron Man suit.
This year, I’m expecting a lot of Jesse Pinkmans—it’s an easy enough outfit for a wildly popular show whose finale was reason enough for its own parties.
And as always, expect to see a one to one ratio of girls in real costumes to girls who picked up Sharpies and decided they were cats.
I had a friend who once swore, “If you listen closely on Halloween night, you can hear the sound of meowing as every college girl in a 10 mile radius makes her transformation.”
Now don’t get me wrong—I love cats. Here’s the thing though, and correct me if I’m wrong. If you are a female between the ages of 15 and 24, and you think that wearing more black ink than clothes will convince people that you are a cat, you are incorrect.
You’re probably not even a cat. Remember that, and you’ll go far. Happy Halloween!
****This message was brought to you by the Watchdog staff. Please eat candy responsibly and use common knowledge when throwing or being a part of Halloween festivities. Also, remember to look both ways when crossing the street.