Make the most of Oct 31st

Today's Topic: Halloweens- Past and Present

I still remember my favourite costume: Donnie the Devil. I would post the picture but it would be within the tens of thousands of my mom's pictures (literally) and I probably wouldn't find it until next Halloween. The pitchfork, the drawn on moustache and that classic tail. I got two pillow bags of candy that year.

The greatest thing about trick or treating in the country was that you got almost double of everything because there were so few of us out there. It was because I had so much candy that my friends that lived in-town were quite jealous. I used to have so much that I turned it into a business. I would sit on the candy until about the end of November, take it to school, and sell it to my friends. Awesome Grade 5 business project and I was part of the black market of Halloween candy.

I love everything about Halloween. What's not to love about it? Candy, chips, chocolate and even discount chocolate on the shelves of Wal-Mart on November 1st, pumpkin carving's are always the bomb and the costumes light up the neighbourhood. As the years go by, I still don't lose the spirit and make the biggest effort I can to get out on the streets and dress up for Hal

loween. The great thing about dressing up is that people just seem so much friendlier. Everyone looking at each other, trying to figure what you are, people admiring your creativity, taking pictures with strangers and giving high fives because you love their costume; it just puts you in a better mood for the night. Last night some guy nailed the Alan costume from the hangover. Another bunch of guys nailed the Ghostbusters. And of course, most of the girls were wearing as little clothes as possible. Let's be real, you do see a lot of skin in the streets, gals and guys.

I think the greatest thing about Halloween is the ability to transform yourself. Be whoever or whatever you want without consequence. It's one of the only days of the year where people don't judge you negatively (at least not to your face). Costumes are powerful, especially if you really get in character. We all look at each other different, which I think is okay. It creates change and gives people something different to talk about. I wish I could find more excuses to dress up, anybody else feel like that? One of these years, I am going to go all out and really try to turn some heads.

Halloween is one of those holidays that goes in circles. At some point, 99% of us have dressed up and then when we have kids, we dress them up to. I had a trick or treater tonight who dressed up as Lindsay Lohan in a jail outfit. Wow. Hilarious. Kudos to those parents. And for years to come, it only continues without fail. It's a great tradition and a great holiday. Most would definitely agree. Including our beloved Simpsons. It's also one of those holidays that never gets old. New years bring out the newest outfits. But I urge you to all get out and get in the costume spirit. There's only one Oct. 31st and you're never too old to dress up. And don't forget to the enjoy candy apples.