The True Meaning of Halloween

Ever since I was a little kid, Halloween never even came close to one of my favorite holidays. I’m not sure of the exact reason why, but it always seemed rushed and last minute, unlike other holidays when I had time to relax, take in the moment, and reflect on the holiday. Maybe it was my parents’ fault due to their demanding jobs, or maybe it just didn’t mean as much to them as other “family holidays.”

This year I spent time looking back and reflecting over the excitement that Halloween has brought to my life as an adult. In college, I began to appreciate the creativity that was required to come up with the biggest, most off–the–wall costume, one that was sure to out–do your friends. That competition has now turned Halloween into one of the “family holidays”, as my wife and I are now on the third year of hosting a bash with our friends, old and new. The competitiveness for outrageous costumes is still there, however it’s now more about everyone getting to take a breathier—even if only for a night—and to be whatever crazy character they decide to be, and create memories that last a lifetime.

I’ve decided that Halloween is just as important at its core values to me, as Thanksgiving and Christmas: celebration and togetherness.