It’s That Time of the Year Again…
Halloween is fast approaching and I couldn’t be less excited.
I live in Australia and grew up with the knowledge that Halloween was a holiday celebrated elsewhere, experienced by Australians only through (generally American) movies, TV shows and cartoons. We didn’t have trick-or-treaters, we didn’t have Halloween parties, we didn’t dress up – frankly nobody really cared that much. But somehow, this has changed over the last few years – in 2006 there was a rise in Halloween costumes sales and suddenly we were getting five or six trick-or-treaters knocking at the door in half-hearted costumes and caring huge lolly-bags. Shops started breaking out the spooky decorations as early as September to try to make the most of this “new” holiday. I think Australian children have finally figured out the fact that Halloween equals free lollies and of course, shopping centres love any excuse to latch onto a new fad to increase sales. This is the first year I’ve seen whole pumpkins for carving for $25 each(!!).
If I’d been born and raised in a country that celebrated Halloween, I’d probably love it, but I wasn’t – I was born and raised in Australia, and until a few years ago, Australia didn’t do Halloween. I can’t just flick a switch and suddenly love Halloween like we’re being expected to do and yes, we are being expected to at least participate every time someone knocks on our door by handing out lollies. Turning off the light at the front door often helps, but it’s not foolproof, since last year we had some eager kids banging out there until I had to get up from dinner and tell them to go away. Ironically, they said most people had been telling them they don’t celebrate Halloween and that it was okay, they understood. Then why did they bang out there for ten minutes?! Trick-or-treaters are just as annoying and persistant as telemarketers!
Phill and I don’t give out lollies and we don’t dress up, but this year two of our friends are holding a joint birthday party on Halloween and, of course, it’s a Halloween-themed costume party. We’re torn. We don’t want to turn up in plain clothes but for the life of me I don’t want to go out and hire a costume, so we’re going to be those annoying attendees who turn up in half-hearted costumes, like a pirate (stripy shirt, skull-and-crossbones chain, big hoop earring, eyepatch and bandana) or a tourist (Hawaiian T-shirt, khaki pants, joggers, sunnies and a camera around the neck). I can guarantee we won’t be the only ones.
So… what are you going to be doing this Saturday night?
Haha well I guess I couldn’t be more of the opposite of you in terms of Halloween. I grew up here but it’s definitely my favourite holiday. It allows me to be creative and it’s a good excuse for an unusually themed party. I’m happy to celebrate it!
….Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella´s last post ..Cottage Point Inn, Cottage Point
Lorraine – I saw your “brain” creation and it looks awesome! (and gross!) I have nothing against the holiday itself or anyone who celebrates it – in fact, I like seeing what Halloweeny things bloggers come up with. I just don’t like that all of a sudden, we’re all supposed to love Halloween and participate when it’s not even traditionally an Australian holiday.
We are exactly in the same case like you ! I never heard about Halloween and my son (now 36) neither. But since 2000 it slowly moved into Belgium and into Germany too, probably also in the other European countries. So far there is no trick and treat yet here in my area, only last year some neighbour kids I know came in their costumes and of course I had some sweets for them. But it is not the use at all (yet !) I too am invited to a Halloween party for the first time in my life ! I love to disguise myself, because I come from a part in Germany where everybody did this in February for the Carneval. I found a very simple costume. I had a long black velvet dress, bought a collar with cranes and another with eyeballs, a witch head on which I sew a big spider, a black cat is hanging over my shoulder and my nails will be orange and black claws. I also have a broom for this purpose. It’s so simple to make nice costumes without spending a lot of money.
Gattina – Wow, you are very talented! My sewing skills leave a lot to be desired. I hope we get to see a photo of you in your finished costume? It sounds awesome!
Katie ma’ dear …. if you hop to it and air freight all your extra Snickers candy bars over here, well then I shall be enjoying Halloween just fine!
It’s been candy, apples, jack-o-lanterns, costumes, and tricks forever over here.
….Rabbits’ Guy´s last post ..WINSTON DECIDES !!!!!
Rabbits’ Guy – Haha are you a fan of Snickers bars? I wouldn’t mind a few toffee apples!