Updated: November 30, 2016
Originally Published: October 30, 2005
As I prepare to dive into costume shopping and dig out decorations this year, I find myself reminiscing about Halloween from my childhood. While it’s still my favorite day of the year, the holiday has transformed significantly over the years.
Back in the day, the costumes we wore hardly seemed safe. Most were crafted from plastic, featuring masks with eye holes so small that you could barely see while wandering the shadowy streets in search of candy. Slipping on that mask was a dizzying experience; the scent reminded me of the markers I used to sneak a sniff at school. The mouth slit and tiny nostril holes didn’t do much to help with breathing either. You secured the mask with an elastic band, which your older sibling often used to prank you by pulling it back and letting it snap!
By the end of the night, the mask was usually in tatters—not just from your brother’s mischief but also from the countless times you yanked it off to catch your breath or see clearly. That meant lugging it around while trying to hold it up to your face for the last few houses.
The flimsy, full-body suits weren’t much better. They would tear if you moved too energetically, and if the ties in the back came undone, your mom would often come to the rescue with a stapler. Most of us dressed as our favorite hero—Wonder Woman or The Hulk—or as a slasher villain like Jason or Michael. You might even have gone as a pop icon like Madonna or Michael Jackson.
Candy was candy back then, with little choice for health-conscious parents. Occasionally, you’d find a box of Sun-Maid raisins or some spare change at the bottom of your bag. Those raisins were usually discarded or, if found by your mom, added to her stash for trading at school. The change went into your piggy bank, saving up for that new cassette tape or a phone call from the mall payphone.
When you got home, you’d dump your haul out on your bed or the living room rug. In no time, you’d morph from Wonder Woman into a savvy negotiator, trading a Charleston Chew—which always got stuck in your braces—for your brother’s candy cigarettes, which you believed made you look cool. You’d sort your treasures while your mom entered to inspect for any signs of tampering, tossing anything that appeared partially unwrapped into the trash—despite your protests. Her warnings echoed in your ears: there were people who wanted to harm children.
Of course, Halloween was more than just the night itself; it was also the month leading up to it. If your parents were cool, you could watch scary movies. If not, you’d forge a note with your mom’s signature to rent them from the local video store. Titles like “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th” were favorites, and you felt invincible, until your brother started humming the creepy theme songs and making those eerie sounds that sent chills down your spine.
Halloweens of yore were filled with school parties and TV specials where wearing your costume was encouraged. You indulged in sugary treats while singing along to “Monster Mash.” There was no homework; Halloween was a holiday! Activities included pinning the nose on the jack-o’-lantern and even bobbing for apples, a concept that now seems totally unhygienic.
As a parent today, Halloween has morphed once again. Some changes are for the better, with costumes being safer—albeit pricier. New traditions like the “Switch Witch,” who trades candy for cash or special items, have emerged. Some kids even trade their candy for donations to charity. While these ideas promote healthier habits, it makes me nostalgic for the carefree days of gorging on candy without a second thought. A Halloween sugar rush was a joy back then; now, as a parent, I can’t ignore how unhealthy it can be.
Yet, whether you’re reminiscing about your own childhood or creating new traditions with your kids, Halloween remains a magical day for dressing up, using your imagination, and knocking on doors for candy.
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In summary, the evolution of Halloween reflects broader cultural shifts, blending nostalgia with modern sensibilities. It continues to be a day of joy, imagination, and sugar-fueled merriment.