Junior classical languages and literatures and history major
Around this time every year, I am forced to admit one of my most unpopular opinions: my ambivalence toward Halloween. Despite what the childhood pictures may show, dressing up in costumes was one of the more upsetting, uncomfortable rituals I never really understood or embraced.
I never publicized this too much, especially not to my parents. I figured out early enough that when life gives you free candy, you typically just put on the Winnie the Pooh costume.
Nevertheless, my distaste for Halloween led to a complete costume hiatus in high school. I made a brief return to the festivities in college, when I went out all dressed up to the Greenwich Village parade — only to have the event miserably rained out.
So began a much more enduring — and I think appropriate — holiday tradition. When I arrived back at home, soaking wet from the parade, I grabbed a huge cup of coffee, made some popcorn and turned on Star Wars Episode IV (the real fourth one, with Harrison Ford and a decent amount of cinematic innovation).
And that’s been my tradition ever since. It’s really the perfect night — the movie and popcorn provide a nice comfort and the caffeine keeps me awake long enough to enjoy the drunken return of everyone else. At that point, I can get away with a Jim Halpert level of costume quality because my friends are too drunk to notice. It’s a win-win situation all around.
So, if there are others out there who share my ambivalence towards Halloween, follow my lead – make up your own ideal, personal version of what Oct. 31 should be. Holidays are meant to be celebrated, but when there is flexibility, always go for the more tailor-fit tradition over the standard festivities.
Do you have any unique Halloween traditions? Send them to me! I’m curious to find how other Halloween skeptics spend their night, and it will certainly be nice to know that I’m not alone.
Erik Shell is a junior classical languages and literatures and history major. He can be reached at eshelldbk@gmail.com.
