I Really Really Hate Halloween

Oh how I hate Halloween.

Why oh why do we have this American tradition in Australia?
If we HAVE to mindlessly adopt their traditions why can’t we have Thanksgiving? Nice Thanksgiving where families sit around and tell each other how grateful they are for each other. Good wholesome stuff.

But no – instead we get Halloween, where our children dress up as ghouls and witches, adorn themselves in fake blood, go and knock on total strangers’ doors and rudely demand lollies.

And yes – the word is lollies in Australia. Not candy. (Hey if they can’t accept our Kath & Kim without a translator, I am boycotting the word candy)
And by the way this is not an anti-American rant. God bless America. But they can keep their Halloween to themselves thankyou very much.

Do our obese, unfit children of Australia REALLY need more lollies?

Any other day of the year we would tell them off for approaching total strangers. And not without good reason. See that pumpkin logo at the top of the page? That’s not some cute meaningless design. That is what the state of Maryland has sent all its paedophiles. They are forced by law to display that sign on their doors so that children know not to knock there. Disturbing huh? Even more disturbing when you realise Australia has no such law.

But there should be a sign like this for us who hate this day and do not want the hassle of kids knocking on the door inanely chanting ‘trick or treat’. I doubt they even know what it means.

I know of elderly people who have been badly frightened by trick-or-treaters banging on their door after dark.

I have witnessed my own daughter terrified by a trick-or-treater wearing a hideous Scream mask at our front door.

No, Halloween is terrible. I refuse to have anything to do with it. Who’s with me?

Reader Comments

mandy

22/10/2008 at 01:47

The whole trick or treat thing is totally adopted from the USA. Kids have been watching too much TV featuring Halloween crap. All the kids in our street used to do the doorknock thing and I banned my kids from participating as I do not agree with it. I was really annoyed when the doorbell word chime all evening, and if you did not give the kids a treat some would egg your house, or pull up your plants, bend the mirrors on your car or some other vandalistic antic. One of my kids did participate whilst on a sleepover on a Fri night. he came back with a whole bag of lollies (much to my disgust). Kid's just thinkof it as a way to get free stuff. parents need to put a stop to it as it encourages scavenging behaviour and is dangerous.

Nique

22/10/2008 at 13:32

Although I can understand some of the sentiment here in regards to Halloween I would just like to point out that this tradition is NOT American, I think before making comments you may all wish to read up on the origins of this celebration, especially the trick or treating side of it. Maybe what parents need to do is educate themselves on traditions and then educate their children, mine have been, and neither expect anything. Just a thought...

dave

22/10/2008 at 16:51

... yes, but the "Trick or Treating" where the kids expect candy for nothing is an American thing.

It comes from the Scottish tradition of "Guising" where kids would dress up, then go door-to-door performing acts for their neighbours. If the act was worthy enough, then the kids would get a treat.

The Americans have turned this around to expect something for just knocking on the door, and punishing those who don't give them anything.

Linda

23/10/2008 at 01:20

Thank you Thank you Thank you

bignanna

23/10/2008 at 14:35

Thank you Dave 22/10/08, saved me letting me know that its not American.

reeta

23/10/2008 at 19:06

I'm not, its fun and at long last you can buy halloween stuff, I for one plan to have a party and the 50 odd people who are coming think its great.If you want thanksgiving who's stopping you

Lucrecia

25/10/2008 at 00:50

How many of you who think you know how holidays are celebrated in the United States actually KNOW anything first hand about it instead of just what you see on tv? In the U.S., Halloween is a holiday for people of all ages to enjoy. Houses are decorated lavishly, adults dress up as well and many of them wait by the door to greet the children when they arrive. Trick or treaters are revered AND, as with anything else, if the parents are doing their job the children are supervised so they are never in danger and are taught to behave respectfully. Halloween is a community building event and just as enjoyable for the parents as it is for the children. And by the way, for those grouches who don't want to be 'bothered', it's as simple as not putting your light on. Otherwise, lighten up and let the children have some constructive fun for a change. But don't touch Thanksgiving.

Maggie

26/10/2008 at 18:50

Dearest Deborah,

I was just reading a few of your other posts and they seem to have one very odd thing in common.... they all, in one form or another, have you complaining incessantly.

Even though you may not agree with what some choose to believe or practice there should be at least an element of tolerance. Therefore it seems ironic that you, of all people, are lecturing on parenting.

I mean what's the big deal? You spend $10 on 30 fun size chocolate bars and make a few little kids' day - perhaps spreading some cheer will do some good for that ultra critical demeanor, no?

M
xx

mary

26/10/2008 at 21:19

I also think halloween is a great community event. The kids have a ball dressing up, and visiting the neighbours. It is harmless fun, and something the kids look forward to each year. Anyway it is only 1 night a year, why make such a big deal over 1 night. Cheer up and take the kids out and enjoy yourselves. If you don't like it put a note on your door and the kids will quite happily avoid your house.

Ellen

27/10/2008 at 13:19

As an American (with small children) new to Australia I would like to second Lucrecia's comments about what Halloween is really like in America. It really is fun and not abusive (for all the scary stuff you hear in the news, it is just happy children aren't newsworthy). What is great about Halloween is that it is a true community cooperative holiday. It success relies on a lot of people following a social code, kids have to dress up and be polite, parents have to police the process, neighbors (in reasonable numbers) have to at least put on the porch light (everyone knows that lights off means 'don't ring'; so the scrouges can easily opt out). There are few holidays in the States that rely on social cooperation (most are celebrated purely with family & friends) so I think it is lovely and rather amazing that one that relies so heavily on mass participation has thrived so well in our increasingly insular and zenophobic world.

richard

30/10/2008 at 09:01

Halloween may have other origins but the good ol US of A exported it here via it's insidious bloody TV shows. As Australia seems incapable of understanding or recognising any cultural heritage of it's own we are just adopting a candy coated American TV version. Adopting someone else's traditions just because it is fun is in no way harmless. It's sad.

julie fedele

30/10/2008 at 15:25

I'm Australian and Halloween is my favourite day of the year. Last year I was lucky enough to spend Halloween in New York and had an amazing time. It's such a shame that parents don't let their children get involved simply because "It's an American tradition" (which appears to be inaccurate information anyway according to earlier posts). What does that matter? It's fun! And maybe if parents were to embrace it and recognise the fun and community/social benefits that our kids can get from participating, people would grow to understand more about the history of the tradition and anti-social/destructive behaviour may cease. Besides, these parents whingeing about "candy" and Americans, I bet their kids are still allowed to eat McDonalds at least occasionally (and this is only a once-a-year event we're talking about) and they probably watch American shows on TV all the time. Halloween is a fantastic opportunity to dress up, meet the neighbours, and spook yourself silly.

Haidee

30/10/2008 at 19:56

As an american living in Australia now, I think it's sad Australia doesnt participate in Halloween. Just for the record it's one of my favorite holidays. It is also one of the oldest holidays and celebrated in countries including UK, China, Belgium and Austria to name a few. Halloween is a fun community event where people CHOOSE to participate or not. If you want to be a scrooge leave off your porch light. I also would like to point out its not just candy (YES I WILL SAY CANDY) given out. I have received a tooth brush and toothpaste, coloring books, fruit and fun things over the years. Its a special event you can share with your children. What is the difference between the candy you get trick or treating or that you get in show bags. NOTHING. If you are worried about the Obese children of Australia .. the key there is Excercise and not just eating candy. I will look forward to any families wanting to come knock on our door. Trick or Treat everyone. Have a BOOO tiful time

dannye nunn

31/10/2008 at 11:55

You're absolutely right, Julie. I'm certain (100% certain) that the supposed "Australians" commenting about Halloween being "another bloody American blah blah blah" also shop at Kmart and watch American movies and TV shows.

I am an American/Australian citizen and choose to live in Australia out of personal preference. I'm raising a child whom is Australian and fully support Halloween as a fun and exciting time for kids and communities. These "Australians" are few and far between and represent nothing about the Australia I live in.

Instead of complaining about kids wanting to have fun on Halloween being promoted by American TV, why don't you take your personal issues about a lack of actual Aussie holidays that represent nothing but our culture (WE MUST HOMOGENISE!!!) here in Australia and do something about it. Some more Christmas songs and stories for kids outside of six white boomers would be a start. Whingers.

Stephanie

31/10/2008 at 19:06

I am COMPLETELY with you. I absolutely cannot stand that this American tradition is a growing event on our calendar. I was having this rant earlier to my Mum when I saw kids "trick or treating" and I pretty much said exactly what you have said in this article. It's not safe, we know that kids shouldn't go to strangers' houses, especially in this day and age, and as if they need lollies (NOT CANDY)!? I just can't stand it. We bagged John Howard so much for pandering to Bush's every need and here we are reflecting this love of America in our behaviour.
We should put more effort into celebrating and showing the appropriate respect on our own public holidays and leave the Americans with their candy and dress-ups.

John W

31/10/2008 at 21:22

I fully agree that we should not be celebrating Halloween in Australia. It is totally alien to Australia's culture.

During the early colonial years of Australia, it was decided not to observe the Halloween custom. Why must we Aussies celebrate a custom that is not Australian?

However, I disagree regards Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was all about the struggle of the Pilgrim Fathers who after emigrating to America, had difficulty with their crops and they were helped out by a local Indian tribe.

Thanksgiving has no relevence whatsoever to Australia's culture and history.

I am not against kids having their fun nor am I against people partying on 31 October, but for Pete's sake, here in Australia, let's call it something else, something that reflects Australian culture.

Let's have a "Blinky Bill" day instead of Halloween and lets remember that we are not Americans, we are Australians.

Aussie Aussie Aussie.

Cal D

06/11/2008 at 07:53

I personally dont believe at all in Halloween. But thats my opinion. I believe that those who wish to celebrate this occasion do it in their own home i.e. have a party without intruding on other people "door knocking". I will also add that parents who do not accompany their kids "door knocking" could very well put these kids in a very dangerous situation.

Kathleen

08/11/2008 at 13:10

I'm an American in Australia. Halloween was lots of fun and a perfectly wholesome activity when I was growing up in the U.S. I'm surprised to see it catching on so quickly here. I guess it's from TV. I don't think there's any turning back now. Five years ago there were no trick-or-treaters. This year I had about 30. I'm happy to hand out "candy" because I remember how many kind neighbours gave me candy when I was a child. Also I get to say hello to children from my neighbourhood that I might otherwise not meet. By the way, I've introduced Thanksgiving to my friends here & I have a dinner every year with everyone bringing a dish to share. They love it and they like the idea of a very positive day when we think about things for which we're grateful. That's certainly an idea that can cross national borders. It doesn't have to be about the American Pilgrims and the Mayflower, etc. You Australians have many reasons of your own to be grateful for

08/11/2008 at 13:22

I would also like to say that all of the children that came to our door were extremely polite and their parents should be proud of them. I was so pleasantly surprised. They all said "thank you" and many of them said "We hope you have a very nice evening." It was just a very positive experience for both me and my trick-or-treat visitors. Also, some had a parent on the footpath waiting for them and so I had the chance to exchange a friendly smile and wave with these neighbours that I've never met before. All around, just a great experience and I agree with some of the posters here that perhaps people should focus on the positive in life and quit jumping to complain about things. I think it's great for kids to have the opportunity of interacting with adults in such a positive way. By the way, as an American I promise not to try to inflict July 4th (Independence Day) on you guys.