Halloween is creeping closer. Many college students are under the impression that Halloween is an insignificant holiday for adults. While the fact that it is no longer socially acceptable to trick-or-treat admittedly takes some of the fun out of Halloween, I stand by the opinion that Halloween can still be an incredibly enjoyable holiday.
My favorite part of Halloween has always been the costumes. My favorite costume as a child was when I dressed as Catwoman. It was a simple costume composed of a pair of leggings, a long-sleeved shirt, a Party City mask, and duct-taped cat ears from my local dollar store. Despite the simplicity of the costume, I felt like the coolest kid on the block. Last year was my first Halloween as a college student and I attended “Nightmare on Holden Street,” an event hosted by the Elliot Student Union every year on Halloween night. I decided to call on my old sense of confidence and put together a Catwoman costume. For my new-and-improved college Catwoman, I donned pleather leggings, a pleather zip-up top I purchased at a thrift store and knee-high boots I purchased during my freshman year of high school. I used the same mask and ears I had worn years ago and it brought back the same feeling of power and coolness that I had originally experienced as a fifth-grader. I believe dressing up is one of the best parts of Halloween and anyone of any age can easily participate in this tradition.
As I mentioned, I attended the event “Nightmare on Holden Street” last Halloween. The event usually consists of a haunted house, a costume contest, and karaoke. For me, the best event is the karaoke. Halloween karaoke, specifically, can be scarily fun. One of people’s biggest concerns about karaoke is the fear of judgment from the crowd. In my experience, UCM students are always excited to support someone belting it out on the karaoke stage. If there was ever a place to sing your heart out, events hosted by the Elliot Student Union are the place to do it. With an excited group of college peers cheering you on and a close friend singing and laughing next to you, karaoke can be an enjoyable way to spend your Halloween.
I mentioned earlier that it is not considered “socially acceptable” for college-aged people to go trick-or-treating. That being said, plenty of college students still trick-or-treat! Some individuals may have negative reactions to costumed college students appearing on their doors asking for candy but many understand and appreciate that you’re trick-or-treating instead of partying. If you aren’t confident enough to take up the old candy grind, there is another option – passing out candy. Being on the opposite end of trick-or-treating can be equally as entertaining as actually trick-or-treating. Last year, I witnessed a few doors in the dorm halls with signs stating messages such as “knock for candy,” or “trick-or-treat us if we’re home.” This was such a sweet idea and a wonderful way to carry on the Halloween spirit while not living in an area frequented by children.
While some of the joys of a childhood Halloween are gone, there is still much fun to be had during the spooky season!
