When Does the Desire to Dress Up for Halloween Fade?
Halloween is a beloved holiday for many, from children to adults. But as we grow older, the enthusiasm for dressing up and celebrating Halloween fades for some. In this article, we will explore the age at which individuals stop wanting to dress up for Halloween and share insights from various perspectives.
The Hashtag Halloween Nostalgia
Even adults who grew up without Halloween traditions continue to embrace the holiday. Take, for instance, adult Halloween enthusiasts. These individuals might still derive immense joy from dressing up and participating in Halloween festivities well into adulthood.
Belgium's Halloween Journey
Halloween's journey in Belgium is a unique tale. Growing up in Belgium, I never experienced a formal Halloween celebration. It wasn't until 20 years ago, at the age of 30, that modest Halloween activities began to take root. Inspired by US TV shows, I creatively turned a dark night into a thrilling Halloween experience by setting up a spooky walk in the woods.
Adults Dressing Up
There are adults who continue to indulge in Halloween festivities. For instance, a 25-year-old still dresses up for Halloween. She even managed to scare her co-workers when she wore her Plague Doctor costume to work last year. Similarly, a 50-year-old individual is still passionate about Halloween and loves to dress up.
Children and Halloween
For families, the transition from child to adult can be quite interesting. For me, my children are 10 and 6. They still enjoy dressing up for Halloween trick-or-treating and other holiday activities. However, my 10-year-old didn't take to the holiday until he was 6, which coincidingly was the same year his little brother decided Halloween was a Very Big Deal. He refused to go trick-or-treating or attend Halloween parties until he was 6.
The Reason Factor
Surviving middle school and early high school, it became less of a yearly thing as I got older. The reasons for this change in enthusiasm can be varied. Maybe trick-or-treat wasn't “cool” anymore. Maybe the neighbors stopped turning on their porch lights. Whatever happened, it meant there was no real reason to dress up anymore. Even costume day was discontinued at school once we reached high school.
Today's Halloween Themed Families
With the perspective of childhood behind us, some adults renew their love for Halloween with their own kids. For example, our family theme has included Christmas Pacman, Hogwarts, Renaissance, Richard Simmons, and the upcoming 'The Day the Crayons Came Home'. It's fascinating how the desire to dress up can shift from childhood to adulthood and back again.
Conclusion
Halloween is a unique holiday that can bring a sense of joy and excitement for years to come. Whether you're a child or an adult, the desire to dress up and celebrate Halloween may fade over the years for some. But for others, the joy remains intact, and the tradition continues. It's all about finding your own reason to keep the magic alive.