Spooky Spooky: A Halloween Story

Halloween 2022 was a particularly dreary day, marked by overcast skies and a sleazy gloom that seemed to blanket the land as far as the eye could see. Even though it was a mellow 60 degrees out, the chills down my spine gave the illusion of subzero temperatures. Another event marked that night; a horrid, dreadful event that made that Halloween a first of its kind: It was my turn to pass out the candy.

In the days leading up to the 31st, I had begged my parents, who long knew of my phobia of all things spooky, not to put me on candy duty and even to consider not doling out treats altogether. However, with their attending a Halloween party, my sister’s planning to spend the night with friends, and the abundance of candy we had bought, their verdict was that it had to be done… and it had to be me.

As the clock struck six and late afternoon fell into early evening, the setting sun cast on the accumulating fog a deep orange hue not dissimilar to the complexion of a ghastly Jack-O-Lantern. Then, as if considering the ghoulish glow an invitation, several figures appeared wearing beastly costumes, empty sacks around their shoulders, and mischievous grins on their faces. I peered at them from my first-floor window as they marched like zombies across my lawn and up to my house. Moments later, there were two sharp raps on my front door.

Tears welling up in my eyes, I said a brief prayer to my guardian angel, grabbed the candy bowl, and set out into the crisp air to meet the hellions head on. Upon opening my door I was met, to my horror, face-to-face with the devil himself (Later I would realize that it was not the devil, but a toddler in costume). Behind him, a queue of Trick-or-Treaters stretched out for what seemed like miles, all of their bloodshot eyes transfixed on me and my candy treasure.

I yelped in fright, threw the candy at the demon-child’s feet, and slammed the door shut. While the kids tussled for candy outside, I sat with my back to the doorframe and hugged my knees, wondering: “what good has ever come from this dreadful holiday?” The answer? Nothing. In fact, Halloween is a celebration of all things evil. By dressing up as ghouls, goblins, demons, and devils, Trick-or-Treaters idolize creatures of the night. These beings should have no place in our world and should not be revered or imitated.

On Halloween night, more criminals prowl the streets than usual—using scary costumes as a disguise. All too often, Trick-or-Treaters take advantage of their hidden identities to wreak havoc on neighborhoods, causing a nationwide spike in vandalism and theft. Violent crimes are estimated to be twice as likely on Halloween compared to other days out of the year. One concern among observers and celebrants alike is the malicious meddling with Halloween candy. There have always been rumors of people lacing treats and giving it to children, but in recent years, there have been reports of razor blades and even fentanyl being passed out to Trick-or-Treaters. These dangers should keep even the most brazen of Trick-or-Treaters indoors, but people continue to celebrate with unwavering spirit. That I don’t understand.

Halloween is also an extremely unhealthy holiday. Annually, Americans purchase a total of 600 million pounds of treats. This circulation of candy has detrimental effects on the youngsters. Excited to break into their candy hauls, children may binge-eat their sweet treats, consuming thousands of calories. Not only does children’s high sugar intake on Halloween increase their risk of cavities, but the holiday reinforces poor eating habits, which can affect kids’ health in the long run.

With next Halloween fast approaching, I urge the Charlotte Catholic community to do its part in helping extinguish the miserable day that is Halloween. Don’t buy a costume, don’t go to any parties, and don’t buy any candy. With your help, we can end this dreadful “holiday” for good.

Stay safe out there,

A Deeply Concerned CCHS Student

Credit: Google Images