Halloween 2023

Pam and Greg
Pam and Greg

Kimberly and Fletcher
Kimberly and Fletcher

Kynzley driving the golf cart
Kynzley Driving the Golf Cart

The kids took the golf cart around the block
Golf Cart Adventure

Kynzley and Ellie handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters
Kynzley and Ellie Handing Out Treats
Halloween at the Cook House

October 31, 2023

Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday for many kids. It's a time when they can dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, and enjoy all sorts of spooky and festive activities. Kids often look forward to collecting candy, attending Halloween parties, and getting creative with their costumes. It's a holiday that encourages imagination, social interaction, and a sense of adventure, making it a favorite for children and families alike.

Halloween is indeed considered a holiday in many parts of the world, although it is not a traditional public or official holiday like Christmas or New Year's Day. Halloween is typically celebrated on October 31st and is known for its traditions, such as dressing up in costumes, going trick-or-treating, and decorating homes with spooky decorations like jack-o'-lanterns. It has its roots in various cultural and historical traditions, including Celtic and Christian influences.

However...

While Halloween may not be a government-recognized holiday with days off from work or school in many places, it is widely celebrated by individuals and communities, and it is often associated with festive activities and events. So, while it may not be a holiday in the same sense as some other major observances, it is certainly a widely acknowledged and celebrated occasion.

Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has a long and rich history that can be traced back to ancient Celtic and Christian traditions.

Here is an overview of the history of Halloween:


Celtic Origins

Halloween's origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated around November 1st. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time associated with death. The Celts believed that on the night before Samhain (October 31st), the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. To appease and ward off these spirits, people would light bonfires and wear costumes.

Christian Influence

In the 7th century, the Christian Church established All Saints' Day (or All Hallows' Day) on November 1st to honor saints and martyrs. The night before, October 31st, became known as All Hallows' Eve, later shortened to Halloween. This Christian holiday incorporated some elements of Samhain traditions, such as lighting candles and wearing costumes, to honor the deceased.

Medieval and Early Modern Halloween

In the Middle Ages, Halloween in Europe included a mix of Christian and pagan traditions. People would go "souling," a practice in which the poor would go door-to-door asking for food or money in exchange for prayers for the dead. This tradition eventually evolved into "guising" and later, trick-or-treating.

Immigration to North America

Halloween was brought to North America by Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century. These immigrants brought their Halloween customs with them, and the holiday began to evolve in the New World.

Modern Halloween

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Halloween started to become more secular and focused on community and family activities. It was also influenced by American pop culture, including costumes and parties.

Commercialization

Halloween's commercialization began in the early 20th century, with the sale of costumes, decorations, and candy. Halloween became a holiday known for costume parties, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating.

Greg Cook

This year, Pam prepared 384 goodie bags for the kids. As usual, we ran out of the treats at about 8:00 pm. I have to say that seeing 384 youngsters in 3 hours, all having a great time, is worth the work and effort we put into it every year.

The neighbors we had next door, back when Pam and I built our home here, had been hosting a haunted house for 20 years or more. We did our part to make the festivities here on Shoal Creek Trail lively, by setting up a few active-ornaments, tent with lights and handing out bags of goodies with treats.

When those neighbors sold their home and moved away, we thought the number of trick-or-treaters would fall off. They did not! Halloween is still alive and well on Shoal Creek Trail. Even the weather predictions this year did not interfere with the activities. Thankfully we did not see temperatures as low as 29°. I believe it was still in the upper 40's at 8:00 pm.

Thanks to all the other homes in our neighborhood that participate!

Gregory J. Cook
Gregory J. Cook, EA, CPA
Accredited Tax Advisor