The following letter was submitted in response to the opinion article, “Halloween isn’t like how it used to be,” which reflects on how traditional Halloween experiences have changed over time. The article compares past trick-or-treating traditions with modern alternatives and examines how shifts in age, safety, and technology have reshaped the holiday.
I completely agree with your article about how Halloween is not like it used to be. I’ve noticed in my neighborhood, it’s not like it used to be either; there aren’t as many kids out, there aren’t many decorations up, and there aren’t many porch lights on. I even think trunk-or-treats, while safer, take the adventure out of the activity of trick-or-treating. What was special with Halloween was the absolute uncertainty: never knowing which house would have the great candy or a spookily surprising trick. Trunk-or-treats are too organized; there is already everything prepared in front of you, and it is just boring compared to the old way. Social media, for example, is another thing that has changed. Rather than exploring their environment, children are now more interested in taking photos of their costumes. Running from house to house was an exhilaration that simply couldn’t be experienced online. I think that Halloween has not completely faded away, but it has certainly lost some of its luster. If we ever want to recapture the real feel of Halloween, I think that people have to turn their lights on, put some decorations up, and allow the kids to find the fun little surprises along the way. That is what made trick or treating so memorable. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I completely relate!
Sincerely,
Ethan Thai
