OP-ED: Hating Halloween …An Unpopular Opinion

Halloween may be a beloved holiday for many Americans, but for this writer, it's the stuff of nightmares.

As I drive through my neighborhood, I am bombarded with images that would make even Stephen King jump. 8-foot-tall demonic figures, eerie decorations, and an obsession with horror and gore that seems to intensify year after year.

I can't help but wonder, why are we so obsessed with this dark and twisted holiday?

What is it about Halloween that makes people want to dress up as ghouls, demons, and monsters and scare the living daylights out of their neighbors? I mean, do we really need to see a life-size skeleton hanging from a tree on our morning jog? Call me old-fashioned, but I would rather not.

Some may argue that Halloween is just a fun way to escape reality for one evening and become someone or something else. And I agree, kids look adorable in their costumes and trick-or-treating is a fun activity. But for me, the fun stops when the masks and creepy costumes come out.

You see, I have a deep-rooted hatred for Halloween, and it's not because I'm a party pooper or a killjoy. No, my hatred stems from a childhood trauma involving an uncle with wicked sense of humor wearing a mask terrifying me. Ever since then, I can't stand masks and the thought of being in a space where I can't see someone's full face sends shivers down my spine.

And let's talk about clowns…

I don't know who thought it would be a good idea to make a children's party entertainer a symbol of terror, but I for one am not on board. The fact that some people choose to dress up as clowns on Halloween is beyond me. I will not be going anywhere near those circus rejects, thank you very much.

And by the way, putting the very real mass killer John Wayne Gacy aside for just a moment. Stephen King’s conjured clown children’s nightmare from “It” is enough to keep anyone rational away from the big top permanently. Nope, no clowns for me.

But my aversion to Halloween goes beyond just my personal fears.

The origins of this holiday are rooted in darkness, as it is believed that on this night, the line between the spirit world and the physical world is blurred, allowing evil souls to roam freely. Human sacrifices, demons, and otherworldly creatures are all part of Halloween's history.

I mean, come on!

And yet, we continue to embrace this holiday and make it a billion-dollar industry. Personally, I'll stick to pumpkin carving and handing out candy to adorable trick-or-treaters. And for those who choose to celebrate this spooky holiday, have fun, but please remember to stay safe.

But to my fellow Halloween haters, let's raise a glass of apple cider and toast to surviving another Halloween season. Cheers!