Point-Counterpoint: is Halloween overrated?

Halloween is overrated:

Halloween, in my eyes, stands out as a particularly challenging holiday. The list of time, money and stress it demands can be quite overwhelming.

As the years pass, I’ve found myself grappling with the annual dilemma of what to do for a Halloween costume. Reflecting on my childhood experiences, I cannot help but feel that the simplicity and joy of trick-or-treating as a kid made Halloween far more enjoyable.

As one transitions into adulthood, Halloween seems to have morphed into a week-long headache.

Every year I stress over what I should do for Halloween. Being a kid during Halloween is so much more enjoyable when you go around neighborhoods trick or treating.

During this time, women especially invest substantial effort into creating elaborate costumes for the sake of social media posts. This transformation over the years has become highly competitive, only focusing on appearance which ruins all the excitement of the holiday.

It is almost as if Halloween has lost its innocence compared to way back when a simple costume sufficed. Unlike other holidays, there is nothing to celebrate.

Over the years, I have come to understand starting shopping for Halloween costumes months in advance might not be as essential as I once believed. It became apparent that Halloween does not need to be taken as seriously as I once thought, and I can still enjoy it in a more relaxed manner. - Olivia Anderson

Halloween is not overrated:

Oh, Halloween is the day when everyone can unleash their inner imagination and indulge in the spookiest, silliest and sweetest festivities of the year. There are countless reasons why I adore Halloween.

First and foremost, let's talk about the fashion freedom. Halloween is the one magical day when you can dress as anything you desire. As a kid, the possibilities were endless.

You see, Halloween gives people a license to be anyone or anything they want. But even better, what's a Halloween adventure without a lot of candy?

Trick-or-treating was the highlight of my youth. I counted down the days to October, eagerly awaiting that moment when the whole neighborhood transformed into a spooky little town. It wasn't just about the candy; it was the joy of knocking on doors, the delight in seeing my neighbors dressed in funny costumes and the thrill of racing friends to find the best candy houses.

Additionally, Halloween isn't just one day; it's a month-long celebration of all things eerie and thrilling. It's a time when my favorite spooky movies are played and they become even more captivating, especially with a sweet reward after the scare. Is watching a horror movie in July really the same?

The best part of it all is carving and painting pumpkins. You can't tell me you don't enjoy that, it would be criminal! And, of course, the real showstopper is the costumes!

When I was younger, one costume was just enough, and I would carefully plan it out for weeks. But as I grew older, Halloween evolved into "Halloweekend." High school brought this and suddenly, one costume wasn't enough. I had to get two, one for Friday and one for Saturday.

Now, in college, the costume count has risen to three or more.

I've had the privilege of experiencing just 20 Halloweens in my life so far. That means 20 opportunities to brainstorm, craft and flaunt some of the best and most wonderful ideas I've ever had.

I must admit, there's one tiny downside to Halloween – the cost of costumes. It's not always friendly to the wallet, but the joy it brings is absolutely worth every penny. Besides, there's a simple solution for the post-Halloween financial blues: the arrival of those seasonal orange Kit-Kat bars!

In the grand scheme of things, Halloween is more than just a date on the calendar; it's a feeling that brings me back to when I was a child.

So, yes, Halloween, you have my heart. I've loved you since I was a little trick-or-treater, and I'll continue to love you for all the costumes, candies and the best memories you continue to bring into my life. - Alexa Spilotras

Olivia Anderson is a fourth-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email oqa5131@psu.edu

Alexa Spilotras is a third-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email ams10012@psu.edu.