Hallowe’en took a dive during the COVID Crisis. And never really recovered. This year, the Hallowe’en Treat makers are in the middle of an unprecedented sales slump. And they’re trying harder than ever to promote the ‘holiday’…
When I dropped in to grab a coffee from the ‘Café’ corner at my go-to supermarket this past Friday morning, the Hallowe’en Treat shelves were only a little more than half empty…
What happened?
When I asked one of my ‘friendly’ cashiers what happened, she said a lot of folks had come in later yesterday and first thing that day – lined up waiting for the doors to open – and bought nothing BUT Hallowe’en hand-outs… Demographically, many of those appeared to be Gen Xers or Younger Boom-ers. Nobody would think twice if it was only the older crowd (mainly retirees) who weren’t doing the traditional thing’ anymore. But it appears the Gen Zers AND even younger folks are not playing the game, either. If they ever did.
Personal observations
My own survey of the local streets on which travelled on my errands revealed that only about 1 in every 6 or 7 houses had any significant front yard decorations. Before COVID, almost every house on the street sported spooky yard decor. A Jack-O-Lantern, at least!
And I’ve heard of no community centre T-and-T alternatives for the kids this year. No local (one-off) restaurant specials. All I’ve heard or seen have been the customary admonitions to drivers to go slow and carefully after dark, if they must go out at all. And make sure any kids who do go candy-extorting are accompanied by an adult.
My take
Is Hallowe’en dead? Or has it just been ‘demoted’. Like Pluto was downgraded to a dwarf planet a while back. Which would mean the ancient-rooted observance has been sent to the Unofficial Holiday minors, to play with the likes of Groundhog Day and April Fool’s Day…
My questions to you:
Have you ever participated in Hallowee’n observances?
If so…
Do you still make some effort?
If so…
How elaborate an effort?
If not…
When did you stop ‘celebrating’ Hallowe’en? Why?
The key question:
Do you believe Hallowe’en is dead?
Or do you believe it’s just been demoted?
Muse on that!
~ Maggie J.