Since I was a kid, it has always been a tradition to decorate for Christmas on either Thanksgiving or Black Friday, a custom which many other people may also take part in. For others, like my housemates, the day after Halloween is fair game to bring on the yuletide cheer. In an instant, down goes the jack-o’-lanterns and fake spider webs in favor of tinsel and trees, ushering in the celebration of the joyous holiday from nearly the beginning or middle of November as if both “spooky day” and “turkey day” never existed.
With this idea in mind, why would it not be alright for Halloween to be celebrated just as quickly and for the same amount of time? Transitioning from mid-to-late September, the window to celebrate the horrific holiday stands at approximately one to one and a half months: almost just as much time as many Christmas-lovers celebrate their beloved day.
In a way, Halloween feels practically synonymous with fall. From its orange-fronted color palette to visions of scarecrows, cornstalks and pumpkins, its ties to autumn are too strong to justify consolidating its enjoyment into only one month of the season. Furthermore, considering Thanksgiving and the rest of fall are practically engulfed by Christmastime every year, it feels appropriate to dedicate the rest of the season toward celebrating the spooktacular celebration.
When one thinks of Christmas movies, often the idea of watching a film of the type outside of its designated holiday season may seem like a groan-worthy experience. As for Halloween movies, the idea of watching one at other points during the year may be more justified, considering the more seasonally-neutral nature of horror and the macabre. In September, no less, taking in such films in celebration of Halloween would be only a minor offense when considering how near the holiday truly is. Whether it be “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” or “Coraline,” films which show an appreciation for morbidity may be enjoyed at any time of year. To watch them in commemoration of Halloween makes them even more fun to experience.
Though candy is also a central aspect of Halloween, one cannot deny its universality throughout the entire year. When placed in context of the holiday, themed bags, shapes and wrapping only further elevate the joy and fun which comes from eating sweets. With its focus on confectionaries in mind, celebrating the holiday a little early gives people even more of a reason to kick back and enjoy the sweet, sugary goodness that is candy.
Above all, one should be entitled to begin celebrating Halloween whenever they feel inclined to, within reason. Though months like January may be a stretch to break out the skeleton displays and start plotting the next big costume idea, by August or September, fans of the holiday should be allowed to enjoy it as they please. Whether it be by watching a classic monster movie, carving a pumpkin or stocking up on bags filled with a variety of sweets, Halloween is deserving of just as much appreciation of occasions like Christmas, and therefore is entitled to be celebrated with the same amount of enthusiasm for just as much time.
