Has anyone else felt that Halloween has been neglected the last couple years?

Question

I've noticed alot less halloween merchandise the last couple years...... its sort of disheartening since halloween is my fav holiday.

I should add... I live in TN, in the bible belt... not sure if this may also be a reason why there hasn't been as much the last couple years ;p

Answer 1

Yes I completely agree. It's my favorite holiday as well and I have definitely noticed a big change.

First I think it's because of the fear. Each year you hear more and more about people mixing stuff into candy, sexual predators out there, and kidnapping--not to mention teenagers vandalizing property and egging kids out trick-or-treating. More parents just don't want their kids going door to door. They'd rather go to the mall or church functions that just give candy to the kids.

That being said--I've noticed more and more people not turning on their lights. In my neighborhood, more than 50% of the houses did not have jack-o-lanterns or porch lights on. Trick-or-treating loses its fun if adults don't participate.

Halloween has always been less of an event when it falls Mon-Wed, as opposed to Thurs-Sat. Fewer parties, fewer bars having costume events, fewer kids able to go out on a school night.

But I have noticed more commercialism of my favorite holiday. I used to love Halloween b/c of the creative imagination of children and the bonding between parents and their kids. It used to be kids roaming the neighborhood as something they came up with--a kleenex box, a bowl of spaghetti, a princess, and a few movie characters. Now it looks like a fashion show for Party City/Halloween Express. Every costume is bought. The "family" part is gone and it's just buying your kid the most expensive costume.

I think you said it best with it's "disheartening". I miss Halloween.

Answer 2

Halloween retailers base next year's buying on last year's sales. When 9/11 happened in 2001, Halloween sales plummeted because the country was in mourning. 2002 saw a paltry selection at stores. Retailers have been slowly increasing Halloween sales since.

Each year something new has hit the market. Last year Gemmy came out with its Spirit Ball. This year, ground foggers hit the stores. Each season gets a little bit better.

Answer 3

Halloween is my favorite, too. I don't know that I think it has been neglected, it's just that the stores, particularly Walmart, rush everything. They start in late summer with Halloween stuff and by the time Halloween rolls around, they've got Christmas displays up. I guess they put their decorations where the money is.

Answer 4

1. A lot of people are tired of the trick-or-treaters and don't even answer the door.
2. Many of the kids are too demanding and don't even think of saying "Thank You".
3. Costumes are getting far too murderous or demonic, which is a big turn-off to many people.
4. Kids from rural areas or boarding schools are taken to heavily populated areas in school buses.
5. Candy is getting too expensive and a lot of people cannot afford candy for three or four hundred kids.

Answer 5

Not in my neighborhood. I think a lot of churches, malls, and communities are holding events for children and there are less trick or treaters but no way is Halloween neglected. I think adults are trying to make it safer.

Answer 6

THANK YOU!! I've noticed that too! I love halloween and i wish others would too, plus i can't even dress up in my school, how sad is that!

Answer 7

Not at all...at least not where I live at. More people then every decorate, etc.