Archive for October 31st, 2006

2006.10.31

Happy Halloween!

I know the day is almost over (and actually over for those of you in EST) but I had to say it.

It’s amazing to me how Halloween has become a holiday which it doesn’t matter how young or old you are to have a good time. Maybe it was always this way and I just never noticed. Kids put on costumes and “trick or treat” and many of the grown ups just put on costumes and party. Many cities have notable street parties and, at least in San Francisco, it seemed like there were more parties for people to goto than at any other year I’ve lived here.

One of the great things about Halloween for those of legal drinking age is that it’s not a holiday about family (as is Thanksgiving, Christmas, and many others) but about having a bit of fun and being with friends. Though many other holidays are used by friends as opportunities to get together Halloween is one that is easily used to actually go out, be a little crazy, and go back to work and have no one think anything the less of you.

We need more holidays that honor friends and friendship, and not in some serious manner, but as events that create bonding moments and memories for kids and adults, among and across age differences.

Hail the Great Pumpkin!

UPDATE 2006.11.01: Great. It seems like as I was writing this last night some idiots were shooting people in the Castro. Fortunately no one died, but now they are talking about closing down the famed street party. I used to enjoy that party, but then they started cracking down and limiting access, the costumes got fewer and worse, the crowds got larger and now they have a shooting. I’d hate to see the tradition end (because I know others will) because I like tradition. However, I think it’s a done deal (killing the event) because of the over-regulation and stigmatization of the event by the City “leadership”.