Ah, the wonderful time of year of ghosts, witches, and pumpkins, when people dress up in costumes, ask strangers for candy and drink until they can’t remember why they’re drinking; Halloween. Yes, this holiday is obviously different for children and parents, but for college students, it’s a weekend designed especially for them. While I have almost never liked this holiday, even as a child, I understand that most people enjoy it, so I want to make clear that my intentions are not to offend anyone with this article but to offer a different perspective.

As a lot of my friends know I am very, I repeat very, easily scared. Anything, from the mention of a snake, which I am terrified of and could barely type the word, to a scary movie or haunted house, scares me senseless. Don’t get me wrong, I do like surprises, just not when they are intended to scare me. Also, I refuse to pay to be scared, so I do not go to haunted houses or watch scary movies. The scariest movie I think I ever saw was The Woman in Black, which resulted in me balled up in a chair crying and screaming at every little part of the movie. Unfortunately for me, scary movies and haunted houses are a big part of Halloween so I am forced to opt out of any activities my friends want to do, but honestly I don't mind because I really don’t believe I would survive.

Another reason I don’t like Halloween is because I don’t really like costumes. It’s a struggle for me to pick out a normal outfit in the morning, let alone a costume. I think the last time I wore a costume I was between the ages of 8 and 10, and I’m pretty sure I went as a witch for the majority of my childhood; I was a very original child. And like with haunted houses and scary movies, I really don’t want to spend money on an outfit I wear only once. Yes, I know there are costumes that probably cost little to nothing, but again, I’m not very creative or willing to look up ideas. The pressure to have the perfect costume is way too much to handle and is one less thing I have to worry about at this point in the semester.

Finally, something that has really only been a problem the past few years, are the crazy Halloween parties. Everyone dresses up in a cute, sexy, or dark costume and goes out to some wild party the whole weekend before and after Halloween. While I realize there are college students that don’t go to Halloween parties, a lot do. For me, this is not something I really enjoy. For one, I am underage and it is completely illegal for me to go to a party and drink. Two, I am a Resident Assistant this year and with this comes the responsibility of being a role-model. Plus I really don’t like when I have to document residents for any form of incident, and would not want to be documented myself. For me, it is just easier to stay home and find something better to do with my time, but for those who enjoy parties, more power to you and I hope you have (had) fun this weekend.

Overall, I really just don’t like all the hype that goes with this holiday. The pumpkins will rot, the costumes will go in the closet, and you'll have a headache the next day whether from drinking or consuming too much candy. Still, some of my favorite movies, candy, and memories are centered around Halloween so there are aspects I do enjoy. I mean, what’s better than watching Practical Magic or Halloweentown with a big bag of popcorn and chocolate? (If you have never seen those movies I highly recommend them!) So while most people are out celebrating with tricks, treats, and drinks, I’ll be in my room watching movies, sleeping, and eating chocolate. Happy Halloween everyone.