“But what about Christmas, Hannukah, or Thanksgiv”—fear not my friend.  Mariah Carey looped in department stores and awkward apolitical (so we hope) conversations are on the horizon,  but for now,  take a second and appreciate the fun fear of Halloween,  the best holiday of all.
    Why?  Well, with social disconnection increasing in recent years and being linked to worse physical and mental health according to the U. S. Surgeon General Advisory,  Halloween provides a unique opportunity for neighborly connections.   Kids practice courtesies like “please” and “thank you,” basic pleasantries that are becoming increasingly alien.  Even if a household just leaves out a bowl of candy and a futile  “take one”  sign, kids win in another way,  allowing themselves as much of the best candy as possible.
    And of course, the treats.  Who doesn’t like being given permission to more than satisfy their sweet tooth?  While December holidays bring gifts, too,  their joy is arguably counteracted by the effort—and cost—needed to pick them for everyone you know.  Candy is simple: head to your local grocery store and pick up enough for the night—$32 per household on average,  according to the National Retail Federation,  compared to $902 on gifts per person for Christmas!  Exhausting and expensive—who wins?
    Still, some reasonably argue against Halloween due to the risk posed by heavy foot traffic on dark streets, as car accidents do indeed increase by 25% on Halloween nights, according to JAMA Pediatrics.  This risk is indisputable,  which is why we must push for common-sense fixes in our communities.  Establishing Halloween during daylight hours for younger kids and lit sidewalks for evening teens would work effectively to dial down the risk.
    So,  hang the reused ghost,  flip on the porch light,  and wholeheartedly greet the man in the mustard costume!  If December forces us to plan and budget,  and November to be family diplomats,  October invites us to play.   Carey can wait.