The original title of this blog entry was “Happy Halloween,” but then I started thinking – why do people wish a Happy Halloween? Shouldn’t it be “Scary Halloween” or “Frightful Halloween?” I’d even accept a “Have a Mischievous Halloween” if someone greeted me with it.
I can understand “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year” – those are cheerful holidays. But Halloween isn’t like that. You wouldn’t wish someone a “Morbid Thanksgiving” or a “Hair-Raising Easter,” would you? Of course not. So what’s with all the good cheer at Halloween?
Maybe I’m over-thinking this. Besides, when talk shows got into the Halloween game with entire shows dedicated to turning the day into a “festive celebration the whole family can enjoy,” I guess the holiday officially took a turn for the jolly. (No offense to these shows … my mother-in-law loves them.)