Feature photo by Emily Hawxwell
By Emily Hawxwell
Controversial Halloween opinions have some Peace students practically rolling over in their graves.
Many people have different experiences and memories of Halloween. Perhaps your parents didn’t let you celebrate, or you might prefer to stay home, or maybe go out with your friends.
In an unofficial online survey conducted by The Peace Times staff, 80% of William Peace University students said they love Halloween, 16% said it is okay, and 4% did not have an opinion; 32% of students who responded said that it’s their favorite holiday.
“Halloween is one of the days of the year where dressing up as myself and alternatively is acceptable,” said Royale Horton. “I’ve always felt somewhat outta the norm, and so getting dressed up each year as something different brings me intense euphoria and allows me to feel free.”
But not everyone gets caught up in the spooky spirit.
“Halloween isn’t my favorite because I’m personally not a fan of spooky/scary, and that’s all the craze this time of year,” said Ashe Draxinger.
Some students feel that Halloween is no longer what it used to be.
“Halloween is getting less fun because last year, kids barely walked or even knew what to say when asking for candy,” said Deborah Hawkins. “Most of them were getting dropped off in their guardians’ cars in front of a house, getting candy, then getting back in their car and driving off to the house next door, and repeat.”
Campus Events
Last year’s campus Halloween party left some students disappointed and wishing it were “more organized.” Several students gave ideas for Peace to make the season more exciting in the survey.
- “I think it would be interesting if Peace had an annual Halloween costume contest,” said Owen Peterson.
- “We should do some kind of Halloween party or Haunted House,” said Annika Crank.
When to stop
When and at what age to stop trick-or-treating can be a controversial topic for discussion, with many differing opinions offered in the survey.
Students were asked, “When did you stop trick-or-treating?” The results speak for themselves, with 48% saying high school, 12% saying middle school, and 12% saying never.
Many students said there is no age limit, and it’s all about personal preference.
- “Whenever you personally feel like it,” said Christian Howard.
- “There is no such age where trick or treating should be stopped at,” said Kindred Bazemore.
- “Whenever you feel like it, it’s just unorthodox when you are past like 12 or 13,” said Travis Banks.
How do students spend Halloween?
When asked how they like to spend the holiday, 72% said they enjoy going out, and 28% said they’d rather stay in.
Some of the most popular Halloween activities mentioned:
- Dressing up
- Hanging out with friends
- Passing out candy/trick or treating
- Watching movies
Costumes
When it comes to dressing up, 92% of students reported doing so, while 8% said they do not.
For the students who do dress up, 36% of students decide on their costume before October, another 36% said during October, 16% said the week of, and 12% said a year before.
Some of the students’ best past costumes:
- Ahsoka Tano
- Beetlejuice
- Inflatable baby costume
- Dante from Devil May Cry
- Draculaura from Monster High
- Marty McFly
- Plague doctor
- Anakin Skywalker
- George Washington
Costumes that students are dressing up as this year:
- Stone Cold Steve Austin
- Leon Kennedy
- Emo Bowser
- Winter Soldier
- Jake from Adventure Time
- Larry Bird
- Dr. Facilier
- A ghost
- Winnie the Pooh
How did their parents let them celebrate as kids?
When it comes to whether their parents allowed them to celebrate Halloween as a child 92% said yes, and 8% they were not allowed.
“One of my parents thought Halloween was this horrible, demonic holiday, so I never got to celebrate it because of my parents’ fear that it would corrupt their children,” said Draxinger.
Instead of celebrating, their parents would buy candy for them to enjoy at home, possibly carve some pumpkins, and enjoy the Christmas decorations they put up in late October.
There is no correct way to celebrate Halloween, whether you’re trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, or just chilling at home. As long as you’re having fun, you’re doing it right.