Should we celebrate Halloween in Australia?

[jave808]

Well, what do you kind people think?  Should we Australians embrace Halloween or leave it for other countries to celebrate?

[Scott]

IMO no - the only meaning for it within Australia seems to be a commercial one.

Although rewind 3 years to when I was at uni: http://www.shoeboxblog.com/?p=32555

[Mike Mitchell]

I don't see the point, we already have 20 days of public holidays and 4 weeks annual leave and 2 weeks sick leave, and RDO's and ADO (accumulated days of to compensate for unpaid overtime). If it gets any worse/better, we'll never get any work done. 

[veebee]

I am also on the NO side.. apart from the fact that most Aussies who DO"celebrate it", probably dont even know what Halloween is really about, it is simply being thrust down peoples (especially kid) throats for the purpose of making more money for selling junk...

Go Home Halloween..

[Agnew]

I don't mind passing out a bucket of sweets on occasion to see the kids happy & smiling, be it a traditional Aussie holiday or not.

[kashi]

I never liked the idea myself and I agree with the comments about its commercialisation. But I've been forced to reconsider my view over the last few years. How could I stay grouchy about it after seeing the fun the kids have and also the pleasure my mum gets giving them lollies and eating any that are left over? I even had a green snake myself today and a delicious little Italian chocolate from Aldi shaped/wrapped like a ghost.  

[Dingo]

When I was in Canada they celebrated Halloween and hundreds of kids would come and it would cost a fortune if you didn't have kids of your own.  BUT  I can remember the fun I had as a child celebrating Halloween and getting all those goodies.  My parents used to give a lot of it away, re cycled I guess, to kids coming to the door, but I still had sweets for weeks.  Most of the holidays these days are just commercial days for companies to sell whatever goes along with that holiday.  No matter how the holiday started it is just a money maker, and keeps people employed.

I don't think that Australia should start having an official day for Halloween but it would give a boost to the costume industry and all the confectionery suppliers.

[jave808]

Well, my personal opinion is that Australia shouldn't celebrate it.  I'm not a big fan of it and don't really want anything to do with it. 

As for Halloween night itself I only had one trick-or-treater come to my door.  A boy about 11-13 years old, still in his school clothes!! Just going door-to-door looking for lollies/chocolates etc. LOL!

[kashi]

Yeah, lots of cute little witches and goblins out trick or treating.  Lots of hyperactive small people at school yesterday as well.

Aldi now has no artificial colours so not as much hyperactivity from anything we gave them. Still get the sugar hit of course.;D

I don't feel dismayed that I have compromised my standards once I finally relax about some things. After all, I finally bought a mobile phone this year. Surely they are the technological spawn of Satan, yet I've already made 3 or 4 calls on it in the last 9 months and my spirit is untroubled. Why concern ourselves with our diet unless we also feed our mind with positive, joyful thoughts? For years and years I mentally fumed when seeing American spelling and meanings used in Australia. But reading overseas BOINC and other forums has almost cured me. Momentarily used inappropriately still causes a slight irksome twinge of course, so I still have some respect for tradition. Some old meanings where usage has now changed seem almost hard wired though even though they don't annoy at all only slightly amuse; I still immediately think of a pimp whenever I see or hear the word hoon.

I'm a little pimp with my hair gassed back
Pair a khaki pants with my shoes shined black
Got a little lady...walk the street
Tellin' all the boys that she can't be beat
Twenny dollah bill (I can set you straight)
Meet me onna corner boy'n don't be late
gm:

[Neil G]

If a Canadian suggestion is acceptable, then this Canuck says No, for reason that it is a a gross waste of time and money for little gained.  Except for the short term and soon forgotten enjoyment of kids, it only benefits the shops and the China makers of costumes and other accoutrements.  It used to be a neighbourhood fun time, livened up by fireworks (most now banned here for safety reasons).  Sorry to see that go, and replaced by yet another excuse to raid our wallets.  Ahhhh, the past is still exerting itself bringing back old memories. 

Best and Cheers to All