Happy Halloween

Autumn is by far my favorite time of year, and October is my favorite month. Not only is it my birth month, but I love the October weather here in Utah and the foliage, even if it comes with an accompanying undertone of dreading the winter cold and feeling irritated about the leaf mess. I love how you can leave the windows open during most of the month.

Also, I always enjoyed going back to school at this time of year, and I enjoy it when my kids get back into school and don't stay home all day stickying up the house. I find it a huge relief when it starts getting dark earlier again, as I don't care for those long summer evenings that drag out the daylight.

I also like the tone of October because of Halloween. I like the dark, wild, pagan undertone of this holiday, even if I personally feel absolutely no interest in putting any effort into decorations or costumes. I like how Halloween doesn't carry any altruistic baggage like Thanksgiving and Christmas—it's a purely carnal holiday, with no pretenses. I don't like how Mormon housewives try to make Halloween too safe and cutesy, and I despise the movement toward trunk-or-treat. Let Halloween retain its dangerous, sinister edge—hooligans should roam the streets late Halloween eve and smash pumpkins.

I canceled my UVSC evening class for Halloween, and I think we should make Halloween a real holiday with the day off from work. And for some reason, this year I find myself looking forward more to Thanksgiving and Christmas than usual, for the time off from work and for the pleasure of watching my kids enjoy the holidays. Bring on the eggnog!