In the United States Halloween is now acknowledged as the second most important celebration after Christmas Day. And wait for it, depending on your reference source, spending – mainly on costumes and lollies (NZ translation of candy) – will hit as much as US$7 billion.
That’s a staggering sum – about US$22 for every man, woman and child in the States.
First reaction around the office to this piece of trivia bordered on resigned disbelief as to the ‘folly’ of our American cousins. But wait a minute! What about the economic impact of spending $7 billion in the space of a week on the manufacturing, wholesale, distribution and retail sectors of the economy. Surely there has to be benefit in that!
Not moved by economic arguments?! Well what about the outpouring of enjoyment and fun for the ‘small and big kids’ among us who aren’t too self-conscious to enter into the spirit of the occasion. Coming off the back of our Rugby World Cup success, we know only too well the uplift that comes when the community celebrates collectively.
From modest beginnings in New Zealand, Halloween is progressively becoming a major on our special events calendar. Personally I’m in favour of it becoming more popular, even if it is starting to challenge – but hopefully not overtake – the place of one of my favourites – Guy Fawkes Day.
So come October 31, our household will be armed with a hoard of lollies to dispense to the swarm of children who come ‘trick or treating’ dressed as witches, fairies, pirates and wizards. I’ve even been known to don my wizard hat myself in answer to the doorbell – that is if I can beat my wife (in full costume) to the door.
