IT would appear that we cannot have any form of holiday without it being divisive.
That is not to say that standing up against problematic festivities is the wrong thing to do, but the imminent Halloween celebrations do not fall into the troublesome category.
Despite the generally family-friendly atmosphere that October 31 brings with it, not to mention the joy it gives kids, there are still plenty that want the holiday to become a ghost itself.
It is an extension of the tall poppy syndrome that Australians have become known for.
We see something flourishing that we do not understand or that is not what we are used to and we seek to belittle it.
While houses across the north have been decorated for the past few weeks leading into the 31st, the usual arguments of “it’s just a marketing tool” and “it’s an American holiday” have been ever-present.
Both of those statements are probably correct. And? So what?
I would encourage readers of The Bunyip to write in to the editor if they can find a holiday that has not been commercialised.
Is New Years Eve an Australian tradition?
Did Christmas start up in Wollongong or Kapunda?
Do causes for celebration need to have come from our backyard for people living here to be able to celebrate them?
The great strength of Australia is its diversity of culture.
It would be beneficial to all if this was simply embraced.
If you see a kid dressed up walking the streets with a guardian on Thursday afternoon, try not to have your overriding reaction be of disgust.
Try instead to see that they are probably just having fun, expressing themselves and spending time with their family and friends.
Live and let live.
All of this considered, if you are loading up on sweets to give to visiting kids decked out in creepy costumes, maybe chuck in something healthy as well.
