October 27, 2009

I want to write about something that may sound un-american but still it bugs me.

I arrived in this country over a half a century ago. I landed in New York from Europe after a flight that seemed it would never end. JFK International Airport didn't exist at that time, it was a lot smaller and it was called Idlewild Airport.

Anyway, we landed and after checking out we were transported by bus to Brooklyn to our temporary lodgings.

Coming from Eastern Europe we weren't very familiar with Americans and their customs. As the bus was rolling through the streets of Queens and Brooklyn we were plastered to the windows looking out and trying to spot ordinary people.

You can not imagine our amazement at seeing people on the streets with children who were dressed in all kinds of costumes: princesses, devils, warriors, space men etc. We looked at each other questioning: is this the way American kids dress?

We only found out later that it was Halloween and what really Halloween was.

After a half a century of living here I still can not get used to the extremes everybody and mainly the media go about Halloween.

It is nice and understandable for kids - small kids - to go out and Trick or Treat. But for adults to get involved is not right.

I live in a large apartment house. Years ago parents came around with their kids. They rang the doorbell and proudly looked on as we opened the door and admired the kids' costumes and gave them candy. The sad thing was that the same parents next day didn't even bother to say hello when we met.

Actually, kids were going around the neighborhood from door to door ringing bells. It didn't matter that we had no clue who they were and where they lived. They just came.

It is a children's holiday. They should enjoy it. Grown ups shouldn't get involved. I have no problem having little kids coming around but when teenagers bang on the doors I see red.

So, being very democratic about this we don't open the door for anyone.

Just like Christmas and Easter this is being commercialized and thus it looses its appeal and charm.

Last night we saw Castle on CBS Channel 2. This is a very entertaining show that we enjoy watching. Except last night it was an idiotic Halloween themed storyline. It showed exactly what's wrong with this holiday. Adults take over something that is none of their business. Why can they not leave it for the children to enjoy it?

Why adults need any excuse to party more and make complete fools of themselves?