Halloween is what you make of it

I’ve never been much of a Halloween fan.
Really, the holiday just isn’t my thing. And there are probably a variety of reasons for that.
Growing up, I didn’t live in a neighborhood where parents could just let their kids run wild down the streets without a care in the world.
There weren’t any other kids my age living in the houses nearby.
And I don’t recall my city ever having anything like the Jay County Chamber of Commerce Merchant Trick or Treat Night that will be happening from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight at Jay Community Center. That seems like more of a small-town thing.
I can only remember a few of my costumes.
I was a football player (probably more than once). And I can still see myself standing next to my cousin Jim, who is a year younger than me, donning an Oscar the Grouch costume.
(I’m still an Oscar fan. Some of you may have seen my tie.)
But beyond that, the memories are slim.
I stopped trick-or-treating well before most of my friends. I can’t remember exactly when that occurred, but I’m guessing it was around sixth grade.
A lot of my friends held on much longer, still dressing up and going door-to-door begging for candy even as seniors in high school. That seemed a little strange to me.
And since stepping away from the trick or treat circuit, Halloween hasn’t meant much.
I haven’t often passed out candy. I haven’t attended Halloween parties. And I can’t remember the last time I had a costume.
Until today.
County reporter Kelly Lynch and city reporter Samm Quinn wanted to dress up for the day. That idea turned into a Halloween costume contest. An office carry-in — in which we all bring in a favorite dish — was added as well.
Although I yapped about how I would win the contest, I really wasn’t too excited about it until Tuesday. That’s when I came up with my idea.
So I’m sitting at my desk today dressed as BuzzFeed, The Commercial Review edition.
For those of you who may not know, BuzzFeed is a web site made up mostly of lists, some funny, some sentimental and many ridiculous. Kelly and Samm are huge fans, which is how I hit upon the idea.
My “costume” includes a list of lists made to look, at least somewhat, like the BuzzFeed main page. My coworkers can choose any list they would like to see, and I will provide it.
Most of the lists are work related, like “Top five craziest Graphic Printing employees” or “Things overheard in the newsroom.” I’m also including photos of cats and dogs, which seem to be a BuzzFeed staple.
The fun of my costume was coming up with the lists, trying to think of things that would make my coworkers laugh (and not get me punched). I hope I succeeded.
And in the process, I may just be warming up to Halloween. Because what I’m figuring out is, this holiday, any holiday, or any day really, is what you make of it.
If you come at it with enthusiasm, you’re probably going to have a good time.
So dress up. Enjoy your candy. And most importantly, have fun.
Happy Halloween.[[In-content Ad]]