Holiday Tips: Hallow-Hate Or -Love?

Why People Love Halloween

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

I really don't like Halloween and usually choose not to celebrate it. I hate being scared and don't understand why anyone would want to celebrate a holiday devoted to scaring people. Why do people get so excited about Halloween?

Sincerely,

Halloween Hater

April Masini's advice: Dear Halloween Hater,

Not everyone likes to be scared. There are those who refuse to go on roller coasters at amusement parks, and into spook houses at Halloween parties. However....there are tons of people who love to be scared. Why?

When a person is scared they get an adrenalin rush. Lots of people like the way this rush feels. There is also a sense of relief when the fear abates. This sense of relief feels good, too. People who like these feelings, like to be scared because being scared is the catalyst for having these feelings.

But Halloween is not popular because people like these feelings. It's popular because it's fun and because most people are not scared by it. In fact, children love Halloween for two reasons:

1. They get candy.

2. They get to dress up.

Candy is a coveted treat for most kids because it tastes good and it's not great for you, so most parents don't let kids have too much of it. Holidays like Halloween, are the exception.

Getting dressed up is great fun for many people -- and children love playing dress up. Adults love getting decked out for a special occasion, and teens and seniors are no exception. Halloween provides a great opportunity for everyone who loves getting dressed up, to do so.