Is Halloween Just About Money? The Truth Behind the Holiday's Commercialization

Halloween – it’s that time of year again, right? You can feel it in the air as soon as September ends. Pumpkins, spooky decorations, and racks of costumes start flooding stores. But is Halloween just a giant money grab these days? You can’t walk into a store without seeing overpriced costumes, candy aisles bursting at the seams, and houses decked out with light-up skeletons and inflatable ghosts. For a holiday that was once about warding off evil spirits, it’s hard not to wonder if we’ve lost sight of what Halloween is really about.

So, what is Halloween? It didn’t start out as the consumer-fest it is now, that’s for sure. It actually has deep roots in ancient Celtic traditions. Way back in the day, it was known as Samhain, a festival where people believed that the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. They’d light bonfires and wear costumes to scare away ghosts. The idea was to keep spirits at bay as they prepared for the darker half of the year. Fast forward through centuries of Christian influences, and we’ve got what’s now known as Halloween.

In North America, especially, Halloween has morphed into a cultural phenomenon that's a whole lot more about costumes and candy than anything spiritual. And let’s be real – it’s big business. In 2023 alone, Halloween spending in the U.S. hit a record $10.6 billion. That’s right, billion. People are shelling out for everything from trendy costumes (because who doesn’t want to be Barbie and Ken this year?) to elaborate decorations that rival Christmas setups. It’s a marketer’s dream come true, but is that really what Halloween is supposed to be about?

The Commercialization of Halloween: How Did We Get Here?

Halloween in North America has become a super commercialized event, but why? There are a few key reasons, and a lot of it comes down to capitalism doing its thing. First, as soon as Halloween made its way over from Europe, it began shifting into more of a community-based holiday. By the mid-20th century, it became a big deal for kids to dress up and trick-or-treat. This shift gave retailers a huge opportunity to cash in.

Costumes are no longer just about throwing a sheet over your head and calling yourself a ghost. We’ve got costumes for pets, elaborate makeup tutorials, and entire sections of stores dedicated to every spooky trend of the year. Halloween parties? Also a booming business – think themed drinks, haunted houses, and over-the-top decorations. And then there’s the candy. Tons and tons of candy. Companies like Hershey's and Mars have been riding the Halloween wave for decades, with spooky-themed packaging and ads that make it impossible not to toss that extra bag of mini Snickers into your cart.

Why Is Halloween So Big in North America?

Halloween is huge in North America, and it’s no accident. While other parts of the world, like the UK and Ireland, celebrate Halloween, it doesn’t dominate the season in quite the same way. In the U.S. and Canada, Halloween has become deeply ingrained in the culture, and part of that is due to the influence of media, movies, and, of course, capitalism. North America is a marketing powerhouse, and every year, Halloween provides the perfect opportunity for brands to push new products, movies, and even TV specials that get everyone into the spooky spirit. Think of the endless stream of Halloween-themed shows, horror movie marathons, and over-the-top haunted house attractions – they all contribute to the hype.

Another key factor is timing. Halloween comes at the perfect point in the calendar – just before the major holiday season kicks off with Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s almost like a warm-up for all the festivities to come. Retailers know this, so they capitalize on the momentum, making sure stores are decked out in orange and black before you’ve even thought about fall. And honestly, it works. People get swept up in the excitement, buying decorations, costumes, candy, and all the other fun stuff that comes with Halloween. It’s become such a major part of North American culture that we all just kind of go with it, turning it into one of the biggest consumer events of the year.

Should We Stop Celebrating Halloween?

This is where things get a little complicated. There’s no denying that Halloween has become a super commercialized event, and that commercialization can make it feel like we’re more focused on spending money than actually enjoying the holiday. It’s easy to see how Halloween might have lost some of its original charm – after all, what was once a night about spooky fun and tradition has turned into a competition for the most elaborate house decorations or the most “Instagram-worthy” costume. Walking into any store in October, it’s hard not to feel like you’re being sold to at every turn, and that can make the holiday feel a bit soulless.

But here’s the thing – Halloween is also one of the few holidays where people of all ages can truly let loose and get creative. There’s something special about dressing up in costumes, hosting themed parties, or just getting into the spirit of the season with friends and family. For a lot of people, Halloween is a break from the everyday grind, a chance to escape into something fun and lighthearted, even if it’s just for a night. So while it might feel like Halloween has lost its way due to commercialization, there’s still room for the holiday to be a genuinely enjoyable experience.

Maybe the solution isn’t to stop celebrating Halloween altogether but to rethink how we celebrate it. Instead of focusing on the consumer side, we could emphasize creativity, community, and the fun, spooky spirit that made Halloween so special in the first place. After all, it’s a holiday that’s meant to bring people together, even in its eeriest form.

Let's Get Back to the Spirit of Halloween (Literally)

Maybe instead of spending hundreds of dollars on costumes and decorations, we could focus on bringing back some of the original spirit of the holiday. Think DIY costumes (because trust me, those always look cooler anyway), hosting spooky movie nights with friends, or even learning a bit about the history of Samhain and how the holiday came to be. Halloween doesn’t have to be all about spending money; it can be about connecting with friends, family, and traditions in a more meaningful way.

In the end, Halloween will probably always have its commercial side, especially in North America where it’s a massive moneymaker. But that doesn’t mean we can’t carve out space for a more intentional celebration. Whether you’re into the spooky vibes or just want an excuse to eat candy, it’s worth considering how we can reclaim the holiday and make it more about the experience and less about the shopping carts.

Stay spooky and creative with more cultural insights at Woke Waves Magazine.

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