Halloween is easily one of the best holidays of the year. There's no seriousness or weight to it, there's no need to make travel plans, there's no need for a big dinner. You have no obligation to do anything, or you can go as deep into it as you want. It's entirely fun, and at least where I live, the weather is at the absolute best. It's going to be low 60s, sunny, and peak foliage today. I loved it as a kid, dressing up and going house to house; then in college/kid-free partying, and now with kids of my own to see it through their eyes. The only downside is that the next day it's November, and DST ends.

All traditions take up air. If you aren't conscious about which traditions you continue and which ones you let go of, we'll end up at a least common multiple drained of all meaning except profit.

> Who wants an excuse to have fun, have kids and co-eds dress up in flirty clothing, and eat candy?

Now that you mention it, kids in flirty clothing is one of the things which isn't great.

Having the drunken dregs of society throw eggs and illegal firecrackers soundy truly fun and sophisticated.

I agree, it seems downright easy to pick up. It also falls (at least here in europe) at the beginning of the colder half of the year at a time when summer events are winding down, with christmas still almost two months away. It's a pretty good thing to fill the gap. (Doesn't mean you should indulge overpriced decor though)

I don't know why you got downvoted, your sarcasm implies an insightful point that shows why it spreads the way it does.