 
 
 
Why Has Halloween Become Such An Important Event?????Saturday, October 16, 2010
I received an email this morning from a childhood friend who asked me this question and I couldn't answer it. I remember as a child (as did she) going Trick or Treating for UNICEF through our church. When finished, we would give all of the money to our Pastor and then we would have a Halloween party at the church. We also went Trick or Treating on our own after this event, but it was usually just in our neighborhoods. 
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BENDER7
10/17/2010 7:17AM
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I think it keeps growing mostly because it is fun, although in our culture there is the mindset to out-do last year or the neighbors too.
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SUNNY332
10/17/2010 7:00AM
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Given the situation with the economy, I could certainly understand why people may just want to become "someone else" if only for one night. I worked in a Costume Shop back in the early 80's and it was big business then too. My boss made enough that month to carry the business through the hard times he did have during the year. Report Inappropriate Comment |
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FLAME42
10/16/2010 11:39PM
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I do think people do like to have fun dressing up, young and not so young. However, I do think it is going overboard when parents cart their children to 2-3 towns to gather candy. So much of the "loot" is then thrown away, what a waste.
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CHARMED3337
10/16/2010 8:02PM
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It's a creative release for a lot of people! We decorate our house every year. I will say that I have 5 Halloween totes full of decorations, but I have 13 Christmas totes. I just like the idea of a day were we can be someone else for the day. And the kids like it, because they get candy. And it is fun to see what your friends and family come up with to wear as costumes!!! It's just a weekend to have lots of fun with!!!!
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POSEY440
10/16/2010 7:28PM
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It should never get bigger than Christmas I feel one day is enough for this holiday. Just my opinion. 
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MS.ELENI
10/16/2010 5:02PM
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I also think it is because it is fun. I always enjoy seeing the kids in their costumes.Even the little ones that you know the parents are going to eat the candy.
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MCSNYDER1
10/16/2010 3:11PM
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Commercialism! That's why! It's funny---I've seen houses decked out more for Halloween than for Christmas!!! When I was a kid, we did the Unicef thing--then walked ONLY in our own neighborhood for treats! I did the same when my son was young!! Until 2 years ago, I lived in a nice subdivision where carloads, truckloads, and even tractors pulling wagonloads of kids were left to trick or treat! I will say this----there was never any real "mischief". Even the great big kids ( I mean high school age and possible even some college kids) were always fun, respectful, and just out having a good time! I was known as the "Popcorn Ball lady" because that's what I gave out every year---long before you could buy them at Wal-Mart! WHen I moved, the kids at school fussed because my house was empty and they wouldn't get their popcorn ball----so, I gave them out at school!!!! GREAT place to get them---- www.popcornfactory.com  
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LINDABEAR3
10/16/2010 2:32PM
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I've always liked Halloween but can't decorate or buy candy because I live in the woods and we don't get trickor treaters. I think it seems like it is getting to be a bigger and bigger deal now. I saw they put out the items in the store in July and now they have one section of the store devoted to the stuff. I don't mind as I think its mostly in good fun.
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SHERYLDS
10/16/2010 2:26PM
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People need to have fun. With all the stress in our lives, it just something to play with and have a good time.
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TEJAS1291
10/16/2010 1:51PM
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I think it has more to do with promotions from sellers of these particular decorations and costumes than anything else.The churches are involved to try and keep as many kids as possible in a safe environment.Even in this case manufacturers and stores still make large profits.
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PJSTIME
10/16/2010 1:49PM
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Another way to have fun and not have to go anywhere. And for some just another reason to have a party
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MARLINDA5
10/16/2010 1:19PM
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I think people just want to have "fun" - With more technology than several years ago - we are going to see more types of decorations just like Christmas. 
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REILLYGIRL64
10/16/2010 1:18PM
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I think people just like Halloween. Things aren't as simple as they were when I was a kid. We went Trick or Treating on Halloween night in home made costumes using a pillow case.
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I have been a coupon cutter and user for many years. My husband used to kid me about it until I kept track of what I saved for an entire year and showed him the numbers. He hasn't kidded me about it since!!! Following are some things I have learned over the years that have maximized my coupon savings:
1. Coupons are only effective if they are used. Keep clipped coupons in a wallet that is brought to the store, otherwise they many be forgotten at home. There are wallets available that have product dividers that make it easy to sort and find the correct coupons.
2. Coupons come in many forms. Check the supermarket flyer for store coupons, subscribe to the newspaper.....especially the Sunday edition.....for many manufacturers' coupons, and don't forget about the clipless coupons available by using a store's convenience card.
3. Only use coupons for items that are routinely used in the household. Don't feel obligated to purchase an item just because there is a coupon for it. This could result in impulse buys that end up costing shoppers more money.
4. Try different brands. This expands the number of possibilities a person has to use coupons.
5. Always comparison shop to ensure the best deal is being had. Just because there is a coupon for one item, another may be lower priced.
6. Find out which stores "Double" coupons or allow customers to combine coupons. Shop there for the most savings.
7. For those who shop primarily online, there are a number of websites that offer coupon codes for popular online retailers. Enter the code for savings.
8. Be conscious of coupon expiration dates. Remember to utilize the coupons before they expire.
9. Sign up for promotional material from different brands that are used in the home. For example, certain baby formula companies will offer coupons or discount checks simply by becoming a "Member" online. I used this one for our grand-daughter.
10. Sign up for promotional material from the stores that are regularly shopped by members of the family. Often these retailers will send coupons in the mail.
11. We also belong to a Warehouse Store in our area. Buying items that don't spoil in bulk has saved us a lot of money.
Do any of you have any other tips that have worked for you?????
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SUNNY332
10/16/2010 7:35AM
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I love coupons but never thought of keeping track of the savings. I think I will do that and save the $$ to a special fund to use sometime during the year (maybe DH's birthday). I just found some great resourses on line where you can print out your own coupons. Coupon Mom www.afullcup.com Don 't know if you use either of these but they are great. Hugs to you, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment |
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BENDER7
10/16/2010 7:20AM
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I used to use more coupons, but time is a factor now. If a good coupon finds me I'll use it, but I no longer clip coupons on a regular basis. I remember the savings were substantial.
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2BFREE2LIVE
10/16/2010 2:03AM
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I have been a coupon user ever since the children were babies, well let's just say almost 40 years now. I have gone completely paperless with coupons---I load the coupons to the grocery store cards, I only shop at two or three stores and I can load coupons to all the cards and who ever has the best price for the product is where I purchase. I even forget about some coupons being loaded on the cards and have a nice surprise at the check out when the cashier tells me how much I saved with the E-coupons. Such fun. Sandy Report Inappropriate Comment |
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MS.ELENI
10/15/2010 11:03PM
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I use coupons all the time. Checking my coupons is just part of making my grocery list
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FLAME42
10/15/2010 9:29PM
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Too often I clip the coupon and then forget to use it when out shopping. Guess getting organized as you suggested is the first step to sensible use of coupons.
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JASPERANN
10/15/2010 6:47PM
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I actually put my coupons in a binder and use the baseball card holders to hold each coupon. I separate it by aisle for the stores I shop at most. I also use the website www.afullcup.com for helpful deal scenarios each week (lots of people post different deals that they have done). I found that sometimes buying something you don't need can get you things you do need for free. (example: at Rite Aid they have depends for 6.99, but you get a 6.99 reward back for buying... so buy the depends to donate, and use the 6.99 on something you need.) Report Inappropriate Comment |
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MELLYBEANS0919
10/15/2010 6:41PM
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I love coupons.
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TIBURONA
10/15/2010 6:27PM
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I also check the "priced to sell" stuff at the local markets. You can get bargains if you look carefully. I recently got my Mom 10 yoplait yogurts for $2.50 and also a dented box (large) of Cheerios for that same price.
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SANDYLH1
10/15/2010 6:23PM
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I used coupons all the time. I can't think of anything further to add.
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for a great blog...unfortunately, I too, am a grownup. I don't wanna be though.... 
