Revealing Costumes

People are looking to escape everyday realities on Halloween this year according to the National Retail Federation. The average person plans to spend $66.54 on the holiday with total spending estimated to reach $5.77 billion. Approximately one third will be spent on costumes to celebrate the occasion.

The great thing about Halloween is that it provides the perfect excuse for kids and adults to become someone else for a few hours. It’s the only time they can dress up in ridiculous costumes and not have people stare at them like they are complete idiots.

What people may not realize is that their costumes reveal important things about them. Dr. Ron Schenk was quoted in a recent article in The Dallas Morning News, “Halloween gives a place for those parts of our psyche that don’t fit in. You can dress up as a princess and feel you are the center of the universe. If you’re scared, you can deal with your fear by dressing up as something dark and powerful. You can give your inner yearnings a place at the table, to acknowledge that that they are part of you.”

What does your costume say about you? Well, according to Halloween expert Suzanne Kelly:

• If you’re a Ghost, you’re either cheap, unoriginal, or lazy. If you think that you can throw an old white sheet over your head, cut slits for eyeholes and call it a costume, you’re sadly mistaken. You’re better off staying at home and saving people the tears your mind-numbing personality would cause them.
• If you’re a Pimp, you’re cashing in on the old trick-or-treating philosophy; the more houses you go to, the more candy you’ll get. A lesson just as important in your 20s as it was when you were 8-years-old.
• If you’re a Pirate, you are fun-loving and adventurous, you aren’t afraid to take risks. You aren’t easily influenced, especially when it comes to people’s opinions about others; you truly believe that there’s a hidden treasure buried within everyone. That, or you’re just lazy and are two years too late to the Captain Jack Sparrow trend.
• If you’re a Superhero, some may say you’re close-minded. But you’re actually just self-assured and strong-willed. You’re a loyal friend, someone who is always willing to go above and beyond for them. Because of this, you are someone that others look up to and seek comfort in. More importantly, you look good in spandex.
• If you’re a Celebrity, an air of arrogance surrounds you, and you have raised yourself to self-appointed VIP status. You often find yourself being the hub of gossip. Yes, that means people know you, but do they really like you? Think about that.
• If you’re a Witch, you aren’t afraid to tell people what you think, even if you make some enemies in the process. Those who know you well would say you have a spell-binding personality. (And if those people actually verbalized that joke, they should be shot.)
• If you’re a Angel…sorry, we’re not buying it. It’s going to take more than wings and a halo for you to seem innocent.
• If you’re a Devil, you are naughty by nature and don’t care who knows. It’s rare that you don’t get your way, and if you don’t, you aren’t afraid to use extreme measures. Be careful, it’s a tangled web you weave.
• If you’re a Nurse, you’re a people person who enjoys doing whatever it takes to make others around you feel comfortable. You jump at the chance to check someone’s vitals or give mouth-to-mouth. Just remember, you need to take care of yourself sometimes too.
• If you’re a Clown, your main concern is having fun, even at your own expense. You thrive on being the center of attention, and no doubt your antics will earn you that spot.

Regardless of what your costume says about you, this holiday is all about having fun. You are never too old to dress up, eat candy, and celebrate the coming of Fall. So get out there and have a good time on Friday.  And in case you need inspiration, here are a few costume pics from years past…enjoy!

Kevin Federline and bald Britney…yeah, I know it’s creepy!

Johnny Cash and the Scarecrow

Mulder and Scully

Ozzy and the Good Fairy

Al and Peg Bundy

Zorro and the Belly Dancer (wow, don’t we look young!)

Indiana Jones and Little Red Riding Hood