Regardless of what celebrating looks like to you, all that truly matters is if you’re having fun and not doing anything illegal. October had events aplenty on campus, so college should be a perfect time to celebrate our favorite spooky holiday.

But, of course, not everyone agrees.

Every year, I want to do something for Halloween, whether that means going as something ridiculous or even hosting a party. There usually is no reason I can’t do so. The official day may have been on a Tuesday this year, but that’s what the “Halloweekend” is for. And yet, for some reason, I can’t bring myself to celebrate.

On the risk of sounding irrational, an annoying voice in my head always manages to bog me down, telling me repeatedly that celebrating the holidays that I used to celebrate when I was younger is somehow immature. Sadly, there are also real people that say this to others my age or older.

My experience is not an exception either, as my parents told me that celebrating Halloween was forbidden once I was 12 years old. Then again, these are the same people that got upset with me for acting childish while I was still a child.

If you were told some- thing similar, then I am very sorry. Anyone who says that is just wrong and should not be listened to.

What harm is there in participating in a holiday that most can agree is fun for all? Unless you hold the belief that Halloween should not be celebrated by anybody – in which case, stay away from me–then I see no valid reason as to why someone college-age or older can’t celebrate. Seriously, it is not hurting anybody, and who cares if they want candy? I’d be pretty upset too if I put effort into a Halloween look and didn’t at least get a full- sized Twix bar out of it.

Alternatively, who would be against turning what would normally be a typical college party into something a lot funnier or even more exciting? I will never forget seeing a group of people with Ghostface masks walking around Oakland late at night in 2019, a moment which would not have happened if Halloween naysayers got their way.

What is my advice in all this? Do not listen to those who try to say that celebrating Halloween is “immature” for anyone past the age of 10, because it is not. I’m not sure when the rule that adults are not allowed to have fun started, but that is not a good way to live. If there is someone out there that thinks doing the same thing repeatedly with zero change or excitement is optimal living, then they need a lesson about why it isn’t. Don’t be like that imaginary person, don’t call yourself or others immature for having fun. We all deserve a break sometimes, especially in the times we are living in. Halloween is literally a holiday where we can dress up as a completely different person and take a step away from reality. People do this all the time in the form of acting, so why is it childish when it comes to Halloween?

We all need a break, and in the fall, that break just might happen to involve the spirit of Halloween. Halloween is a great opportunity for us all to come together, and there is nothing wrong with indulging in something that reminds us of our childhoods everyone once in a while.