KATE: Are you a lover or a fighter?

By KATE HUNTER

There are a few constants in life: death, taxes and my annual bitching about Hallo-bloody-ween.

But to my own surprise and my kids’ delight, I’ve given in. I’m waving the orange and black flag.

Tonight I’ll be schlepping the streets with my  tribe, which will comprise: an angry banana, a schoolgirl zombie and an abstract fiend with vampire teeth.

Some people will see my backflip as a sign of weakness. Others a sign of my Libra-ness. I see it as succumbing to the inevitable, and an example of picking one’s battles. When my son is 17 and wants to get his face tattooed, I don’t want  turning around,  saying, ‘You have NEVER let me do anything. Remember HALLOWEEN?’

So I’ve thought about my issues, argued  them and let myself lose. It’s been a liberating experience. I may dress as Dr Phil tonight on the strength of it. Here’s a summary of why I railed against Halloween and why I’ve decided I was being a grumpy old woman.

1) Halloween is an American tradition (I know, I know. It’s a ye olde Celtic cerebration and the Americans bastardised it like they did with The Little Mermaid, The Office and pizza).

Now I say, ‘Who cares?’ So much of our culture is influenced by America and I heartily embrace most of it. I love travelling in America and the Americans I’ve met have, for the most part, been terrific. They are big thinkers, courageous dreamers and they know how to have a good time. The USA has given us Seinfeld, Tina Fey and Mad Men. I don’t mind the occasional McDonalds cheesy and I think (as far as world leaders go) Barack Obama is hot. So really, who am I to criticise something for being, ‘American.’

2) Halloween is a meaningless lolly-grab.

Again, so what? So are most children’s parties. So are visits to grandma’s house.

3) Halloween is extra work for me.

Only if I make it so. I’ve told the kids I am spending no money on costumes and making zero trips to Spotlight. They’re okay with that. They have fashioned the costumes themselves from old clothes and half-jars of face paint leftover from a birthday party. The banana costume has been borrowed from Cousin Maisie who bought it for book week. Don’t ask.

4) Why should I dole out free lollies to kids I hardly know?

What better way to get to know them? I fully intend to ask, ‘Where do you live, what’s your Mum’s name and does she drink wine on a Friday evening?‘ We moved into the street only a year ago and I need to meet the neighbours. If the kid is less than forthcoming with info, it’s carob for you, mate.

5) Aren’t there enough celebrations already?

Probably not. Life’s often  hard work. So why not get together for lollies and a few laughs when the opportunity presents itself? I like our street and the neighbours I’ve met seem great. I love my kids and they’re beside themselves with excitement. As much by the fact that Mum’s changed her tune than actual Halloween.

Generally, life’s partygoers have more fun than the protestors so tonight, I’ll be the one smiling under my sheet.

Halloween. Are you a lover or a fighter?