Halloween's origins and return

The word "Halloween" comes from "All Hallows' Eve," the day before All Saints' Day. It has roots in the Celtic festival of Samain, which took place in what is now Ireland and Scotland. The holiday gained popularity in the United States and later returned to Europe, becoming a commercial event often found in stores around October.

Halloween in the author's country

In the author's country, Halloween is not a national holiday. Instead, it is a family decision, made unanimously. The author views it as a party with little meaning, focused on sugar, costumes, and shopping rather than on cultural or historical significance.

Julie's experience with Halloween

Julie, a child with ADHD, experiences Halloween with intense energy. The author describes how candy can heighten her hyperactivity, contradicting scientific claims that sugar does not cause such reactions. Julie's excitement often leads to overstimulation and emotional outbursts.

Finding a Halloween costume

Choosing a Halloween costume proved difficult for Julie, who is hypersensitive to fabrics and materials. After trying various options, she found a simple black sweatshirt from her closet, which the author transformed into a spider costume by adding foam legs. The process involved help from a neighbor.

Halloween night at the author's home

On Halloween night, Julie and her friends transformed their living room into a scene from Interview with the Vampire. They played with costumes and makeup, though the author avoided glitter due to past experiences with its persistence. The night was filled with playful performances and energy.

The challenge of trick-or-treating

Despite not celebrating Halloween, the author and family were visited by trick-or-treaters every few minutes. The constant interruptions led to a chaotic evening, culminating in a decision to flee to the cinema. The author suggests that the cinema is a better alternative for those not celebrating Halloween, as it avoids the demands of the holiday.