Happy Halloween! 🎃

Halloween traditions in America have been shaped by centuries of history and by customs brought to the country by immigrants, particularly those from Ireland and Scotland. Over time, those traditions evolved into the distinctly American Halloween celebrations we know today. 

The modern tradition of trick-or-treating has roots in older European customs such as “souling,” when people went from door to door in exchange for food, and “guising,” in which children dressed in costume and performed songs, poems or other tricks in exchange for treats. In the United States, trick-or-treating became increasingly widespread during the 1920s and 1930s. 

Halloween celebrations also changed as communities looked for ways to turn a night once known for mischief and pranks into a more organized, family-friendly occasion. Parties, seasonal foods, costumes, games and jack-o’-lanterns became familiar parts of the celebration. 

Sure, Halloween has its ghosts, witches and spooky stories. But for a lot of us, the best part isn’t scary at all. It’s seeing the neighbors, answering the door to a tiny dinosaur or a very serious superhero, and having a little fun together. At a time when we don’t always agree on everything, there’s something wonderful about a tradition that can bring an entire neighborhood to life for one evening.

Interesting fact: 🎃

Halloween is one of the biggest occasions for the American Retailers! Americans are expected to spend a record $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026, according to the National Retail Federation, up from the previous record of $13.1 billion in 2025. The average consumer plans to spend $115.14. And where is all that money going? Costumes are expected to account for $4.4 billion, decorations $4.3 billion, candy $4.1 billion, and greeting cards about $800 million.

So whether you’re carving a pumpkin, handing out candy, dressing up, watching a scary movie or simply enjoying the parade of costumes at your door, here’s wishing you a fun and festive Halloween.

Cats say meow, ghosts say boo, Happy Halloween to you!