Is it just me, or is Halloween not really celebrated very much in Britain any more? I didn't see much evidence of Halloween stuff in the shops during October (apart from Woolworth's, which is probably still trying to flog last year's stuff), very few houses around had any decorations and we didn't get a single trick or treater ring our doorbell on the night itself (possibly because we don't have a doorbell...).
I think this is because Halloween is so close to Guy Fawke's night (tonight!), which I think is far better and appeals to that deep sense in people's mind that setting fire to things and blowing them up is exceedingly good fun.
However, I've not seen a single kid with a pathetic looking Guy trying to beg for money outside shops this year. I think there are two reasons for this.
- The youth of today have more profitable ways to make money - like having children and claiming benefit.
- The fall of Blue Peter. Kids no longer have any idea of the skills required to stuff a pillowcase full of newspaper and make arms, legs and a head for it.
What about political correctness? I wouldn't be surprised if most of the country is now too scared to do something that the English have always done for fear of "offending" someone. Why risk letting your child run around having fun at Halloween when there's a chance of some nutter losing his rag because he considers the practice to be offensive?
I don't intend for this comment to change the meaning/intent of the original post, but I do feel like I need to say that I think the world's gone mad with political correctness. this is one example of what I'm talking about.
It's a real shame, and I think more and more traditions such as this will die a quick death as a result.
But Halloween has never been a traditional British holiday. Its meaning was totally distorted by the Americans into what it is today. That's why I'm quite happy that Halloween isn't celebrated much and that bonfire night is.
Don't worry, you will be able to combine 2 of your most recent posts soon... the "Chav Carol Singer".
This type of creature can easily be recognsied as it applys not an ounce of tone, pitch or volume to a single verse of Silent Night while holding their finger on your doorbell (or in your case Keith, constant knocking on the door) . For this sub-thirty second performance you now have to pay a pound coin (per "CCS") or risk damage to your property. Bah humbug.
Oh and if my maths is roughly correct, including travel time between doors I make that about £60 an hour... not a bad haul to spend on alco-pops.