Halloween Costumes as therapy? Well, at least for one night, yes.
I love Halloween for many reasons. But right at the very top of the list is the fact that for one crazy night a person can be absolutely whoever, or whatever, they want to be.
It's the one occasion where you can let your alter ego run rampant, fulfill a fantasy, reveal your naughty side, be the grouch who holds all humans in disdain, let your inner zombie emerge, wear that pole-dancing outfit in public ... or any number of options that would normally be unheard of. But on this one magical holiday each year it's absolutely welcomed -- and the more shocking the better.
I think this coming Halloween is going to be one of the very best ever. As economic and related woes challenge almost every household, there is a greater need for a chance to blow off steam. Escaping reality for one long night is just the remedy that I, for one, crave.
And 2009 Halloween Costumes appear to offer reality escaping at its best.
- Cheap costumes abound, and niches in Halloween costumes are more robust than ever.
- The selection of Plus Size Adult Costumes is extraordinary this year.
- The popularity of the instantly recognizable Harry Potter Costume isn't going anywhere but up.
- Infant and toddler Halloween costumes are on the increase, because who can resist taking an already cute baby and adding an outfit that renders onlookers speechless with adoration?
- And let's not forget one of the hottest Halloween costume niches around: woofstumes, otherwise known as dog costumes. That's right. The pet costume category is one of the most lucrative costume niches going. On the stress-relief laughing scale these costumes are off the chart. (Although they should never be used if they cause distress to your pet. That's just not funny.)
Just the process of imagining in your mind's eye how you might costume yourself provides tons of distraction, and fun, as you sit in a traffic jam, wait in line at the bank, or tune out your neighbor's loud music.
Halloween as therapy? It works for me and I highly recommend it. If you don't normally "do" Halloween, this is the year to start.
We all need it.
