Halloween Survival Guide

Today I will attempt to answer the age-old question "what is the significance of children in costumes going door-to door and demanding treats?"

Some 2,000 yrs. ago the Celts, who lived in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, believed that on the Eve of Nov. 1st (their New Year) the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead faded enough to allow spirits of the dead and magical faeries to cross into the living world. The Celts feared that the spirits would damage crops and cause all manners of trouble. These ancient people built huge bonfires to keep[ the evil spirits at bay. They celebrated throughout the night with a variety of games, sports and revelry. A custom arose called "the guisers" in which certain people wore disguises made of animal heads and skins to represent the otherworldly spirits. The "guisers" masqueraded through the villages in an attempt to confuse and thwart the malevolent spirits. Of course, the holiday we know and love today as Halloween underwent many transformations in it's long evolution but many believe that "guising" was the real beginning of our current day custom of Trick or Treating. Instead of animal heads and skins, however, you may want to choose more modern costumes that are more convenient, not to mention sanitary!, and therefore can be reused!

 For some great ideas from Angels to Zombies! Click here:






 Oh, I almost forgot - my dedicated and knowledgeable team of Celebration Consultants has informed me that an unusually high number of zombies rumored to be lurking about this Halloween. In order to protect yourself and your family from these creatures and from werewolves and vampires of course we recommend you refresh your memory regarding standard precautions.

In order to avoid any hint of favoritism I will list them in alphabetical order:

1. Vampires: Well, of course, the first thing one may think of is Garlic. I would say keep some handy but don't count on it alone. I suspect that just like certain viruses become immune to their antibiotics, vampires by now must be onto the garlic thing. As a matter of fact, I've heard that iron is the new garlic! Vampires apparently detest it so much they will not enter your room if you have an iron door! (a regular door covered in iron should work, too) To be on the safe side we also recommend incorporating some age-old standbys such as bright lights, crucifixes (the larger the better) and wooden stakes.

2. Werewolves: Now, contrary to popular belief - STUDIES NOW SHOW - werewolves can transform at night - EVEN WHEN THE MOON IS NOT FULL! SO, BE EXTRA CAREFUL. Avoid areas known to be frequented by werewolves UNLESS you have a silver bullet (Preferably in a gun) or a priest along with you to perform an exorcism if necessary. Don't hang out with werewolves in their human form. They may seem perfectly nice but it's just not worth the risk.

3. Zombies: Now, I try to be impartial but I kind of like, or at least feel sorry for zombies. Most of them were average hardworking individuals who just got caught up in some random Voodoo Hoodoo stuff. According to one Afro-Caribbean belief system zombies are the undead being controlled by a powerful sorcerer as LABORERS! Come on! Worki9ng for minimum wage for a psychotic boss is bad enough! Zombies are supposed to be interested in harming humans but personally, I just don't buy it. I think it is wiser to look out for their Sorcerers who perpetrate this evil system. I'm told they use promises of instant success (which never materializes) through "spells" or amulets in exchange for often large sums of money! These Sorcerers are actually the hardest to recognize because they look exactly like normal human beings; some hiding online or even boldly appearing on late night TV.