I am shocked to learn that Halloween is so popular that it falls  second only to Christmas in terms of total consumer retail spending. The simple holiday of my youth—a home made costume and a bag of candy—has morphed into big business.

Goofy, but it sounds right what with expensive costumes, decorating , haunted activities, parties and candy.

Even pets are involved. It is estimated that millions people dress up their pets.

It has a long history, going back to Celtic times when it was a festival called Samhaim, where people tried to fool evil spirits by dressing as them.

Somewhere in the Middle Ages, children got involved, dressing in disguises or costumes on All Souls Day.  They went from door to door asking for food or money and in exchange they would sing.

It came to the US in the 1920s when rowdy people concentrated on pranks or “tricks” but  after the sugar rationing of WW II  the “treat” component became popular.

This year I celebrated Halloween in Chicago, attending the Haunted Halsted Parade because it sounded like an adventure. It was, trust me, it was.

Here are some images of that event to enjoy!  Maybe you will get some ideas for your costume for Halloween 2018.