When I moved to Norway 8 years ago, there was almost no acknowledgement of Halloween (even though Norway loves to emulate the US culture they see on TV). It's been growing, and this year it's full on with Halloween decorations all over, lots more costume choices, and even ad campaigns (apparently Fanta "tastes like Halloween" because it's orange?).
Unfortunately, it's become mainstream enough that it's now facing local cultural drama. There's a Christmas season tradition of kids dressing up like elves and going around singing for treats. And grumpy indignant people feel that Halloween is a "War on Christmas." Probably most people don't care, but of course the media likes to play up the drama.
One of the reasons I've always loved Halloween in the US is that no one gets bent out of shape about how "it's so commercial" or we're forgetting "the true meaning." It's just fun. And all this nonsense is really reminding me of that, and making me a little sad.
(Example from the media: A Norwegian parent posted a sign in her neighborhood with general Halloween info that suggested turning off the porch light if they didn't want to hand out candy. Someone else tacked on a response that said "I refuse to hide as if it’s shameful to not celebrate Halloween. My porch light will remain on, and Halloween-blackmailers CHASED AWAY!”)
Post by rupertpenny on Oct 30, 2015 5:34:21 GMT -5
Here in Hong Kong it mostly just seems like an excuse for adults to party. I remember seeing some kids dressed up last year, but it seemed like mostly expats. I don't think anyone trick or treats, I think there are some kid oriented parties but I couldn't really find anything this year that wasn't during work hours so poor B isn't dressing up this year. On the other hand, H and I are going to a Halloween party in a junk boat.
Post by mrsukyankee on Oct 30, 2015 5:54:30 GMT -5
We have a mix of people who are into it and a mix of people who think it's horrible. It's grown a lot in England in the 11 years I've been here. I'm going to a Halloween social with my hockey club so won't be handing out candy, but I'll leave some for my H.
Where we lived in England it was picking up steam, but I think that was mostly because we lived near an area with a lot of Americans (military). I think the only ToTers we got in our small town were other Americans or kids with at least one American parent.
I'm surprised it isn't a bigger deal, as from what I saw, the Brits love any excuse for Fancy Dress (wearing costumes). I think the concept of ToTing weirds people out though (what do you mean I have to give out candy?!?!)
A lot of expats here (myself included) go to the U.S. military base for trick or treating. Otherwise there would be minimal Halloween activities. There a few expat-geared events but most people here don't celebrate. Well maybe bars here and there. The foreigner-friendly areas are selling costumes and doing Halloween decorations. But ToTing is not a thing.
Its getting more popular here in France.There are a few kid related events in surrounding towns and at museums. A small costume shop is even offering pro makeup tomorrow.
Where we lived in England it was picking up steam, but I think that was mostly because we lived near an area with a lot of Americans (military). I think the only ToTers we got in our small town were other Americans or kids with at least one American parent.
I'm surprised it isn't a bigger deal, as from what I saw, the Brits love any excuse for Fancy Dress (wearing costumes). I think the concept of ToTing weirds people out though (what do you mean I have to give out candy?!?!)
When I asked an English friend if her kids would be TOTing (while we were living in the UK) she said, I'm not sending my children out to beg for candy!
BTW, I'm back in North America after 4 years away and I LOVE HALLOWEEN. It's usually not a favourite of mine but my kids are looking so cute and having loads of fun.
Post by traveljunkie13 on Nov 1, 2015 3:04:14 GMT -5
We are in the UK and had probably 200 kids at our door last night . It is definitely a huge thing in our town.....people were pissed because our city also did Bonfire night last night so they had to choose between the two. Halloween won with most families!