Halloween season is approaching. Some people already have their decorations coming out, but I think generally speaking, you don't see a lot of it until October begins. That's the time when people go crazy over it! I don't know how many people really pay attention to polls and studies, but it has been determined by whatever sources do those that this is the place that really goes all out on Halloween.
Some people wonder why? I'm not certain. I've never seen how other states celebrate Halloween, but I can tell you how we do ours. Yard decorations are fairly common. Some say it's more than Christmas, but I'm not seeing that where I live. Yes, there are decorations, but they're not on as grand of a scale as Christmas. That's my part of the world, but it may be completely different in other parts of town as well as the state. There are people here who will go all out. The communities and businesses really play into it as well:
- Pumpkin patch picking
- Corn mazes
- Halloween themed events (i.e. Witchfest at Gardner Village and Spooktober at Thanksgiving Point)
- Scare factories/Thrill factories (most popular is Fear Factory) in the Salt Lake area
- Light shows in various communities and businesses (Including Hogle Zoo)
- Parks and state attractions decorations and stories (designated city areas and tourist attractions: Clas Ropes Provo River Cruise; Halloween Express on the Heber Valley Railroad; Little Haunts at This is the Place State Park; Midway's portrayal of Sleepy Hollow)
There are probably things I didn't mention on here. Maybe my neighbors do decorate, but most of them seem to be very light or stick to the cute things if they do. I'll have to wander around and see if I'm wrong on that. A lot of them go all out with Christmas lights, including one that puts up a rose for Belle in their yard every year (they're a little fond of that princess, because one of their daughters ended up being a "friend" of Belle for a few years at Walt Disney World).
Speaking of Disney, I recall that I never explained the reason behind why I have a preference to watch the villains from a distance. I mentioned this before having my infamous encounter, and if you look back at my story about that, you might get a hint why:
- Sensitivity: I don't always show it, but I am extremely sensitive, particularly emotionally, to things. Even if I know it's not something to be taken seriously, if it hits the right button, it's a lost cause. I still feel it. Sometimes I can brush it off; other times, it hits too deeply and takes time.
- Interaction: This isn't a fault of the characters. This is pretty common wherever I am; People change when they interact with me. It feels like I zap the fun out of them, and they act like they have to be serious with me. Just as a side note, I love being around people who are fun and have a sense of humor! It helps me relax. I get to see more of that side when I watch them interacting with others. I don't do the things they'd like me to do unless I'm comfortable with them, and that takes time. No one has that much time these days, especially people who have to deal with multitudes.
- Intimidation: I'm going to be completely honest here. The physical presence of a tall person is a little intimidating to me. I've felt that way occasionally with both villains and princesses. A blush or two never hurt anyone though.
To know about the issues that I struggle with, I often sit back in amazement that, even in one of my most sensitive times, I had the audacity to face a villain! I wasn't lying when I said I knew my risks. In fact, I had one of my long internal battles before interaction. It was not an easy decision!
I have to confess I'm guilty of a little bit of envy for those who are able to talk easily with characters and have the opportunity to go so much that their names are known. They get hugs, and cheerful greetings "I'm happy to see you again," repeated often. I keep thinking what a wonderful thing that would be: to have someone remember you and be happy to see you. That doesn't happen to those of us who can't visit often. We're not familiar faces.
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| Photo I took in the mountains on September 14. |
