Haunted High Spirits: How Americans Are Still Conjuring Up Halloween Magic, Inflation and All

Ah, Halloween! That crisp autumn air, the rustle of fallen leaves, and the glorious, chaotic anticipation of costumed revelry. It’s a holiday that feels almost primal in its appeal, a chance for a little playful spookiness and, let's be honest, a lot of candy. But how, you might wonder, is this enduring tradition holding up in a world where every dollar seems to stretch just a little less far?

Well, a fresh survey, conducted by the venerable AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, recently pulled back the curtain on our collective Halloween habits. And the verdict? Our spooky season spirit is, quite robustly, alive and well. In fact, a rather impressive 69% of U.S. adults are planning to participate in the ghoulish fun this year. That's a figure remarkably similar to last year's turnout and, perhaps more tellingly, a significant leap from the quieter days of 2020 — remember that year? It seems even a global pandemic couldn't dampen the allure of ghosts and goblins for long.

So, what exactly are we doing to celebrate? The poll paints a vibrant picture, really. Unsurprisingly, the undisputed champion of Halloween activities remains handing out candy; a whopping 72% of those celebrating will be stocking up on sweets for eager trick-or-treaters. And then there's the decorating – nearly 6 out of 10 households will be transforming their homes into haunted havens, which, you could say, is half the fun. Costumes, of course, are still very much in vogue, with 43% of celebrants planning to don a disguise. Carving pumpkins, a truly quintessential autumn ritual, also remains popular, alongside parties and, for the younger generation (and their parents, naturally), the joyous pilgrimage of trick-or-treating.

But let's address the elephant in the room: the economy. Inflation, it's everywhere, isn't it? The survey didn't shy away from asking about its impact. Interestingly, the majority, about 61%, expect to spend roughly the same amount on Halloween this year. A fifth, or 22%, are bracing themselves to spend a little less, often directly citing those pesky rising prices as the reason. Yet, conversely, 16% actually anticipate spending more, often because, well, prices are just higher for everything they need. It’s a nuanced picture, showing both resilience and a touch of belt-tightening where possible.

Who, then, are these devoted Halloween enthusiasts? The poll sheds some light here too. Younger adults, those under 45, are notably more likely to get into the spirit compared to their older counterparts. And, perhaps without much surprise, parents are far more inclined to join the festivities than non-parents — after all, those tiny superheroes and princesses aren’t going to trick-or-treat themselves! There’s even a curious, if slight, political leaning: Republicans seem just a tad more enthusiastic about celebrating than Democrats or independents. But honestly, when it comes to the sheer joy of Halloween, these lines tend to blur, don't they?

Ultimately, Halloween isn't just another date on the calendar; it’s a cultural touchstone, a moment for shared whimsy and delightful frights. And despite the very real pressures of the world, including a persistently grumpy economy, the American spirit for this unique holiday endures. It’s about that brief, wonderful escape, a chance to be someone else for a night, and to connect over a shared bag of candy — even if those candy bars cost a little more this year. So, grab your costume, carve that pumpkin, and prepare for a little harmless spookiness; the celebration, it seems, is definitely on.