Things are changing in the Evanston-Skokie school district, located in the Chicago suburbs, especially when it comes to Halloween celebrations. Recently, school officials decided to eliminate the traditional Halloween festivities held in classrooms, and their reasoning is straightforward: not every family celebrates Halloween, and they want to be respectful of that diversity. They also pointed out that Halloween festivities can highlight inequalities among students, which may unintentionally affect students, their families, and school staff negatively.
Following the announcement, reactions from parents and community members flooded in, and I observed a common theme in the responses: many people need to take a deep breath. It’s not as if they’ve banned you from enjoying those secret Halloween drinks at your local café.
Evanston-Skokie isn’t alone; schools across the country are rethinking longstanding traditions to focus on the well-being of all students. For instance, my own children’s public school has decided that while Halloween classroom parties will continue, there will be no food allowed at any of the holiday celebrations, nor will birthday treats be permitted. The risk of food allergies is a significant concern, and many parents might struggle to provide snacks for the entire class.
Personally, I appreciate this change. With three of my four children having food allergies, I find comfort in knowing that contamination risks are minimized. There are countless other ways to celebrate, such as games, music, and crafts that don’t involve potential allergens.
Of course, some parents voiced their complaints on social media about the new food policy. I reminded them how fortunate they are not to carry around an expensive Epipen, constantly worried about their child’s exposure to allergens.
Additionally, our school has set some guidelines for Halloween costumes: no weapons, no masks, no graphic imagery, and no culturally insensitive outfits. (Don’t even get me started on that one kid last year who donned a costume promoting divisive political messages.) Despite the validity of these rules, I sometimes wonder why we even bother with Halloween celebrations in school.
Now, before you get ready to fire off an angry tweet at me, know that I genuinely love holiday festivities, especially Christmas. My home is adorned with Black Santas and nativity scenes, and we go all out—watching holiday classics like “Home Alone” and “Elf,” baking cookies, and decorating three Christmas trees. I’m that person who starts a countdown to Christmas on social media two months in advance!
However, just because I revel in the holiday spirit at home doesn’t mean I’m upset that my children’s schools have opted to forgo holiday parties. I can handle it, and so can my kids.
For those upset by the cancellation of holiday events, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate. Visit a pumpkin patch, enjoy local fall festivals, or simply stay home, cozy up in your pajamas with hot chocolate, read Halloween stories, or watch classics like “Hocus Pocus.”
The reality is that not every student celebrates Halloween, Christmas, or other holidays. Why should schools dedicate several hours to these celebrations? I was reminded of this recently when at my local library, I overheard a woman discussing American holiday traditions with a librarian, saying, “Thanksgiving is so strange to me.” Her words resonated—what may seem normal to some isn’t necessarily embraced by all.
Moreover, the financial strain of holiday celebrations can be substantial for struggling families. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I remember how Halloween celebrations often highlighted disparities. I once witnessed a classmate, Emma, feeling humiliated because her family couldn’t afford a costume. It was devastating for her, and it shouldn’t be that way.
Fast forward to my high school years, where one of my friends, Lisa, a Jehovah’s Witness, couldn’t participate in any holiday celebrations. Her parents often kept her home from school to avoid potential ridicule. These experiences, though decades old, are still relevant today. Whether a child’s exclusion stems from financial struggles, cultural beliefs, or personal choice, no one should feel left out during these festive times.
And let’s be honest—who wants to deal with coordinating a classroom party, finding room parents, and trying to keep a bunch of sugar-fueled kids engaged for an hour and a half? Wouldn’t you prefer to spend your vacation days with your family instead?
If you love Halloween, that’s awesome! S’mores ingredients, candy, and costumes are available at the store. Enjoy the festivities with your family in your neighborhood. But for those who may not celebrate Halloween or any other holiday, that’s perfectly acceptable, too.
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In summary, the decision to eliminate holiday classroom parties in schools is rooted in inclusivity and respect for diversity. While some parents may resist these changes, it’s essential to recognize the various ways families can celebrate outside of school. Ultimately, every student deserves to feel included, regardless of their background or beliefs.