We Forgot The Meaning of Halloween

Halloween, Consumerism, and Waste

The video argues that Halloween has become increasingly focused on buying new, often cheap decorations, costumes, accessories, and themed foods. Many of these items are used briefly and then discarded, adding to waste. The speaker says this cycle is encouraged by consumer demand, social-media hauls and ads, and online AI-generated clutter.

The video cites an estimate that Americans spent a record $13.1 billion on Halloween in 2025, with about $4 billion each going to costumes and decorations.

Its central message is that Halloween’s magic comes from making things and creating shared memories—not from buying more.

Ideas for Celebrating With Less Waste

• Make your own treats or costumes. The film Scary Godmother: Revenge of Jimmy inspires a simple spooky treat: a marshmallow s’more decorated with a chocolate face. The speaker also describes making a costume mask with papier-mâché and lights.
• Use the internet to learn. Tutorials and community examples can help you make costumes and decorations, even if the results aren’t perfect.
• Try thrifting. Secondhand clothes can become costumes, and thrifted decorations can be given another life.
• Reuse what you already own. Keep using decorations and costumes in later years—or use decorations year-round—instead of throwing them away.
• Create the holiday with others. Parties, crafts, movie nights, games, and costume-sharing can build Halloween excitement and pass it on to younger generations.
• Be mindful of impulse buying. The speaker describes shopping as a quick dopamine hit that fades and can prompt more purchases. Consumer choices also influence what businesses continue producing.

Creating a Sense of Occasion

The video recalls the excitement of childhood Halloweens, including class parties, crafts, seasonal TV specials, and decorated store aisles. It suggests that adults may need to create that sense of occasion themselves.

The video also mentions a viral campaign called “Deflock America Night,” which encourages people to leave their phones at home and target local surveillance devices. The speaker says they are reporting on the campaign, not endorsing it.

Notable References

• Scary Godmother: Revenge of Jimmy
• Spirit Halloween’s Egg Harbor Township grand-opening event
• Walgreens Halloween displays
• A Five Nights at Freddy’s Freddy animatronic
• A Borderlands Psycho mask
• Halloween-themed items and AI-generated décor
• The video’s speaker, Liuss