Halloween is in the headlines, too. It was reported this week that Americans spent $5.7 billion on Halloween last year. That's more than twice the GDP of several developing countries. Even more appallingly, the financial commentator on the radio seemed distressed that, due to the recession, people might decide to spend a bit less this year.
So it's evidently my patriotic duty to go out and buy rubber masks, eyeball candies and death-related lawn ornaments...
Oh go on then, maybe I'll push the boat out and buy myself a pumpkin.
The US is a big place. Sure, we're no China. And we aren't spread out over eleven time zones (like the former Soviet Union). But it's still big.
ReplyDeleteBy my calculations, $5.7B is only about $19 for every man woman and child.
That's about a bag of candy, a pumpkin, some grease paint and a plastic mask per person (or fabric to make a costume by hand).
And those of us who spend a lot less are balanced out by those who throw parties, or create stunning dioramas for their home.
Everyone needs a hobby. I'd rather it be this than supporting Palin in 2012. Although honestly, both are pretty amusing.
Hobbies are good, especially when they involve a bit of creativity. Wonder if I'm right in thinking there's a bit more homemade stuff out in the front yards this Halloween than last. That's nice to see - in so far as a lawnful of plywood tombstones can be called 'nice'.
ReplyDeleteOnly $19!! I baulked at paying 50p for some plastic fangs in the Co-op.
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