Do you remember when Halloween was about running around the neighborhood with a bag full of candy? For many students at Nyack High School, Halloween once was a night of trick or treating and whimsical costumes that has transformed into something less magical, but meaningful in new ways.
An upperclassman, Adelina Martinez, admitted she’s still trying to keep the Halloween spirit alive, but it just doesn’t feel the same. “It’s not the same energy or excitement,” she said. Instead of sugar highs and trick or treating, it’s now about hanging out and going to parties. Costumes have also changed; what used to be fun and easy as a kid now feels more complicated. “Adult costumes are uglier,” she laughed, adding that school and work during the week can also drain the vibe. Her suggestion? Schools should go all out with decorations to help bring back that spark.
Her classmate, Valentino Trejos-Schacht, now feels a similar shift too. “The thrill of costumes and trick or treating for candy just isn’t the same,” he said. These days, Halloween seems more tied to party culture. Even though costumes are easier to find and put together, because most kids just throw something together, some people still hold back because they’re nervous about being judged. Still, he admits Nyack High School provides a little celebratory boost when teachers and staff dress up—it proves that school spirit isn’t completely dead.
For seniors Carol Asoda and Ian Bowen, Halloween as a kid meant that staying out late was a big deal and a true special occasion. Now? The vibe has changed, as most high schoolers are now used to staying up late most nights. They say climate change and the weather has even played a role in shifting traditions to make the holiday feel less exciting. Many cities in the Northeast experienced an unseasonably warm Halloween in 2024, with some areas approaching or breaking daily temperature records. This contrasted sharply with the previous year, which saw early snow in some of these same locations. This warmth was part of a larger trend, with October 2024 ranking as the second-warmest October on record globally. Additionally, the two agreed that instead of trick or treating, it’s about Halloween weekend plans, watching movies, or just whatever their friends are doing to celebrate. One bright spot? Ms. Saieva still rocks a costume every year, which they expressed gets some laughs and keeps the tradition alive.
So, while Halloween might not be about racing door to door with a candy bucket anymore, it’s not gone—it’s just…different. As teens, we’re finding new ways to celebrate, whether that’s hanging out with friends, going to events, or just soaking up the spooky season. The candy might be gone, but the memories still stick around.