Halloween Enthusiasm: Americans Embrace the Spooky Spirit

Fri Dec 05 2025 07:26:37 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new poll reveals that around two-thirds of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Halloween this year, with unique insights into how families engage with the holiday.

As Halloween approaches, a significant majority of Americans embrace the festivities, particularly parents with young children. While many opt for traditional candy distribution, unique personal traditions and preferences emerge for the holiday. Some enthusiasts decorate year-round, while others enjoy the holiday in moderation. The AP-NORC poll highlights the cultural significance of Halloween across diverse demographics, emphasizing community engagement and family bonding.

NEW YORK (Echosphere News) — As the spooky season unfolds, Sherry Jenkins from Blairstown, New Jersey, epitomizes the Halloween spirit. Located in a town famous as the filming site for the original ‘Friday the 13th’, Jenkins partakes in local festivities, hosting friends and welcoming approximately 1,000 trick-or-treaters each year.

A recent poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that around two-thirds of U.S. adults plan to celebrate Halloween this year, with parents of children under 18 being particularly active. Jenkins is no exception, insisting on traditional treats rather than healthier alternatives, recalling a time when she distributed raisins and was ridiculed.

Interestingly, only a small percentage (5%) of U.S. adults will offer healthy snacks for trick-or-treaters, while a mere 9% plan to dress their pets in costumes. Jenkins tends to decorate her home extensively, including possibly adorning her dog in a butterfly outfit as part of the fun.

Parental Participation

Among parents, the excitement is notably high. Eight out of ten parents with children say they will celebrate Halloween in some form. For instance, Jessica Byrd from Kingman, Arizona, cherishes Halloween, not just for the candy, but for the communal spirit it fosters. She and her children plan to coordinate their costumes, involving characters from popular films like ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’.

Fred Joncas from Durham, North Carolina, revels in the magic of the holiday as well. His three-year-old daughter eagerly anticipates trick-or-treating, showcasing how the holiday creates lasting family memories.

Year-Round Halloween Fans

Some individuals live and breathe Halloween year-round. Jessica Byrd’s home is furnished with witches and skeletons, reflecting her passion for the creative expression the holiday offers. Similarly, Kathy Rice from Colorado Springs enjoys a lively neighborhood tradition, exchanging treats with her neighbor during the Halloween season.

However, not everyone is enthusiastic to the extreme. Karalyn Kiessling, a 31-year-old from South Lyon, Michigan, finds joy in the holiday without going overboard, expressing interest in dressing up occasionally without the heavy decorations.

Ultimately, the approaching Halloween showcases a vibrant tableau of American culture, highlighting diverse ways families and individuals connect with community traditions while fostering creativity and joy.