Tuesday, October 27, 2009

On Hallowe'en, it is okay to be a hobo

Having hosted many Hallowe'en parties, I have noticed that some of my friends have a serious problem at this time of year - costume anxiety. Costume anxiety seems to especially affect those with a reputation for creativity or artistic talent. They feel pressure to come up with a costume that will impress everyone.

How serious is this problem? Let's just say that far more than one person has confessed to me that they did not come to a Hallowe'en party because they couldn't come up with a "good" costume.

If you have costume anxiety: It's true, you can't go to a Hallowe'en party dressed like you normally dress, but all you have to do is put on a flannel shirt and a tuque. Your presence will be valued far more than your absence. People with elaborate or especially clever costumes will bask in your appreciation. And the other hobos and hosers will relax in your company.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

The key to choosing a Halloween costume is (like most other things in life) to not make it about impressing others and make it more about what you would feel good in. I don`t think costumes have to be particularly clever; they should be an opportunity for you to bring out an element of you that you usually don`t, can`t or won`t. (Or not. I don`t know. I`m just rambling because I don`t own a red flannel shirt and I can`t find one anywhere.

David Scrimshaw said...

You make some good points, XUP.

I would also add that I always choose a costume that I can dance in.

As for your problem of not having a flannel shirt, maybe you could get some furry pointed ears and dress as a kitty-cat.

Anonymous said...

Bring out my inner feline, you mean?

Manoushka said...

Feelines, wo-o-o feelines ...

salonsally said...

HA - I laughed out loud as they say in the nerdy language of email - when I read this Dave. I - can you believe it? - get costume anxiety. Well .. my problem is that I come up with great ideas, but how to execute them when you have no talent for sewing or time management? My problem too is COMFORT - I hate being hot and sweaty and not being able to see. Anyway ..... looking forward to jumping around your place - lots of stress this week to work off.