Today marks the second day of October, which many people refer to as “Spooky Season”. There is an unexplainable infatuation that teens hold for the month in which Halloween lies, and I say it’s rightfully so. 

One of the most attractive features of October is that it is placed shortly after the beginning of autumn, where cool weather starts to rear its head. With average highs at around 70°, and lows at around 45°, this weather is perfect for sweaters that make you feel like you’re wearing a blanket, jeans that work wonders for your legs, and closed-toed shoes that are much better suited for everyday life than Birkenstocks will ever be. And, although the weather is cooler, there’s no need to wear a suffocating, bulky winter coat. No one enjoys finding places to store or set their coat throughout the day. With falling temperatures come falling leaves. The variety of colors that emerge throughout create a breathtaking scene. Pumpkin patches are also in season at this time, and provide a place for families to bond.

Even though the weather is no small portion of the seemingly undying love for October, the biggest draw may very well be its infamous holiday: Halloween. On the 31st day, teens get the opportunity to feed into the very things that they are notorious for: self-discovery and expression. And what better way is there to discover yourself than through costume? Costumes provide an escape from the real world. Becoming someone or something else is a means to act out of character, and gives teens confidence to try things they wouldn’t normally do. The best way to see what works is to try it all, and the possibilities of costumes are endless. Additionally, judgement is diminished. In fact, standing out is highly encouraged during this time of year; the wackier, the better.