Halloween is the most altruistic holiday of the year
This sentiment may be somewhat of a “hot take.” Notwithstanding the candy-hoarding tendencies of my five- and ten-year-old, I would argue that this single sugar-filled night may be the most generous and communal holiday. This bold assertion even includes the fast-approaching pseudo-secular holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah that are now only weeks away, (even though Costco has been selling fake trees and 10-foot light-up lawn ornaments since August).
Now, hear me out.
Halloween is the ultimate equal-opportunity holiday of the year. There’s no “elf on the shelf” monitoring children’s behavior and no itchy sweaters pulled out for their annual appearance. No, with Halloween, everyone is welcomed at the door, just as they are, or rather, as they are not! Even adults get to try on the macabre or cosplay their inner child’s fantasies. Mischief is expected, or at least placated with treats. Ask, and you shall receive!
No other holiday brings neighborhoods and communities together like Halloween. While other holidays revolve mainly around family, close friends, and preexisting social circles, Halloween draws you into a wider community. It may be the one day a year you get to peek inside your neighbor’s door or have all the neighborhood children and their parents stop by to share some cheer.
With this magical night of mischief now sadly behind us and the end of the year fast approaching, I hope that we can all carry some of the Halloween spirit of generosity and community with us.
One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping clients think through how to support the organizations and causes they care about through gifts of their time or resources. If you are inclined or moved to share some of your wealth, I’ve written a couple of articles for how to best facilitate charitable giving through donor advised funds. For those over age 70.5, qualified charitable distributions from your retirement accounts may be the superior route.
Now, if I could just find a way to donate the 9.8 lbs. of candy my children brought home last night before I eat it all!
