Why I Love Halloween [Belated]

For those who couldn't tell by my three costumes this year, I love Halloween. It's been one of my favorite holidays since childhood.

Me as Katy Perry on Oct. 31, 2012.

After having conversations about why some people don't celebrate Halloween, I felt the need to evaluate why, as an adult, I still have an obsession with the day.

One of my favorite things to do as a kid was to play dress-up, and not just on Halloween. I had a whole chest full of old clothes, hats and scarves that I would dig into on a near-daily basis. Looking back, that was probably the beginning of my clothing obsession.

Playing dress up in what also served as a Halloween costume. (Circa 1989)

Trick-or-treating in a re-purposed costume with my parents' god-daughter. (Circa 1995)

Halloween just compounded my love for creating outfits, stepping into character, and spending a day marauding around neighborhoods seeking treats. (I won't say when I stopped trick-or-treating, but in my defense, I took children door-to-door with me.) And let's face it, that love never really left. So besides "dressing up" in normal clothes every day, Halloween is the one day (or more often, week) a year I can go all-out.

Lord of the Rings night at youth group, and another re-purposed costume. (2003)

First Halloween in college. (2004)

So I had to face the fact that some things never change. And because of that, Halloween is also my dose of nostalgia. I like feeling like a kid again and I like the idea of feeling like a kid again, of doing something I have always loved.

I've also always chosen to focus on the lighthearted side of Halloween. It's a day for dressing up, carving pumpkins, asking for (or as an adult, handing out) candy, and spending time with the kids in your family.

Halloween 2008. Michael was Frodo and I was a fairy. Recognize the wings? :)

Halloween 2009 with my friend Liz.

Halloween 2010 with Margaret and Emily.

Halloween 2011 with my mom.

And as an adult, Halloween has also become more about the creative aspect. I love designing costumes, doing makeup and seeing the finished product come together. This year I got to put together three different outfits because of different events and parties. And, not only did I get to put together my costumes, I also got to help Michael and Nick with their costumes and makeup. So just know, if you ever need costume/makeup help, I'm your go-to girl! ;)

Nick and I as pirates on Oct. 27, 2012.

Michael as the Joker (did his makeup!) and me.

My vampire getup made an appearance at work for a costume contest on Oct. 26, 2012.

What are your thoughts on Halloween? Did you participate in Halloween festivities this year? Any costume ideas or pictures you'd like to share?