Halloween is here, and tomorrow is Día de Muertos.

 

Halloween is here, and tomorrow is Día de Muertos.

I've been thinking about how much these celebrations have changed over the years.

When my child was little, we had so much fun going trick-or-treating. I was usually the one making the costumes, and people were always delighted to see what we'd come up with. I remember walking around Kitsilano, where some residents were incredibly generous with their treats. Those big chocolate bars weren't cheap!

Of course, some homes never get a single trick-or-treater, even though the people living there would absolutely love to participate. Sometimes they're simply too far off the usual routes. A little neighbourhood planning can make a difference.

And then there were the stairs. I was the mum carrying my child up and down them, sometimes with a costume, a bag and everything else. By the end of the evening I was exhausted, but it was worth it.

I also remember when accessibility wasn't nearly as much of a consideration. It's wonderful to see more Halloween activities being organized in accessible locations, so children with mobility challenges can join in too.

But can we talk about the commercial side of Halloween?

I love imagination, costumes, creativity and a good spooky evening. What I don't love is the mountains of disposable plastic, decorations, packaging and cheap costumes that end up in the landfill.

And those bloody severed hands, fake blood and gruesome displays in the drugstores? Dollar stores selling bottles of fake blood syrup? Please. Our poor kids!

We can have Halloween without turning everything into a disposable product. Make a costume, reuse one, borrow one, paint a face or create something from what you already have.

Then there's Día de Muertos.

I first took my child to Oaxaca City in 2012. Experiencing Día de Muertos there was something special. It wasn't simply another Halloween event. It was a cultural tradition centred on remembering and honouring loved ones who have died.

Families prepare ofrendas, decorate graves, bring flowers, food and photographs, and spend time remembering those who are no longer here.

Over the years, Día de Muertos has become much more visible here in British Columbia, too. More Mexican people have made Canada their home, and they've brought traditions, food, music, art and culture with them.

I think that's something worth celebrating, provided we remember where the traditions come from and respect their meaning.

My sister tells me there's a celebration in White Rock where people can visit the cemetery. Tomorrow I'm heading to Granville Island to see what's happening there.

I'd love to see more people learning about both celebrations, not just dressing up or taking photographs, but understanding the stories and traditions behind them.

Halloween can be about children, imagination, community and fun.

Día de Muertos can be about family, memory, culture and keeping connections alive.

And both remind us that community matters.

A few questions for everyone:

• Do you still decorate your home for Halloween?
• Do you make your own costumes or buy them?
• Are you seeing more Día de Muertos celebrations in your community?
• Have you ever experienced Día de Muertos in Mexico?
• What can we do to make Halloween more accessible and less wasteful?

And if you're handing out treats tonight, remember the little ones who might not be able to climb your front steps. A little consideration goes a long way.

Have a safe Halloween, and a meaningful Día de Muertos.

¡Feliz Día de Muertos!