Everyone is entitled to their own opinions; you don’t have to agree with mine.
Halloween is hands-down my favourite time of year. Cue the usual history lectures, complaints about how it’s been “commercialised” or how it’s an “American” import, and of course, the “angels and demons” talk. Got it? All done? Great—now hear Dad Man out!
Halloween is one of the few times in the year when everyone is invited to join in, no strings attached. Unlike other holidays, it doesn’t ask for specific beliefs, religious adherence, or even a shared cultural background. It’s simply a time when anyone, from any walk of life, can dress up, get into character, and enjoy the spirit of fun with neighbours, friends, and strangers alike.
Let’s look at some other celebrations:
- Christmas: Heavily commercialised, with roots in the Bible—based on believing a specific story.
- Easter: Also commercialised, also tied to biblical belief.
- New Year’s: Commercialised and celebrated differently around the world based on culture and calendar.
But Halloween? It’s a free-for-all in the best sense of the word. It’s a season when people of all ages walk the streets in costume, visit houses decked out for the holiday, and share in something special without needing any prerequisites. We’re not celebrating demons or darkness; we’re celebrating community. We’re celebrating smiles, laughter, and the sheer joy on kids’ faces as they see the lights, the decorations, and, of course, their buckets filling up with sweets.
For these reasons and more, Halloween holds a special place in our family. Each year, we dress up, decorate our home, and embrace the thrill of handing out lollies and treats. It’s our way of contributing to this open-hearted holiday that’s all about sharing joy. And for us, Halloween is also about making it accessible for everyone—especially those who might otherwise miss out.
This year, we took our Halloween efforts a step further. With my new 3D printing hobby, Halloween 2024 was more than just lollies and decorations. Alongside our usual tub of lollies, jellies, and spooky brownies, I wanted to do something special for those who may not be able to enjoy sweets or traditional treats. After all, Halloween should be just as exciting for kids with food allergies, dietary restrictions, or those who simply can’t have lollies.
This is where our 3D-printed Halloween creations came into play. I designed a range of Halloween-inspired articulated toys and bag tags, so every child could take home something unique to remember the night by. We printed everything from green zombie mummies and colourful crazy dolls (in two shades of blue and a pink-and-black variation) to Wendigos, Dracula, skeletons, and, of course, Pumpkin Boys. The kids absolutely loved them, and for us, it was a fantastic way to extend the spirit of inclusivity we cherish in Halloween.
Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces as they received these fun, little toys—especially those who couldn’t partake in the sweets—reminded me why Halloween is so special. It’s a holiday that doesn’t ask anything of us except a willingness to connect, laugh, and enjoy the moment. That’s why, every year, my family and I go all out, decorating our house, putting on costumes, and welcoming anyone who stops by.
Halloween isn’t about scaring people or celebrating darkness. For us, it’s about celebrating togetherness. It’s about the simple joy of being out in the community, seeing familiar faces and new ones alike, and making memories that last long beyond the candy wrappers.
So, if you stop by Dad Man Trading on Halloween, expect a little more than sweets. Expect a small taste of community, a sense of belonging, and maybe even a keepsake to carry with you—a reminder that Halloween is for everyone.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me, and for supporting Dad Man Trading. Happy Halloween, and may we all keep finding ways to spread joy, no matter the season!
