Halloween! There’s no way around it. To me, the month of October means all things Halloween: the scary decorations, creative costumes, haunted houses, and trick-or-treating. What else am I going to say? “Whenever I think of October, I think of Columbus Day.”? I don’t think so. Besides, October 14th is also Indigenous Peoples’ Day (added to the calendar in 2021). Take that Christopher! Or maybe I should be concentrating on wishing everyone a very happy Global Handwashing Day on October 15th. (What, just one day for handwashing?) Again, I don’t think so.

I will, however, acknowledge that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My lovely wife and I are anticipating 5 years cancer-free this coming January. For her. That’s not a joke – just a clarification. Men can get breast cancer, too. The missus’ former high school classmate (and class president) Pete, recently passed away from the disease. Sorry for the sobering slight detour. Now back to all things Halloween.

Let’s start by putting the whole candy corn controversy to rest. Brach’s Candy Corn is awesome! For some reason, throughout the ages there have been people out there who are adamant in their stance against the uniquely made sweet treat. What’s not to love about candy corn’s wonderful tri-colored pyramid-shape and its one-of-a-kind texture? I think one would have to be somewhat of a sweet confection bigot to be anti-candy corn. And I’d certainly hate to think anyone out there would be pro-prejudice.

For those still on the fence regarding the seasonal, sensational sweet treat, I would suggest adding a few peanuts into the mix to put you over the edge. A two peanut to one candy corn ratio is optimal. The concoction tastes exactly like a Pearson’s Salted Nut Roll candy bar. Who doesn’t enjoy a sweet and salty sensation in their mouth? So, are you convinced yet? If not, now you’re just trying to be difficult, and there’s really nothing left to say on the subject. Except as the Good Book says, there is “a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time for candy corn.” At least I think that’s what it says in Ecclesiastes. Regardless, as for me and my house, we will be celebrating National Candy Corn Day on October 30th.

Halloween isn’t just about candy corn. It’s also about Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers, Twix, Kit Kat, Butterfinger, Milky Way, Baby Ruth, and even Skittles if you’re so inclined. And most-definitely it’s about Almond Joy! Nothing says October like an Almond Joy. You know the jingle, “Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t. Almond Joy’s got nuts, Mounds don’t…”. Call me crazy, but I always feel like a nut. On second thought, maybe don’t call me crazy because that would be downright insensitive and politically incorrect.

What is crazy though, during the month of October, is all the pumpkin spice nonsense. I know, I know. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte is to die for – at least that’s what I’ve been told. But do we really need pumpkin spice croissants, English muffins, granola bars, oatmeal, pretzels, and popcorn? And what about pumpkin spice breakfast cereals? There’s Pumpkin Spice Frosted Flakes, Pumpkin Spice Special K, and Pumpkin Spice Life cereal, just to name a few. I am somewhat of a cereal connoisseur, and let me tell you Pumpkin Spice Cheerios just ain’t happening. Enough already!

Now pumpkin spice certainly has its place in this world. I’m all in on pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars, Four Peaks Double Pumpkin Porter, and of course pumpkin pie. But that last one may just be reserved for next month. So, this is what October means to me. What does October mean to you?