Some say Halloween is a tradition, one they remember fondly, and want their children to remember, as well. They say it stimulates children's imaginations, gives them a sense of belonging to a community, and most of all, well, it allows them to be kids. Others say Halloween not only endangers children, it celebrates horror and evil. What's more, they say, candy rots kids' teeth and makes them hyper as Tasmanian devils. And monster masks tend to frighten pets, especially your more highly-strung breeds of dogs.
Children are much clearer than adults are on the issue.
When I was growing up in the rural South of the 1950s, I looked forward all year long to Halloween. Costumes came from the rag bag, usually, but it didn't seem to matter. Imagination isn't limited by how you look, only by how you feel. The school held a Halloween carnival where the whole town turned out to eat and play games and get scared in the haunted house. A dark porch meant stay away and we didn't argue.