The earliest Halloween I can remember is when I was about five years old. I lived out in rural Kansas at the time, and went as Harry Potter. I was well into the books at the time, and rather enthused by them. I don’t remember much from it, but I do remember my parents taking me by the hand and escorting me as I went trick-or-treating that evening.

This was my earliest memory of Halloween, but it was not my last. For me, fall was always enveloped in the walk to school in elementary school. I took it for granted, but I have lived within half a mile of Bacon Elementary since kindergarten, and every day I would walk to and from school. Since then I have taken a bus or car to school, living farther away from my middle school alma mater and Fossil Ridge High School, but every time I walk down that path I reminisce about those days when I would stroll down the sidewalks, down those familiar roads. My favorite time of year was always (and remains to this day) autumn. I would walk over the fallen leaves and take in the crimson maples and the decorations that were starting to be placed outside for Halloween. I did not appreciate it as much then, but I hold these memories dear.

The culmination of the season was always Halloween. I eagerly waited and prepared over the course of the month of October for the 31st, when I would celebrate with parties and parades at school, only to come home and trick-or-treat. I carefully thought out a clever costume- Sweeney Todd, or Dr. Acula (get it?) or a World War One Flying Ace- and listened to a perfectly curated playlist of all of the best Halloween music.

Unfortunately, as all of those past the prime of childhood know, this magic does not last forever. High schoolers find more delight in festooning trees with toilet paper than the door to door solicitation for candy that is usually left to younger children. Adults simply smile and dump sweets into the pillow cases held in front of them. Time flies and childhood fades, taking with it the ephemeral childhood joys of October with it.

I, however, have not resigned to the fatigued duty of manning the candy bowl. While friends and peers cease the practice of walking around the neighborhood on All Hallow’s Eve, I still don a costume and join the hordes that take to the street. And as the night falls over those seeking tricks and treats, I walk those roads that I have walked year after year and keep within myself the memories that I have of those simpler times. I rebel against the societal pressure to forfeit the livelihood of childhood and, while still moving forward, can maintain the joys I experienced at a younger age.

Trick-or-treating is an escape from the expectations and stresses that build on one’s shoulders with age. It allows one to adopt a costume and become one with the rest of the masses walking the streets with a unified goal. When the night ends, one returns to regular, real life. But until then, ghouls lurk in the streets and vampires hide behind every corner.

My brother is at the age which was a simple and happy time in my life. He is experiencing all the things that brought me great excitement, and as his big brother I have the honor of watching him go through it. This year he hopes to dress as the Headless Horseman, and has asked me how to achieve such an effect. I can look forward to walking through all the excitements I enjoy about this season with him by my side.