What are students up to? Ways you can add more joy throughout this yearly holiday
As the weather starts to cool and the days grow shorter, students find themselves in the thick of mid-term and exam season. Finals are just a month away, soon followed by Christmas, New Years, and other end of the year festivities. Amidst the growing chaos of the semester’s final stretch, Halloween offers Mt. A students a much needed moment of respite.
The Argosy surveyed around campus asking students if they planned on celebrating Halloween. 88 per cent of people who took the survey said: Yes! . Students were then prompted to share how they plan on celebrating the holiday. Responses ranged from the expected: dressing-up, hanging out with friends, throwing or looking for celebrations to attend. A handful of students also mentioned they plan on giving out candy to trick or treaters before engaging in their own festivities. It seems the end of the year holiday spirit arrives a little early on the Mt. A Campus!
The Argosy also got some unique and unexpected responses! Mostly notably, students highlighted plans to dress up for class! Another said they look forward to Tarot readings, a form of card divination which can be used both as a form of entertainment and for spiritual-religious purposes. Another mentioned going to a Swing Dance celebration! Needless to say, Mt. A students are finding ways to liven up during this busy, and often challenging time of year.
It is no wonder celebrating holidays is an easy way to bring a bit of whimsy to daily-life, and fall is arguably, the most magical season of them all. Routine can often become suffocating as assignments pile up and dead-lines draw near. After all, creating your own seasonal ritual gives you something you look forward to and bask in the autumnal magic.
Mt. A students’ number one Fall-tradition was, by a staggering margin: Watching movies/series. Students named classics, ranging from directors like Tim Burton and The Nightmare Before Christmas, to more indie-adjacent Laika movies such as Coraline and Paranorman. Then, we of course have the classic slasher movies, Scream, Friday the 13th, etc. In search of good company for you next Halloween movie night? The Mt. A screen and drama studies societies yearly screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show in the Purdy Crawford Centre of the Arts, Oct. 24 at 9:30 p.m. For those interested in a cozy, yet still spooky watch, students showed a soft spot for the 2014 animated series Over the Garden Wall.
The second most celebrated tradition was: baking! Many students mentioned picking apples and pumpkins. However they were narrowly outnumbered by the number of people who said they enjoy making themselves a sweet treat or a cozy bowl of soup. An honourable mention goes to everyone who is also embracing warm drinks, such as hot-chocolate, sometimes with a splash of Baileys.
Tied for third place, but no less exciting, we have pumpkin carving and partying! From the responses, it was clear, people love using Halloween as a time to get cozy and connect with friends. Whether it be eating candy, watching movies, dressing up, or dancing the night away! For many Mt. A students, this time of year offers a much needed break, a moment of respite and recharge with their fellow students.
With Halloween just around the corner, exams not far behind, There is still a chance for folks to start their own halloween or fall traditions if they have not already. For those who already have a treasured tradition, invite your friends to share the moment with you. Take a well deserved break, rest, and make valuable memories with your fellow students. Halloween is the perfect excuse to find a way to sneak more playfulness and joy in your life. Happy Halloween!