Halloween is a great time for people of all ages! What is there not to like? Candy, decorations, dressing up, and having a fun time is what it is all about!

Have you ever considered how Halloween was started? It goes way back to the early years of A.D. The Celts, who lived in Ireland, believed that when it was getting cold and gloomy around late October, it was the Earth letting out The Lords of Death. To hide from them and scare them away, the Celts would dress in scary costumes and disguise themselves. They would hang scary decorations.

In early Christian times, it was declared that All Saints’ Day would be held on November 1. On October 31, the day before, Christians would go to every door in their neighborhood and ask for treats to give to the poor.

The Irish also contributed to "trick or treating." They would go around the neighborhood and ask for different ingredients to make a big supper for an All Hallows Day feast. Sound familiar?

To get into the Halloween spirit locally, here are a few suggestions:

Come along to the Stanford Shopping Center on Oct. 28 to the performance “It’s Just Like Halloween!” Just make a $5 contribution to the Simon Youth Foundation and you are in. Don’t forget to wear your costume.

Also go to Stanford Shopping Center on Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. for trick or treating.

On Oct. 28, is the annual Halloween Carnival at Burgess Park, Menlo Park. Come for fun and games, and trick or treating your way through Menlo Park at participating stores. You are sure to have a spooktacular time.

For those looking for a unique Halloween scare you can take a walk in the dark! The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is offering evening flashlight tours through Oct. 31.

All I have left to say is have a fun and safe Halloween.

Visit these Web sites for more information:

Stanford Shopping Center: Web Link

City of Menlo Park: Web Link

Winchester Mystery House: Web Link