I do observe Halloween, much in the same fashion many other Americans likely do — with costumes and sweets and merriment.

I choose to celebrate because Halloween, as I see it, has been far removed from its religious roots. It is now a cultural holiday; something to celebrate with friends and an excuse to acknowledge a part of life that is often overlooked the rest of the year: Fear. Fear brings us awareness of mortality and can root us in the present. 

Halloween is also a wonderful time for me to enjoy the sillier aspects of life and watch my friends do the same.