Halloween

    A few months after I moved to the United States, I learned about Halloween. I grew up in Korea for almost twenty years, and I didn't have any experience like American Halloween. A few months after I got to Chicago, in the middle of October, I went for a run in the afternoon. I saw something that was attractive to my eyes. I saw a skeleton frame decorated in front of a house, and there were pumpkins too. I was really curious why all my neighbors were putting things in front of their place. One day, I asked my friend why people were dressed in scary costumes. She explained to me about the American Halloween culture. It comes once a year, and most American kids walk around their neighborhood with a small basket and say "Trick or treat" when they knock on the door. In addition, many people dress up in costumes. After I learned about it, I realized that this holiday was an interesting and special part of American culture.

    Many young people dress like specific cartoon characters or superhero's during the day. At night, they walk with their parents in their neighborhood and knock on every door and say trick or treat and collect candy or chocolate. Homeowners open the door when kids approach and give them treats politely. This event is part of custom trend in American history, which continues as a way of treating each other with kindness. During the night, my neighbor's kids knocked on my door and said to trick or treat, but I didn't understand what the meaning of the words was, so I didn't give them anything. It was my first and last embrassing moment since I came to the United States. After that happened, I started preparing candy and chocolate for Halloween every year.

    In addition, many Americans were costumes every Halloween. Some were police or special gent uniforms, and some put on character makeup on their faces. I never enjoyed the holiday party until one of my friends invited me to her house for Halloween. In 2013, I went to her place, but I didn't predict it would be crowded. The guests all dressed like famous characters and enjoyed the party. my friend's husband DJed and everyone was dancing. However, I didn't were a costume or put makeup on my face. Most people there looked at me wondering why I wasn't dressed up. I asked my friend to borrow her cosmetics to put something on my face to pretend I did something. It was a lesson that I have experienced of American Halloween culture. After putting on some makeup, I felt like I could mingle better with the crowd.

    Aa a result, I never thought that I would enjoy American Halloween culture as I do today. However, since I settled in the United States, I have enjoyed this fun holiday. In fact, most American enjoying the Halloween and shows their talent. If I look back at my first embrassing moment on the street and the fun party at my friend's house, I realize that Halloween is not just a simple holiday. It is a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors, share joy, and understand part of American culture.