Hot take: Halloween should be a federal holiday

Kayden: Halloween is celebrated by most families within the U.S. and it’s seen as a relaxed and fun time for everyone to grow and bond. Families go trick-or-treating, decorate their houses, and even go around walking or driving in order to admire all of the decorations from other houses in the neighborhood. Halloween presents a perfect opportunity for communities to bond over fun activities, which is why it should be recognized as a federal holiday. Plus, everyone wants something to celebrate and look forward to. 

Zosia: Although Halloween is a fun day to get all dressed and dolled up, there is no need to recognize it nationwide. Those who want to celebrate by going trick or treating or partying have all the power to do so, but if Congress were to recognize the day as a federal holiday, it would draw away attention and significance from other important days like MLK Day or National Indigenous Peoples Day. The more federal holidays are approved, the less important they become. Not every day needs to be a holiday. 

Kayden: While I understand the concern about dimming the light on some holidays, having Halloween recognized as one won’t make people think that every day is a holiday. Every month there are holidays, like the Fourth of July, MLK Day in January, and many more. Halloween is already recognized nationwide by tons of people, while one of our federal holidays, Washington’s Birthday, isn’t celebrated or even known by most people. A holiday that isn’t exactly known about shouldn’t be federal.

Zosia: The central focus of federal holidays and recognized dates should be to raise awareness for certain causes or to acknowledge important figures within our nation’s history. Halloween is a day for juvenile fun, collecting candy, and doesn’t need federal recognition. This holiday is also not celebrated by major religious populations within the U.S. Giving it federal holiday status would isolate certain communities.

Kayden: Federal holidays are for important figures. However, holidays like Christmas also focus more on the joy and fun activities rather than the religious aspect. Halloween is a secular day that celebrates traditions and cultures from around the world. It stemmed from Pagan traditions and the Celtic Festival, Samhain. Since federal holidays seem to have a pattern of both religious and secular values, and Halloween has both, it should be a federal holiday. 

Do you have a Hot Take? Inspired by the hit short-form show SubwayTakes hosted by comedian Kareem Rahma, this column offers a space for some open dialogue about a topic you’re passionate about. Similarly to the show itself, if you are someone with a hot take, please message Zosia @ bowluk9777@oshkosh.k12.wi.us and see if you can get on the same page. 

The take must be original and should be something you’re eager to speak on.

Of course, the objective of this column is to be a fun space to voice a conviction. Although any topic is up for discussion, talking points shouldn’t incite violence, inspire hate speech, or instill fear. 

by Zosia Bowlus-Jasinski

Published November 3, 2025

Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue II