Halloween: All are welcome, including little old Russian ladies and extraterrestrial superbeings. And yes, even Jews.

You know what just occurred to me? No one ever attached a good behavior clause to Halloween. I know Christmas is the undisputed high point of the year for every child in Christendom, but there was always that one little string attached. And then when you're old enough, of course, they replace the positive reinforcement of piles of presents with the negative reinforcement of eternal fiery damnation.

Which is a can full of cynical worms I'm going to leave shut for now because it has nothing to do with Halloween, a holiday for children and heathens and heathen children. And that's the point: It's the only holiday where everyone is welcome and the only people who do not take part are those who don't like to have a little darkness with their fun.

Today is the day when every child, regardless of the religion or nationality they had nothing to do with choosing, is entitled to piles of sweets in a transaction for which they set the terms. Kids turn the tables on our adult world (the one in which threats and rewards determine everything right down to the fates of our very souls) by going door to door demanding candy.... or else! And woe be to those who shut their door and turn out the lights, unless they're like us and live in an apartment complex almost devoid of children, in which case please carry on as usual.

Now, for your amusement, Halloweens of Mickey past:

Mommom holding Mickey the Rabbit, 1979. That's Joe with his arm around my brother. You never knew when Poppop was going to dress up like Joe and take his place on the porch, just in time to scare the crap out of whichever grandchild happened upon him first. I'm still a little scared of Joe as a result. I believe he now resides on my parents' front porch.

Mickey the babushka lady. My parents have a sense of humor, apparently. I guess my brother is a tree.

One of my favorite pictures, ever. Pajamas + liberal application of aluminum foil + the Incredible Hulk as a trick or treating companion = classic Halloween.

Did my parents repaint the garage door every year (it's blue in this one)? The Man of Steel makes his first appearance. The witch is our next door neighbor, because even Jews get to enjoy Halloween, see! (By that I mean our neighbors were Jewish, not that Jews are witches.)

SIDE NOTE: Tomorrow is the first day of National Blog Posting Month. Join me in posting every day for 30 straight! We'll make the internet explode! It'll be fun!