As schools stop throwing Halloween parties and parades and add rules about what costumes are permitted, it seems some of the holiday fun is being forgotten, Rabbi Shmuley says. He talks about celebrating the positive traditions of Halloween that bond families, schools and neighborhoods instead of being too politically correct.

People need to honor and support fun and innocent traditions, particularly those in which children are the focal point, Rabbi Shmuley says. He shares some of the positive aspects of Halloween.

• Halloween is a wonderful way for parents to get to know their neighbors. "For many families, ringing the bell to trick-or-treat may be the first time they've had a chance to meet the people next door," Rabbi Shmuley says. "We need more of this type of community celebrating and bonding."
• Trick-or-treating is a fun and harmless way for children to feel special and to experience generosity, Rabbi Shmuley says. A friend of his once said, "Through Halloween, children get to experience the kindness of strangers."
• Costumes can help children confront their fears. "Don't get too worked up about scary costumes and fake blood," Rabbi Shmuley says. "It's all good fun."

Today's Shmuleyism:
"America needs more, not less, traditions and holidays that revolve around kids. Halloween is a fun, harmless and neutral means by which you and your children can meet new neighbors and discover the kindness of strangers. So to all of you who object to Halloween on the grounds that's its demonic or gory, I say, 'Come knock on my door, have something sweet and lighten up.'"