I'm working on a theory that the stages of human development can be mapped directly to how we dress for Halloween. To wit:

Infancy -- Your parents dress you up for Halloween.

Childhood -- You dress up. Halloween rules! Can I be Batman?

Adolescence -- You are too cool to dress up.

Early adulthood -- Hey, dressing up is fun. Why did I stop?

Adulthood -- Who has the time? Maybe if a friend is throwing a party.

Parenthood -- The kids are dressing up. Why not me?

Old age -- Get off my lawn, you mischievous little brats!

Okay, it's not a perfect theory.