Often we are in Chicago around Halloween and if we are, I love  to meander  the Gold Coast, the high rent district just north of Mag Mile. There, the folks in the elegant and sedate area chock-o-block of wow-worthy mansions go all out to get into the spooky spirit. I’ve captured a few from this year’s foray into the neighborhood.

But before you scroll down to see some creepy scenes of the hauntingly good time, you might ask yourself what makes people go so nutty over the holiday, where people spend almost as much as they do at Christmas.    I wondered and did a little research.  This is what I learned.

…..It’s not like other holidays where one worships  god or thinks about history.  It’s really about enjoying naughtiness.

…..It’s pure and simple fun. You get to  watch scary movies.  Throw rubber body parts around the yard. Demand candy.  Dress like a monster or Donald Trump or Pokemon.

…..It’s the one time of year you can act really goofy and get away with it. It’s expected, actually.

…..Whether you are two or 92, you can pretend to be someone else.  In fact, adults are elbowing children out as they make this holiday a “really big deal.”  It is a time to reclaim a portion of your childhood.

Whatever the reason, this is the time to get into the Halloween Spirit like the folks in this Chicago neighborhood.