'Anything is normal on Halloween...'

Anything is normal on Halloween. So I'm told. Which presumably begins to explain this particular picture, which I saw in Brampton last week on my travels through the suburbs. And I shouldnt be surprised to see people walking to work in costumes or wigs on Monday. Apparently.

Halloween was a strange event that happened as kids for a little while. 'Trick or treat, smell my feet or give me something nice to eat...' and similar childish nonsense. Where has it been for the last 20 years? No idea, but, since no one is safe walking the streets of Handsworth (literally, if current press is to be believed) or near the Harborne Stores, it has in the main passed me by. Except last year, oddly enough, when on an audit of an American company which insisted its finance department dressed up for the event, I was sat in a room with an audit partner in Dracula cloak, and an FD wearing a witches hat and false nose. Is it any surprise those financial statements were filed late with a couple of screaming errors? (unfortunate use of the word screaming, but I'll leave it!)

So - it transpires that Canadians 'do' Halloween, and that 'anything is normal'. Precisely what this means I am not sure. But i have on my computer an invite "to consume copious amounts of liquids and blood, while enjoying the fine company of others and discussing non-work related activities." Should i be scared? Amongst the entertainment will be "Most revealing costume contest/Gambling/Socializing/Snacks/Finger foods/Drinking". And as for the dress code? Well my Canadian advisor has told me to come dressed as a 'Canadian'. No, I'm not sure i would immediately recognise the difference either. But I am sure it will involve all or some of: Canadian flag, tuque, ice skates, lumberjack shirt, ice hockey stick... but nothing revealing. Apparently thats just for the ladies. Which is fine by me!

Anything is normal on halloween... that is still scaring me just thinking about it. But dont expect to hear much about it. I could be in a state of shock. And even if I am not, I am sworn to secrecy. 'What happens at halloween, stays at halloween'..

Bonfire night next week. Maybe I can start a cultural exchange!