The Story

America’s love of Halloween is reaching a scary new high.

Go big or gourd home, right?

That’s the spirit. Seventy-three percent of Americans will reportedly celebrate this year — whether that’s attending a “Barbieween” party (or two), taking kids trick-or-treating, or anything in between. That’s apparently up from previous years and partly explains why businesses are saying ‘fab-boo-lous.’ Another reason? People are expected to drop more money than ever on Halloween, with total spending projected to reach a record $12.2 billion (yup, that’s billion with a b).

*Gasp.* On what?

Well, all those fun-size — or full-size, if you’re fancy — treats, which, apologies for the scare, cost 7.5% more this year. (Thanks, inflation and extreme weather.) That even includes what might be one of the most divisive delicacies: candy corn. Plus, there’s the costumes. Spoiler, expect to see Mermaid Barbie, President Barbie, Weird Barbie, and just about every other Barbie. Not to mention, lots of Ken-ergy. Though, thanks to moves made off the field, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have lots of couples calling a costume audible. Last but definitely not least? Look outside. Chances are, you have at least one neighbor creepin’ it way too real with a house that looks like Phil and Claire Dunphy’s — complete with disco pumpkins, Skelly, and Lewis, the newest Halloween icon on the block.