This week: Halloween

Yes, it’s that time again. And this year you can buy a Miley Cyrus-esque leotard and foam finger or dress as a Breaking Bad-style meth producer. Two supermarkets in the UK even had the “hilarious” idea of selling “mental patient” and “psycho ward” costumes, which were quickly withdrawn.

The commercialisation of All Hallows’ Eve is a world away from the days when small children would wrap themselves in rolls of bandages (OK, toilet paper) or become ghosts with the aid of a spare sheet with holes cut in it (or possibly without holes, if their mother pointed out that it wasn’t a “spare” sheet after all).

It may amaze Brits to know that Halloween is predicted to magic #163;300 million out of UK pockets this year. Fortunately, this time round it lands during half-term, meaning that teachers at least won’t have to put up with fake blood capsules dripping down school uniforms. On the other hand, you might have to answer the door to trick-or-treating teenagers - hopefully not wearing the dreaded Miley Cyrus costume.

For that spectre alone, it’s off to the naughty step with Halloween while we look forward to the much less commercialised Christmas instead.