Colman Noctor: Parents feel pressure to keep up with other parents on social media

I found it difficult to shake off my parental guilt about throwing together the outfit that paled in comparison to the other children’s costumes

"I felt inadequate as I ushered my little 'Harry Potter' into his classroom." Picture: iStock 

This is my favourite time of year. I like the cooling weather, the autumnal colours, and it’s when I celebrate my birthday. But one aspect of the autumn I have little or no interest in is Halloween. Even as a child it never really appealed to me.

It’s not because I am a buzzkill when it comes to such things. I am a big Christmas fan and would have my tree and lights up already if Halloween wasn’t in the way.