Stores are selling Halloween stuff in August. Time has lost all meaning | Dave Schilling

Stores are putting out Halloween merchandise in August, a month when summer heatwaves are at their peak. Capitalism and the climate crisis are colluding to obscure the concept of seasons. The writer, Dave Schilling, can't bear the thought of Halloween decorations being sold during what should be the summer months. He recalls a recent visit to a store where Halloween costumes, life-sized skeletons, and treats are on display.

There are also greeting cards on offer, which he finds particularly absurd, given the nature of the occasion. Schilling's friend bought a miniature cauldron for potential use, but the limited practicality of the item highlights the frivolity of the situation. As the climate crisis blurs the lines between seasons, Schilling wonders if Halloween celebrations will eventually bleed into other holidays. He finds the idea of such a blurring to be disturbing and writes about it with exasperation.